Don’t Forget User Training when Migrating to SharePoint 2013

Many reports have highlighted how an enterprise can avail several benefits by migrating to SharePoint 2013. But Microsoft has made the technology by combining a variety of collaboration and content management capabilities. At the same time, each enterprise must customize SharePoint solution according to its specific needs and objectives. That is why; it become essential for an organization to make and implement a comprehensive migration plan to take full advantage of the innovative technology.

In comparison to other elements of the migration plan, it is important to concentrate on providing adequate and relevant training to business users. The training will make it easier for managers and SharePoint administrators to optimize the business processes by availing the new features. Also, the training will help enterprises in adopting the latest version of SharePoint within a reduced span of time. An organization has several options to manage the training process. However, the plan must consider a set of key factors to make the training program more beneficial and effective.

Key Elements of an Effective SharePoint 2013 Training Program

Test SharePoint 2013 in an Isolated Environment: Before providing SharePoint 2013 education to your staff, it is important to ensure that it is effective in meeting your needs. Before making the training program, you must check the technology in an isolated environment by concentrating on a set of significant factors. Along with using the new features and checking their relevancy for your employees, you also need to ensure that environment is 100% stable and reliable. The environment can also be tested several times till you are sure about its reliability and importance. You can even get the environment tested by your experts and consultants. Once you have created the perfect environment, it is time to make a training program for end users.

Training Requirements: The SharePoint 2013 training needs will vary from one organization to another. If an organization has already deployed SharePoint 2010 or any other previous release its employees will not require comprehensive education. As the end users are familiar with features like document libraries, established site collections, and information lists, they need not be trained from the scratch. On the other hand, the end users need comprehensive education, when the organization switches to SharePoint 2013 from some other content management system. So an organization must identify the training requirements before making the training program. SharePoint CMS customization enables organisations to reap maximum benefits for organization.

Option to Perform Advanced Functions: SharePoint 2013 enables end users to perform a set of advanced functions. So the organization has to decide whether it wants the end users to perform additional functions by learning specific features. For instance, the end users must learn how to build and administer team sites, or modify their SharePoint profiles to perform customized administration functions. Microsoft has further made several changes to the user interface along with including new features to help users in creating sites and modify profiles. Also, the users must be provided with customized training to optimize the performance of their sites by using lightweight apps.

Using the Online Version: Microsoft further allows enterprises to migrate to the online version of SharePoint 2013 along with Office 365. But an organization must focus on many factors while navigating to an online environment. As the Office 265 is designed as a multi-purpose interface, the end users must learn its key features and functionality. At the same time, the users must learn how to access the options related to SharePoint after logging into the Office 365 portal. The training will make it easier for them to avail the full advantage of a unified communication system. Therefore, an organization has to implement a different training program to migrate to the online version of technology smoothly.

The training program must decide a timeline to enable each user for using the new technology. Many experts also recommend enterprises to make a comprehensive training program for SharePoint 2013 and Office 2013. The mixed training environment will make it easier for end-users to integrate the applications they use on a regular basis.

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How to Establish Efficient Workflows Using SharePoint?

SharePoint, as one of the most popular and preferred web application development platforms, is used by enterprises for a number of purposes. The latest version of this platform, that is, SharePoint2013 has a lot of benefits, out of which, establishing efficient workflows is definitely one.

Before we go into the discussion about how SharePoint portal development helps in accomplishment of tasks or in faster production of outcome, it is necessary to understand the concept in the very first place.

What Do Workflows Mean?

With respect to the SharePoint products and technologies, workflow comes up as an automated movement of items as well as documents through a sequence of tasks related to the business processes. Now, the movement can be employed to manage the business processes well within an organization by allowing the organizations to logically treat the items or documents in a SP list or library. Business logic, on the other hand, comprises instructions that denote the actions while also controlling those actions that happen to a document or item.

Establishing Efficient System with SharePoint 2013

It is quite understandable by now that workflows have got a lot to do with the smooth flow of information. Organizations increasingly feel the need to communicate the right message to the right people at the right time. The establishment of efficient workflows with SharePoint 2013 begins with an automation along with management of the human workflow by means of using SP workflow tools. These tools automate the process to improve both individual as well as enterprise productivity.

Workflow Structure and Features

Workflow consists of the following components:

• Events, more specifically, initiating events, as essential components, enable the movement to do something. Once the workflow is initiated, users can be given a form to gather data while eventually carrying out the workflow.

• Then we have the steps, which consist of one or more actions and conditions and are considered the primary means of organization and structure within workflow.

• Conditions form another essential part of the particular manner in which the automated movement carries out the processing of information.

• After steps and conditions come the Actions, which can actually signify anything starting from working with items associated with the workflow to updating a data repository or sending email to some participant.

Steps Involved in Establishing Efficient Workflows

Using and establishing workflows with effectiveness must go through certain steps. Here is an overview of the process:

Addition to a Library, List or Content Type

Adding the automated movement to a list, library or content type ensures that it is made available for the items or documents in a specified location. One must have the permission to manage lists for the desired addition. In most instances, it is the site administrators that perform the task.

Beginning Workflows on Documents

Following an addition of the automated movement, it needs to be started on an item or document. The type of the automated movement needs to be selected and a form has to be filled out with the information that is required by the same. Customization of the same is also facilitated depending upon the way it was configured and designed.

Modification of Workflow in Progress

Changes to the automated movement can be made to alter the way it behaves. Modification is facilitated and this further paves the way for the efficient establishment of the movement.

Completing the Tasks

Any event that necessitates human interaction is represented by a certain task and in SharePoint, this task can be completed by the participants directly or by means of a client program, which is a part of the 2007 Office release.

Tracking the Workflow Status

The owners as well as the participants of the movement can track the progress of the same. This can be done by means of checking the status page, associated with the workflow.

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SharePoint Migration Using 3rd Party Tools

Currently in SharePoint, content migration is achieved using third party tools. Leveraging third party solutions simplifies the procedure along with reducing the effort or time needed for the process. It also cuts down on the cases of failed migrations arising out of issues such as file corruption. Analysis has revealed that clients spend good amount of time preparing data for migration, and these efforts may not yield fruit in case the policies and procedures are not adhered to. Owing to such risks, clients prefer using third-party ISVs or independent software vendors for migrating content from on-premises SP into the hosted service. Let us check out the following third party tools that facilitate migration or consolidation of content.
AvePoint: A recognized leader in rendering infrastructure management solutions for Microsoft SP, AvePoint is a cost-effective and efficient solution for migrating business-critical content from diverse electronic repositories to Microsoft SP. The following are a few of the different DocAve Migrator modules:

• Content can be automatically moved from source SharePoint 2003 or 2007 into the mapped elements within SP 2007 or 2010 by SharePoint Migrator.

• Website Migrator provides an efficient, reliable and affordable solution for the organized transfer of web content to MS SharePoint 2007/2010.

• Content sprawl is reduced along with IT productivity enhancement by eRoom Migrator through centralization of eRoom project databases as well as other collaborative assets across a single SharePoint 2010 and 2007 repository.

• Consolidation of manifold EMC Documentum content sources over SP can be automatically achieved by Documentum Migrator, thus maximizing ROI for legacy content present within EMC Documentum.

Clockwork Software: This software offers reliable document migration from old ECMS to SharePoint 2013 or SharePoint 2010. Successful migration can also be achieved from any SQL Server based ECMS (CMS, DMS, EDRMS) with files stored over a network drive or share. ECMSs such as Hummingbird DM6, Worksite, FileNet, DOCs Open and so on. With this, various version and metadata can be migrated to SharePoint libraries as well as folders. It is also good for small migrations.

Idera SharePoint migration suite: It is by far the most comprehensive solution available. This tools empowers you to visually architect as well as organize content and metadata during the migration process, thereby improving usability, eDiscovery, search and manageability. This suite can be used again and again, without any services, in a variety of scenarios that include SP site reorganization, SP platform upgrade, as well as rolling out new applications and sites. The following are the components of the migration suite:

• SP information architect which facilitates rapid and convenient development, deployment as well as maintenance of SP taxonomies and metadata.

• SP content organizer allows for the application of metadata and relocation of files anywhere within SharePoint with simply a few clicks.

• With the help of SharePoint migration manager, content can be deployed, migrated or compared within different versions of SP or from file systems.

Metalogix: Data can be migrated into SharePoint from any source system by using Metalogix. It is possible to migrate from one version of SharePoint to another, from diverse Enterprise Content Management systems as well as from Exchange public folders, websites, blogs or file systems. For simplifying the process, there are different kinds of modules like SharePoint Site Migration Manager,Website Migration Manager for SharePoint, Metalogix Migration Manager for Blogs, etc.

Axceler-Davinci Migrator: It reduces the risk, brings down the cost as well as reduces the time required for the procedure. With the help of the Davinci Migrator, you would be able to identify possible problems prior to their occurrence. Migration estimates aid the creation of realistic schedules. Moreover, Davinci allows migration in a single big wave or a series of continuous smaller waves. Hence you have the freedom to operate as per your own schedule.

Apart from the above-mentioned ones, there are a number of other tools such as Vital-Path, Vyapin, Tzunami, Proventeq and so on. By using these third-party tools, many obstacles that cause hindrance to the overall migration process, can be overcome. If you need an experienced hand with your sharepoint migration, you can hire developers from top companies in sharepoint. That will surely release a lot of stress associated. However please do ensure that the vendors you choose at least possess the awareness of tools available.

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Top 10 Content Migration Tools to SharePoint Platform

With rapid advancement of technology dominating the enterprise scenario, more and more organizations are looking forward to migrating from an older version of SharePoint to a more advanced version and also from an altogether different Enterprise Content Management (EMC). Well, when it comes to taking up content migration to SharePoint platform, it is always wiser to rely upon effective migration tool for best results.

Here is a look at the third-party solutions that features a number of tools that help easy as well as successful content migration from a range of sources to SharePoint 2007.

AvePoint enables data transferring from a range of sources to SP 2007 platform through various tools.

• AvePoint Website Migrator – For web data transfer
• DocAve Public Folder Migrator – Allows data transportation from Exchange folders to designated SP Libraries and List in MOSS 2007 and SPS2003 platform
• DocAve SharePoint Migrator – Facilitates transfer of data to MOSS 2007 from SPS 2003
• DocAve Documentum eRoom Migrator – For document libraries as well as collective workspaces transfer from Documentun eRoom EMC
• DocAve File System Migrator – Enables documents transfer from the conventional network file shares or file systems that are based on Windows to online document libraries
• DocAve LiveLink Migrator – Allows Open Text LiveLink migration to WSS v3.0 and MOSS 2007

Tzunami facilitates transportation of information to SP 2007 from different sources with the help of several tools.

• TD File Shares Migration – Files as well as folder structure transfer from any network or local file share to the particular platform
• TD SPS 2001 Migration: Transfer to SharePoint 2007 from SharePoint 2001
• TD SPS 3003 Migration: Data transfer from SPS 2003 platform to SP 2007
• TD Exchange Migration: Exchange Public Folders migration to SharePoint 2007 Libraries and Lists
• TD DocuShare Migration: Data transfer of Xerox DocuShare
• TD eRoom Migration: EMC eRoom transfer of data into SP 2007 products
• TD LiveLink Migration: LiveLink content migration into the specific platform
• TD Documentum Migration: EMC Documentum content migration
• TD Hyperwave Migration: Hyperwave data transfer
• TD Hummingbird Migration: Data transfer of Hummingbird Document Management
• TD Lotus Notes Migration: Lotus Notes applications as well as database transportation
• TD Aqualogic Migration – Aqualogic Interaction data transfer

MetaLogix featuring a number of tools allow easy transfer of content to SP 2007 from a range of sources

Migration Manger for FileShare – Enables transportation from the following platforms:

• Personal drives
• Network file shares
• Web-based extranet and intranet document storehouse
• Document Management Systems and Enterprise File Sharing including Documentum, eRoom, and Lotus Notes

Migration Manger of Web Content – Allows transportation of information from the following platforms:

• Microsoft Content Management Server 2002.
• WCM Third-Party Enterprise Systems like Stellent, RedDot, Interwoven, Vignette, Percussion, and Tridion.
• All home-grown HTTP – accessible dynamic and static websites.
• Databases, documentum eRoom calendars, version files, and files.

eRoom Migration Manager – Allows migrating information to SharePoint 2007 from Documentum eRoom

SharePoint Site Migration Manager – Enables content migration from SPS 2003 to 2007

Quest has several tools that make it easy to transfer data from Lotus Notes, file share, SharePoint 2003 to the specific SP 2007 platform.

• File Migrator – Data transfer from file shares
• SharePoint Migration Manger – SPS 2003 information transportation to SP 2007
• Notes Migrator – Information transportation from QuickPlace, Domino.Doc application, and Notes
• Public Folder Migrator – Bulk transferring of data from Exchange Public Folders

VitalPath facilitates transportation of information from a range of repository consolidation along with migration from a different sources.

• Path Builder for SharePoint – Facilitates an integration of above 40 content storehouse with SharePoint.
• Path Builder – This solution i.e. vendor-neutral communicates at the API level consolidating all aspects of diverse content management systems providing Repository consolidation services.

Vamosa has several tools that allow both SP 2007 transfer as well as data transfer from a range of source systems to targeted platforms of CMS.

• Vamosa Content Migrator – Facilitates transportation of information to any target system from source system
• Vamosa Solutions for SharePoint 2007 – Enables transfer of data from several sites including all previous SharePoint, several other content management systems as well as Microsoft Content Management

Xavor primarily enables data transfer between MOSS and WSS 3.0 platforms.

Xavor SharePoint Migrator (XSPM)- Data transfer to MOSS 2007 from WSS 3.0 and between MOSS and WSS 3.0 respectively.

Proventeq offers a support to data transferring to the platforms of Oracle Stellent and SP

Content Migration Accelerator – Provides complete and comprehensive solution that enables a migration of documents, web content, and digital assets from an extensive source range to a number of targeted systems of Enterprise Content Management (ECM).

Metavis facilitates content migration between SP as well as other platforms like LiveLink, eRoom to SP.

ECM Migrator

• SharePoint to SharePoint
• Livelink to SharePoint
• eRoom to SharePoint

Kapow Technologies feature tools that are ideal for taking up migration of web data to a range of different CMS platforms.

This particular module functions like an ETL tool, but conducts the extraction and transformation of the data at the GUI level. Kapow features the ability of directly loading the contents into a standard XML file or a destination application to enable an import through standard tools of content importing. Therefore, any data can be easily synchronized or migrated between web based CRM, SMS, ERP, or Project Management System. Most Content Management Systems feature standard adopters like Interwoven, Oracle Stellent, Vignette, SDL Tridion, FatWire, EMC/Documentum, CoreMedia, Joomla, and IBM FileNet. CRM systems support include Oracle CRM, Siebel, NetSuite, as well as salesforce.com.

Content migration to custom SharePoint development platform gets easier with the above-mentioned tools offers by various third – party solutions providers.

We provide SharePoint application development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified SharePoint developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.