Each time I’ve sat down to write about Microsoft SharePoint, I’ve experienced a sensation that is the polar opposite of writer’s block. Indeed, there is much to say about SharePoint. The current ‘deluxe’ edition, (Microsoft Office SharePoint Server aka MOSS), is a big, feature-rich solution, developed by a gigantic company that has bankrolled an aggressive marketing campaign. Additionally, there are many Microsoft partners and bloggers helping to spread the SharePoint gospel. There is also a proportionally large population of SharePoint detractors and companies that profess to offer solutions that rival those of MOSS.
Some time ago, after decades of experience with the Macintosh, and several years in supporting Unix systems, I found myself working for a Microsoft development partner. Thus, I can assure you that I have already received my life’s ration of SharePoint hype. I have also seen a fair amount of unwarranted criticism of SharePoint. Neither unbridled praise nor baseless criticism are helpful, if you, the content specialist, or your clients are considering SharePoint as a possible solution.
To add another layer of confusion, Microsoft is scheduled to release a new version, SharePoint 2010. this year. We’re already seeing a fresh wave of SharePoint hype, and SharePoint hate.
In this article
- What is SharePoint? (really, I’m going to try to answer that)
- What are some of the merits and drawbacks of SharePoint?
- How much does SharePoint cost? (I’ll give you the final answer right now: it’s complicated. However, I will try to provide some guidance on the factors that may impact SharePoint’s price tag for you.)
- What types of resources are available for to help ensure successful SharePoint implementations?
Read more: http://thecontentwrangler.com/
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I agree, that’s why we chose MediaRich for Sharepoint. After researching everything out there, this product is the ONLY truly integrated DAM. Now with StoragePoint partnership, they have fixed just about everything we were looking for in a DAM inside of SharePoint. Don’t spend $200k building your own, for a fraction of that cost, you can get a really scalable SharePoint DAM Solution: I have worked with and integrated many DAM’s before as a consultant, and, it seems everyone wants to turn SharePoint into the “all in one” solution. After reviewing all the side-car DAM’s (EMC, Artesia, Autonomy, Adam, etc etc.), and looking at everything available, there is only one choice- MediaRich. I just upgrade 4.0 for a client and they built in transcoding of video from any source video file as well RIGHT in SharePoint! The key is their engine which is a stunning workhorse. If you want it in SharePoint, it’s highly recommended. I have cleaned up multiple “DAM Attempts” in SharePoint, and I just walk in and see what they originally did…Usually it’s the results of some loose lips integrator who thinks they can build one. It’s always a bloodbath because everyone forgets the major tenant of a great DAM: It can ingest all media types! This is where virtually all DAM’s fall down, except for MediaRich. Because of their original DeBabelizer roots, they are very strong in this regards. What really amazes me though is how they have added Open Office support (just simply install Open Office on the server) and you get 200+ filetypes rendering on the server, and you don’t have to kill an office license to get thumbnailing of office filetypes. Additionally, they zoom and pan on EVERY filetype they read. Truly awesome, check it out.