Datasheet

SharePoint’s Role in Your Company
Although understanding the technologies that enable SharePoint and
SharePoint’s features is important, I believe that understanding how SharePoint
fits into your existing information systems environment is even more valuable
than understanding all the SharePoint features. Just because SharePoint can
be used for a certain purpose, doesn’t mean that your organization will find it
useful. I believe that understanding SharePoint’s role in your organization is
key to making the business case for implementing SharePoint.
An information systems environment is the mix of software, hardware, and
manual processes within a company. In some cases, deciding to use SharePoint
is easy because SharePoint solves an obvious problem. For example, you can
use SharePoint to automate business processes by using electronic forms.
However, I find that most companies intuitively think they need SharePoint
but can’t quite figure out the arguments for why.
All the information found in an organization’s information systems environment
are the company’s information assets. Typically, we think of assets as tangible
items of value, such as equipment and land. Information (such as how well the
company is performing and who the company’s top five competitors are) may
be intangible, but I think most people agree they’re of value to the business.
Most organizations have many disparate repositories for storing their infor-
mation assets. Some repositories are easier to manage than others. Listed
here are some information assets and where they’re commonly stored:
 General business transactions are stored in custom and off-the-shelf,
line-of-business applications.
 Department-specific transactions are stored in departmental software
applications and tools.
 Documents, spreadsheets, and images are stored in a user’s My
Documents folder and network shares.
 Directions, instructions, and reference materials are stored in three-
ring binders.
 Cheat sheets and calendars are stored on cork boards.
 Archived files are stored on CDs and storage boxes.
 Protected documents are stored as PDF files.
 Links to resources on the Web are stored in a user’s Favorites folder.
 Posts from syndicated blogs and Web sites are stored in feed readers.
 Musings on life, love, and what’s for lunch are stored in blogs.
 Ideas and actionable items from meetings and brainstorming sessions
are stored on notepads, sticky notes, and easel paper.
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Chapter 1: Getting to Know SharePoint
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