SharePoint 2010 has been released with a roar and the world is buzzing about the features it brings to the table.
Beyond providing a best in class collaboration platform, its core capabilities of document management, content management, and records management have been greatly enhanced. In fact, some of the most common questions I get while involved in a SharePoint consulting engagement revolve around SharePoint content management and SharePoint collaboration. It is important to note that collaboration extends past the value of a centralized SharePoint portal and into areas such as SharePoint project management options.
Like any system, strong SharePoint governance must be in effect in order to properly leverage the SharePoint ECM (Enterprise Content Management) feature set. This includes, and is not limited to SharePoint best practices, such as ensuring that any SharePoint site collection has the proper permissions to only allow users the level of access required for their role.
Separate of core content management, SharePoint has matured into a robust ERM (Electronic Records Management) system which puts proprietary vendor offerings such as FileNet, Documentum, and Hyland OnBase on notice. A key aspect of collaboration alluded to earlier was SharePoint PPM. PPM (Project Portfolio Management) is maximized by the integration of Project Server 2010 within the SharePoint platform.
If these features don’t have you thinking SharePoint upgrade, consider the new Office Web Applications which allow you to create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote documents online without the need for local programs. Google Docs beware, as these Office Web Applications provide the core functionality an enterprise needs to operate anywhere.
SharePoint capture/SharePoint imaging storage is easily managed by robust document libraries, and any piece of content can be exposed to a number of workflow options which meet BPM (Business Process Management) requirements. Workflows can be implemented out of the box, by using Visio/SharePoint Designer, or programmatically with Visual Studio.
Given the range of capabilities, SharePoint 2010 really offers something for everyone. The only question is… how will you use it?
