SharePoint is a Microsoft tool suite which enables people to collaborate effectively across their organsations through content and document management, workflow and search.

Waterstons are one of the first Microsoft Gold Partners to gain the Search specialisation and have expertise in customising and delivering Search solutions.  We also hold the “Information Worker” and “Portals and Collaboration” accreditations.

• A single point of entry for all information across sites, divisions and departments leads to a highly collaborative working environment.
• Version control ensures the latest versions of documents are always visible, reducing confusion, errors and time in locating the correct document.
• Manual processes can be implemented electronically, providing process visibility, increased automation and ultimately reducing the time to complete procedures and the potential for mistakes.
• The intelligent use of “meta-data” can remove the need to store document details separately, for example in a list or spreadsheet, providing a much more robust and easily maintainable solution.

Our Approach

As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Waterstons have considerable experience in implementing and customising SharePoint products for a range of industries.

Offering the broad range and depth of experience and knowledge that is required to deploy a successful SharePoint project, we can also work in collaboration with your organisation, providing expertise and input. 

Requirements Gathering and Analysis
It is essential to define and agree requirements before development commences.  This process can take the form of user interviews or workshops, and is lead by Waterstons’ Business Analysts who have significant experience in defining SharePoint requirements.  It can be very beneficial to identify one or more “Champions”, who will be heavily involved in the project and keen to promote the benefits to others in the organisation. 

Design and Planning
The outcome from the requirements gathering exercise is used to plan and design the SharePoint portal and applications.  The design must be agreed to a fine level of detail to ensure that the solution can be delivered, best SharePoint development practice is used and all key stakeholders understand and agree on the deliverables.  Some key areas to consider are:
• Portal Structure
• Security and Access
• Workflow Requirements
• Document Library Requirements
• Search Requirements

Installation and Deployment
The complete installation process can be handled, from purchasing servers, carrying out the pre-requisites and deploying SharePoint.  Alternatively, we can provide documentation and advice for carrying out the pre-requisite stages.  Waterstons have significant experience in SharePoint deployment.

Configuration and Customised Development
Waterstons has highly-trained, experienced and accredited developers.  In addition to carrying out standard SharePoint configuration, developers are experienced in the following areas:

• Implementing complex “look and feel” and branded schemes
• Development in SharePoint Designer, including customised workflow
• Development of wizards and administrative pages to simplify administration and usage
• Development in .NET, including workflow to automate complex business processes
• Creation of administrative tools to simplify and automate Active Directory administration

Architecture, Back-Up and Recovery
Waterstons have infrastructure specialists that can analyse requirements (for example number of users, storage and back-up) and recommend an optimal solution.  Virtualised solutions can be presented and provide additional benefits.  A number of back-up and recovery solutions can be considered, with the most appropriate depending (for example) on the size and criticality of the application.

Project Management
Waterstons employees high-quality, trained project managers to ensure that SharePoint projects are delivered on time and the project meets expectations.  End users and key stakeholders are involved throughout the project where applicable; this may take the form of interim demonstrations or feedback of milestones.

Training
User training is recommended as one of the project’s deliverables, and the “Train the Trainer” approach is generally recommended, where Waterstons train key personnel who can then pass on their knowledge.  We can also provide more technical training to empower organisations to take more ownership for a SharePoint project and go on to develop the portal further.

WHITE PAPER: THE APPLICATION OF SHAREPOINT TO COMMON BUSINESS PROBLEMS

Senior Consultant, Anna Ferguson examines how Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 can vastly improve an organisation's ability to manage and control documents, as unstructured data and documentation is becoming a fundamental issue.

Download the pdf white paper: The application of SharePoint to common business problems

CASE STUDY: STEWART MILNE GROUP

The implementation of SharePoint 2007 for one of the UK's leading housebuilders, Stewart Milne Group.  The solution allows internal and third party users to access latest documents and 'redline' drawings electronically.

Download the pdf case study: Portal project proves positive