by George Spain
Information Services
There are many ways to share and update files, distribute forms,
communicate with co-workers, and keep track of project calendars. You
can, however, accomplish all of these using a single program called
SharePoint.
SharePoint is a web-based application on which managers can build
“sites.” These sites can contain items such as document and photo
libraries, calendars, discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and even
surveys.
The sites are intranet only, which means that you can share information
only with someone who has an MUSC account, but that’s the point.
Some working teams are using SharePoint to keep track of tasks associated with different projects.
Others use it to maintain a forms library with “version control,” so
that only the most current form is available for “check out.”
Still others take advantage of the program’s managed “workflow”
capabilities that routes forms and documents from one part of an
approval process to the next automatically.
Information Services, part of the Office of the Chief Information
Officer (OCIO), maintains the SharePoint server and offers initial
training for site users and site managers. While users can participate
in most activities and customize the look and feel of a site, it is the
site manager that controls who gets access and what changes they can
make.
“SharePoint is not a centrally serviced IT asset,” said Dan Furlong,
OCIO project manager. “By that I mean we will help get you started with
training, but we want the site manager to retain full control over
access as well as assuming accountability for what is posted there by
his team members.”
Training is divided into two parts, the first is a general introduction to SharePoint, including what it can and can’t do.
To better understand SharePoint’s potential and its limitations, the
OCIO recommends a half day of training for users, and a full day-and-a
half days for site managers.
To sign up for a training class, visit http://tinyurl.com/ly2dfw.
Friday, June 5, 2009
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