Although SharePoint will not solve all of a firm’s problems because it is only a resource, the content management system has enough features that can provide increased business value over the previous method. On the other hand, many established vendors have additional features that Microsoft must compete with.

On that note, is primarily used for file sharing and the distribution of information across many departments. Due to its popularity, the system has grown and become extremely critical for many groups within an organization. In its simplest form, SharePoint is a transparent records management system that archives data from today, last week or a year ago. Many other content management systems offer the same task with plenty of other features.

However, where SharePoint shines is that the system is an excellent starting point for any initiative. Although it can be replaced by a more feature rich system, the platform answers the true needs of its users. For instance, there are several advantages to the system including:

• Records management
• Process automation
• Invoice processing

In many organizations records management is a priority. Therefore, Microsoft SharePoint was designed to enhance the existing architecture of any system without the user being aware of the change. Users can create, delete, edit and perform many tasks common to records management.

Also, when developing the system, Microsoft determined that many processes needed to be automated. Therefore, a simple analysis determined that 87 percent of processes can be implemented into SharePoint with minimal effort. The remaining processes only impact a small amount of the work force.

At any organization, there are thousands of invoices processed every year. Therefore, procurement departments can easily manage all of them within the SharePoint environment. Therefore, the system can managed these documents regardless of size, file type and fax type. As a result, organizations do not need to purchase a separate software license for a program to manage the files and integrate them into SharePoint.

Microsoft SharePoint has been an extremely successful content management system that has been implemented into many major organizations across the globe. Although it may not have many of the other features found in its competitors, the system relies on simplicity for the average user.

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Novice Webmasters and Initial Online Endeavors

As mentioned, Windows has established a reputable brand in the home computer market, and is perhaps the most familiar name when it comes to operating systems. Thus, many novice Webmasters choose Windows web hosting over Linux because of its familiarity and renowned reputation, rather than its features or cost. There are two types of aspiring online business owners  – those on a budget that attempt to save as much as possible while building their first websites to mitigate risk, and those that would like to maximize their chances of success and will spare no cost to do so. Individuals within the latter group are usually the ones that will opt for Windows web hosting for their initial online endeavors.

The Need for Windows-Based Applications

Other than novice webmasters, some business owners have a legitimate reason to use Windows web hosting – Windows-based applications. Online businesses that utilize Windows applications like SharePoint and Microsoft Server need a web server with the Windows operating system installed in order to function. Alternatively, it is possible to purchase a Linux web hosting plan and install virtualization software in order to host a third-party operating system like Windows within the Linux operating system. However, most people are not aware of this solution and instead opt to purchase a Windows web hosting plan for their Windows-based business applications.

Windows Performance and Familiarity

The Windows operating system user interface also contributes greatly towards the rising popularity of Windows web hosting during the past few of years. Windows is known for reliable performance, and Microsoft provides continual automatic updates to web hosting providers and computer users. Thus, while it may take longer to repair certain bugs within the operating system, fixes are guaranteed to arrive, and Windows is considered to be much safer than other open-source operating systems like Linux. Even so, Linux is also reliable and safe operating system, and is a cheap alternative to Windows that is suitable for individuals on a budget, or that do not have a need for Windows-based web applications. Although Windows hosting is more expensive than Linux, the margin is not that large, with Windows hosting plans usually only costing $20-$50 more than their Linux counterpart.

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What is SharePoint?

Microsoft SharePoint is an enterprise-level information portal designed to run on internet, intranet and extranet sites.  The current version of the software, SharePoint Server 2007, simplifies the process of communicating with contacts, members of your team and key personnel.  The team can stay up to date with special alerts that give notification on the addition of new documents, while users can communicate through mediums that range from audio and video to email and instant messaging.  With SharePoint hosting, you get the backing of a professional hosting provider with the knowledge and infrastructure to effectively maintain all the technical aspects.

SharePoint Features

The SharePoint server offers a variety of features that cater to your community of users.  It includes discussion forums where team members can exchange ideas and also allows you to target certain audiences so members can receive messages specifically pertaining to them.  Additionally, the software is integrated with several lists that can be used for sharing contacts, tasks and announcements.  SharePoint lets you create lists for virtually whatever data you need to share.  You can also create document and photo galleries specific to your projects, each of which can be quickly and easily searched by your team members.

Integration and Enhancements

SharePoint makes it easy to create new sites and perform all the necessary administrative tasks.  You can set permissions that allow team members to modify certain areas of the site to suit their own preference all without affecting the information available to other users.  The best thing about SharePoint hosting is that it integrates seamlessly with various applications in the Microsoft Office suite.  For example, address books and calenders can be directly imported from Outlook while news sites can be designed and edited with the FrontPage client.  Teams familiar with the Office environment will have an easy time with SharePoint.  The server can be accessed any time from any internet connection, allowing users from around the globe to share information and stay current with the network.

SharePoint hosting offers benefits to small companies, large corporations and non-business organizations looking for more effective ways to keep members informed.   With the right service, you get a solution that can be easily scaled to meet your growing needs.  The system is extendable and can be enhanced through modules that allow you to implement new features into existing sites.  Known as Web Parts, these modules can be used to manage different aspects of your data or enhance the look and feel of your sites.  You also have the option to choose from the nice selection of templates provided by Microsoft.  Regardless of the size of your business, SharePoint can streamline the process to simplify critical tasks and maximize efficiency.

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