Time-tested guidelines to answer the question, "Should I build or buy my software application?"
Read More

Microsoft SharePoint: When to Consider It

Microsoft SharePoint has evolved into a powerful content management and collaboration system. The new 2010 version has now added near-universal browser compatibility and web 2.0 features.  So, when should one consider using SharePoint? Here's when the platform is very appropriate:

• Team Collaboration Sites: SharePoint provides powerful out-of-box team websites where simple lists, documents, contacts, and events can be shared across users. This capability is available in the premium versions, as well as in the free SharePoint Foundation offering.
   
• Well-Supported Internal Data Integration and Analysis:  The 2010 premium versions include tools that integrate and report on information spread out across multiple sources.  Microsoft's Business Connectivity Services and the Business Intelligence Center provide much of this capability. These types of SharePoint projects require a strong technical team to maintain.
   
• Well-Funded Media-Rich Public Web Sites: SharePoint 2010 is now being used to build public websites. Its community-building tools and visual configuration also makes it easier to use than its predecessors.  SharePoint isn't cheap. Public website licenses and related costs are in the tens of thousand dollars.

So, when are other platforms better options than SharePoint?

• Complex Database Applications: When building systems that involve large amounts of data or complex relationships, using a platform built for these, such as LeapSeed, is crucial.
   
• Applications With Lots of Users: If an organization's software licensing budget is limited, using a platform with low per-user costs can be desirable; LeapSeed, for instance, doesn't have a per-user licensing cost. This can be beneficial when a system might service hundreds if not thousands of users.
   
• Applications That Can be Resold: If an organization is looking to resell or license out the application they are building, keeping the new application independent of expensive licensing can boost its resale value.