Microsoft SharePoint is extremely valuable for small businesses as it allows them to solve specific business problems and yet have measurable results. When it comes to developing an inexpensive intranet site, SharePoint delivers effectively with a functional, aesthetic and structured approach. There are five areas of SharePoint that are used commonly by small businesses.

Information Distribution – All common documents that employees need access to can be posted on the intranet with ease. This can range from Human Resources documents to Client and Operations files. This enables a centralized store of information that employees can access at anytime.

Document Management – Without spending vast amounts of money on an expensive document management system, SharePoint allows you to implement Version Controls, Security, Collaboration and approvals for documents easily and effectively.

Project Management – This component is essentially designed for the Small Business as it does not have the capability to handle anything larger. However, it does what it is supposed to do very well. From generating Gant charts to collaborative virtual workspaces, SharePoint does the job well.

Collaboration – Perhaps its best known feature, SharePoint enables users to share their thoughts freely and easily. Their thoughts on concluded or upcoming meetings, events, projects, direction, etc can be voiced for everyone to see. In turn, everyone can reply or react to those thoughts, which can bring about positive development.

SharePoint can also be easily extended to clients, enabling them to monitor the progress of a project or even share their thoughts with the teams involved. As the application allows policies to be implemented, security and compliancy issues can be addressed very effectively.