Improve Your Workflow with SharePoint Server 2007

What is a workflow?
A workflow can be roughly defined as a schedule of tasks which make up our daily working routine. These can be everything from administrative tasks to conversing with clients. In order to work as efficiently as possible, systems can be put in place to automate a lot of the processes that take up time in our daily working routine.

With the advent of the computer, we were sold the vision of never having to lift a finger again as machines catered to our every whim. This vision, sadly, never fully materialised. Although computers don’t carry out all of our daily work, they have had an undeniable effect on the modern workplace and have simplified many of the working processes which previously took up so much time and effort. One could, for example, look at the impact of spreadsheets in saving the effort of manually calculating figures.

SharePoint Server 2007
As technology has advanced, so too have the innovations which help us in our everyday lives. Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 is the latest of these innovations, helping workers to collaborate effectively on tasks and projects. SharePoint includes a component called ‘workflow foundation’ which provides the backbone for all of its applications. This appears in 3 forms:

1. Readymade workflows built in to the product (suitable for those with limited computer literacy).
2. Workflows which can be customised using SharePoint designer – similar to Microsoft FrontPage (suitable for the moderately computer-literate).
3. Workflows including custom applications which can be programmed using visual studio and the .NET framework. (suitable for advanced users)

The great thing about these three options is that they cater to every level of computer competency, beginners, intermediate and advanced. These options offer organisations the opportunity to tailor workflows around the specific requirements of workers and to adapt to the ever changing needs of the modern workplace.

For those looking to implement SharePoint, there are 2 options. The system requires a dedicated server, which can either be housed within the organisation itself, or outsourced to a SharePoint Server hosting provider. The cost of Server equipment and the associated maintenance means that for many businesses, hosting a SharePoint server themselves is simply not a viable option. Using a SharePoint hosting provider is cost effective and takes away the additional responsibility of maintenance, which usually requires employing a full-time member of staff.

All this and other additional useful information can all e learned upon buying our newest tutorial – Sharepoint Designer 2007 Basic. Just log in to www.itfactory.co.nz and enjoy our special holiday discounts!