SharePoint and Silverlight together make a great combination of technologies for developing splendid web applications.

With SharePoint, users can easily create and configure their own web-based collaboration and publishing solutions, and with the help of Silverlight they can incorporate better user interface components.

Microsoft Silverlight was launched in the year 2007 as an answer and competitor of Adobe Flash. It’s an application framework to build rich web applications. While SharePoint is latest application environment by which business users can innovate and build simple solutions on their own in a most secured way.

Somehow, developers utilize Silverlight now as a tool for building rich Webparts. Most admired example is Webparts containing videos and various media players which make use of Silverlight’s ability for delivering a good quality video on the internet. The media webparts of SharePoint 2010 is actually a Silverlight control. Also, there are number of third party webparts present that actually use Silverlight to network with pictures and audio in much more interesting ways. Some generic webparts are also present in SharePoint 2010 that can be used to host a specific Silverlight app by easily referencing the document library URL it was deployed to. Moreover, for providing efficient and smooth experience to end users, the interface of SharePoint 2010 makes use of Silverlight.

SharePoint and Silverlight should be better together for number of reasons. They both are actually based on .NET framework and also share a common development tool, that is, Visual Studio 2010. This helps developers to learn about them and also simplifies the process of development. A solution of Visual Studio 2010 can have both SharePoint as well as Silverlight projects, and the output received from the Silverlight project can be also incorporated automatically to the SharePoint deployment package.

Using SharePoint with Silverlight can simplify the Silverlight apps and gives more flexibility to users. In December last year Silverlight Version 5 released GPU accelerated video decoding and 64 bit support. This version is considered as the final release of Silverlight.

If it is accepted that Silverlight version 5 is really the final release, what will happen then in the future of SharePoint. Nobody is aware that what would be the replacement for it, but most probably it seems to be HTML5. Microsoft is trying its best to bring back HTML5 for web development. In fact, Windows 8 is using HTML5 as its application platform. Seeing this, there are full chances that the next version of SharePoint will consider it in future.

Though Silverlight is been a powerful and useful tool for rich media and interfaces, it is predicted that it will disappear totally from the next version of SharePoint. There is full possibility that SharePoint 2012 might adopt HTML5 for all the purposes it is currently using Silverlight for.

We provide web design and web development services using the advanced technology – Microsoft Silverlight and end to end SharePoint Solutions starting from planning to design to implementation. Contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com for knowing more about our SharePoint services and if you are looking for building rich internet application leveraging MS Silverlight.

Microsoft SharePoint is a technology or a platform for effective communication and document sharing between the team of people in the office.

Microsoft SharePoint is different and better than other similar tools available in the market because it offers much more enhanced security, feature set, advanced user interface, and also because of its integration with Microsoft Office.

Some important guidelines to avoid pitfalls With SharePoint 2010 are discussed below –

1] One of the most necessary initial steps is the planning for authentication, performance, capacity, and the future growth. SharePoint is too complex and therefore full-fledged planning at the initial stage is important. Working with SharePoint may look simple in the start but gradually with time it will start getting complex. It is vital to know where you want to go from the start with Microsoft SharePoint Development.

2] Defining Limit to the total data storage is very critical or users will constantly add new content to the data store. “Quotas” allows users to maintain a quota of site collections to keep the content stored in SharePoint relevant and fresh. It is always advisable to start with a small quota template like of 1 GB and then grow further when required.

3] Recycle bin management is very important as it consumes almost 50% of the SharePoint’s total quota size. If its management is not done in a proper manner then the quota will continue to grow out of control. It sounds a very small matter in the start but actually they deserve careful consideration. There are two stages in recycle bin, where in the first stage it stores upto 30 days before deleting them and in the second stage files are deleted according to the capacity of the data store and not according to the date they have arrived.

4] SharePoint 2010 is scalable and flexible, but it also has certain limitations which are important to understand for long time planning. Microsoft provides certain guidelines about the boundaries and limitations of SharePoint. It’s always good to stay upto 50% of Microsoft recommended limits and boundaries at the starting level.

5] Most important reason behind the poor performance is the imperfectly designed data storage architectures. To maintain the quality performance level, it is important that proper planning for the data store needs is done. Moreover, SQL is considered as the heart of SharePoint, and so it’s necessary to keep it simple and healthy.

These guidelines will help to smoothly carry Microsoft SharePoint 2010 services with minimum administrative resources.

Softweb Solutions is an expert consultant of SharePoint 2010 to provide end to end SharePoint solutions from the process of planning to the design to implementation. Contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com to know more about our quality SharePoint services.

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 is the most widely used platform for professional looking business application development.

NetConnect has recently launched an application store for SharePoint by which purchase and deployment of SharePoint applications can be done easily and quickly.

This new app store will help for getting professional solutions to the businesses running on Microsoft SharePoint. Also, adding professional or complex functionality to the applications will be easier for them. An extensive range of SharePoint applications are available at www.sharepointstore.com.

This new app store is the only online store in the world that offers SharePoint solutions delivered from the cloud including all the benefits of cloud computing like; large cost reductions, high quality, scalability, flexibility, and security. Many of the applications in this store can be used from the cloud, but the companies that already run SharePoint on their datacenter can order apps from here on standard installation too.

Microsoft Office 365 is also available as a cloud service at app store. The apps present in the store are all prepared by leading developers.

SharePoint has proved itself as a preferred collaboration solution for many organizations across the world. Solutions for organization workflow, document management, project management, CRM, collaboration, Content Management System, contract management, intranet, productivity, social media, etc are now available in this newly launched app store.

Softweb Solutions, a leading web development Company holds a team of SharePoint Developers for delivering innovative, interactive, and accustomed SharePoint solutions. Learn more about our services, by dropping us a query at info@softwebsolutions.com.

Enterprise collaboration is the key to success for an organization. But it is not very easy to integrate enterprise collaboration system (ECS) in workplace. Employees in offices have different requirements based on their designation. For ex, A salesperson will need a system through which they can see updated sales figure on the go; whereas, a sales manager will require up-to-date sales figure at the end of every week. They also need to present the figures in the form of reports to their superiors. Hence, it is important that ECS provides effective solution to the needs of the employees in a collaborated manner. SharePoint Workspace is the answer to solve this problem. This desktop application is specifically designed to help employees utilize SharePoint offline in an effective manner.

Let us now look at some of the guidelines which will make the SharePoint collaboration process smooth and effective in workplace:

• Make use of Windows Search while searching for Workspace content: It is imperative for organizations to install Windows Search 4.0 or later version to search from SharePoint Workspace ribbon. You can search on SharePoint Workspace for the following tools:
  • 2010 lists
  • 2010 documents
  • 2010 calendars
  • Notepad (in 2010 workspaces)
  • Results from Message history

One of the salient features of windows search is that organizations can search for relevant data from Windows search without being logged into their account. SharePoint workspace will index your data when organizations try to use the search option. Follow the steps given below to start a search:

• • You can start a search either from Workspace or from the Launch bar
  • Click on “Home” tab and then click on “Search”.
  • This will open the Windows Search window wherein you can search for relevant data.
  • Enter the keywords and select the standard Windows search options and then click on “Search”.
• Amalgamate Office Communicator with SharePoint Workspace: In addition to off-line activities, organizations can use Office Communicator for online syncing of data through real-time chat. With the help of Office Communicator organizations can:
  • Share a particular task using Microsoft Excel
  • Share drawings and writing notes
  • Place calls
  • Use chat function
  • Send emails
  • Place conference calls
  • Receive out-of-office messages through integration of Outlook and Microsoft Exchange Server.

By using this feature, organizations can collaborate at work more easily and effectively.

• Deploy “Shared Folders” to share PC content with other machines: It is imperative for an organization to create a shared folder which syncs with the organization’s SharePoint workspace account. This will allow other employees in the organization to access the information quickly with ease.
• Content which cannot be synced in Workspace: It is important for organizations to know what can and cannot be synced with SharePoint Workspace. The following content cannot be synced in Workspace:
  • Wikis
  • Blog sites
  • Calendar/Event lists
  • Surveys
  • Slide libraries
  • Site directories
  • Portal sites
  • OneNote notebooks stored in document libraries
• Integrate MySite with Workspace: MySite is a great way to divide your content into Personal, Collaborative, and Shared manner. You can create SharePoint Workspace for your MySite by following the steps given below:
  • Click on “My Content” on your “MySite”.
  • Click on “Site Actions” and then click on “Sync to SharePoint Workspace”.
  • You will get a dialog “Sync to SharePoint Workspace”. Click “OK”.

SharePoint Workspace uses MySite features optimally by giving round the clock access to your “MySite” content even when the organization is not in network. Try to use “MySite” as a central hub for all content to get quick access to the information. As soon as you connect to your office network, the SharePoint workspace containing your “MySite” content is synchronized with your “My Site” on the server.

These guidelines will help you in effective SharePoint integration in your organization. Did you like this article? Are there any other guidelines which can help in effective SharePoint collaboration in workplace? Write your feedback and suggestions to an experienced SharePoint Consultant now at: info@softwebsolutions.com. We will be pleased to assist you.

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• Document management
• Web content management
• Workplace collaboration

• Sites: Microsoft SharePoint 2010 uses different sites which help users in getting relevant information quickly. These sites can be used through internet, intranet, or extranet. It enables users to share information, data, and expertise across organizations. One of the major advantages of Microsoft SharePoint 2010 is, it allows businesses to monitor the inflow and outflow of information within the organization. The tools required for internet, intranet, and extranet remains the same. Organizations can take advantage of personalization, content management, social networking, and collaboration activities through any type of site. It also supports offline activities.

• Communities: The new version of SharePoint allows users to work together in different ways. Microsoft has enhanced the social features of SharePoint 2007 in the current version and has made it look better. Communities allow people to collaborate in groups, share knowledge, and find information on various topics easily. Users can even take help of experts in the particular domain if they are stuck to a particular topic.

• Content: SharePoint content shifts SharePoint 2010 from departmental solution to an enterprise solution. There has been massive improvement in content wherein users can add significant number of documents to SharePoint. They can even use external data storage options to store more data. Data is stored with proper records with complaint content management lifecycle.

• Search: Microsoft SharePoint 2010 has acquired FAST search server which improves the search tremendous. Now, users can not only search for content but also people. They can opt for better language options with thumbnails and previews. They can even sort out the search queries and study similar search to get relevant search results.

• Insights: With the help of SharePoint insights, users can access information through different data sources like: dashboards, scorecards, reports and more. To help users, Microsoft has introduced Performance Point Server to SharePoint platform. It is also known as Performance Point Services for SharePoint. It helps users to discover right people and expertise to make better business decisions.

• Composites: SharePoint, being a complete platform, helps users in creating their code solutions on premises or in cloud. Complex applications can be developed with the help of well known tools like:
  • InfoPath
  • SharePoint Designer 2010
  • Visio 2010

There are many improvements in Microsoft SharePoint 2010. Truly, Microsoft has introduced a business collaboration platform which helps organizations in exchanging important information and other relevant tasks easily through SharePoint 2010. If you wish to learn more about Microsoft SharePoint 2010, contact an experienced software development company now at: info@softwebsolutions.com. We promise, you will not be disappointed.

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 is amongst the most popular products developed in Microsoft’s history. It enhances the overall web development process by giving varied options to the developers. It is built on Windows SharePoint Services (WSS). It is integrated with most of the applications of Microsoft Office Suite. Users can add personalized features such as indexed search, business data cataloging, and many others. It also gives the users an option to edit Microsoft Word documents. But what makes Microsoft SharePoint 2010 a very attractive option for the developers?

• Developers can now utilize the services of SharePoint 2010 in other applications using web services and Representational State Transfer (REST).
• Developers can benefit from SharePoint 2010’s integration with Microsoft Office 2010 using backstage integration and document life cycle management.
• Developers can use Social tagging feature which is integrated with Microsoft SharePoint 2010. This will help them in communicating and sharing information with others easily. – Developers have the option to integrate custom applications directly to Microsoft office and SharePoint thereby, enhancing their productivity and efficiency.
• Developers can build discerning business intelligence dashboards using Performance Point Services in SharePoint.

Microsoft SharePoint 2010 has taken SharePoint development to the next level. SharePoint developers have recognized the scope of development for Microsoft SharePoint 2010. SharePoint developers can change the traditional methods of development and create sophisticated applications for Microsoft SharePoint 2010. If you wish to take advantage of this trend and are looking for an expert Microsoft SharePoint 2010 applications developer contact us now at: info@softwebsolutions.com and get tailored solutions as per your specifications.

SharePoint is a term oft-spoken but less understood. It has become more of an IT jargon that is too complicated for regular organizations. Organizations that are new to SharePoint also find themselves entangled in the applicability, as it has a wide range of benefits. If this problem sounds familiar for your organization, you must first understand the strengths of SharePoint. After you have adequate knowledge about SharePoint, you can identify how it benefits your organization.

What is SharePoint?
SharePoint is simply a Microsoft technology that enables organizations to collaborate internally as well as beyond the enterprise. It has advanced content management features that provide employee access to relevant information and facilitates document sharing. It is a tool that helps the company organize and incorporate information in within a single web-based application.

SharePoint Capabilities:
SharePoint is a chosen collaboration solution for many organizations across the globe. It is easy to understand the wide acceptance of technology when you understand the robust capabilities. Its capabilities include:

• Content management system
• Website development
• Search engine functionality
• Access to information on wikis, blogs, etc
• Development of portals and intranet

The SharePoint Advantage:

SharePoint offers as a numerous benefits. We’ve listed some of them below:

• It is a user friendly collaboration platform
• Allows sharing and tracking at multiple security levels
• Quickly creates sites using predefined templates
• Simple plug to play web parts
• Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office, which is widely used
• Can be accessed through Outlook, which extends it advantages
• Connects well with both intranet and internet
• Unites multiple roles including developer, manager, and the client on a single platform

Despite all the information available, it is difficult to analyze and synthesize information for organizations that are new to SharePoint. What should they do then? Take the help of eligible technology providers who can guide you with the proper use of SharePoint technology. At Softweb Solutions, we understand the usage of SharePoint and thus, offer Custom SharePoint Solutions. We can guide your organization to the practical applicability of SharePoint for your specific organizational requirements. For more information, contact us.

SPoint.me is a social network especially4 dedicated for the people in the SharePoint industry.  It is a great initiative to bring SharePoint professionals on a single platform and offer combined functionalities from popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Digg, and WordPress. SPoint.me aims to differentiate the SharePoint user group, create new user groups, launch products, offer support, engage users and connect with people from different SharePoint backgrounds.

Various important features that form a part of the SharePoint social networking site are:
• Blogging
• Groups
• Friends
• Messaging
• Activity Streams
• Profiles
• Forums

As the industry-wide adoption of SharePoint increases, the site provides a wonderful opportunity for users to connect with each other.  Indeed, SharePoint 2010 has immense collaboration capabilities leveraged by organizations across the globe. It is document sharing, content management, and task management platform all rolled into one.

At Softweb Solutions, we have a dedicated team of SharePoint developers striving to meet the client’s customized requirements. Visit our website for Custom SharePoint Development.

With a steep rise in competition as a result of the financial crisis, productivity has grown up considerably. According to industry sources, productivity has grown by 6.3 percent in the past four quarters. It is the highest increase observed since 1962. Organizations need to receive a pat on the back for the high productivity which also signifies high efficiency levels. However, productivity can be improved further especially when it comes to processes. In this post, we have tried to discuss the problems that obstruct productivity and how you can use SharePoint to resolve them.

The common notion about SharePoint is that it is just a collaboration and document sharing platform. While there is nothing wrong in having that impression, the practical implications extend beyond marketing buzz. SharePoint is rapidly evolving as a core business solution with the addition of latest features. Integrating it with business solution, organizations can quickly address productivity issues.

Improvement in productivity is the result of improvement in processes. Internal evaluation exposes the bottlenecks, gaps, and inefficiencies in the workflow and brings them to the surface. Deploying SharePoint solutions improves the overall efficiency of a company’s processes by improving the type of procedural activities. It integrates well with business systems to streamline repetitive work and reduces the effort required to fix things when there are mistakes. Performance can be monitored and hard work appreciated quickly, which boosts employee morale and productivity.

Furthermore, SharePoint can be an effective option when it comes to streamlining information dependencies. Every established organization has subordinates that are dependent on higher authority for information. Information dependencies can keep dependants waiting and reduce overall productivity. SharePoint helps managers communicate accurately and quickly with co-workers, which helps plug information dependency gaps. It helps organizations interlink processes, which helps lower information dependency gap among multiple processes.

At Softweb Solutions, we deliver SharePoint Development Services to organizations for optimizing their business processes. We have offered effective solutions to clients associated with a broad array of industries. To learn more on SharePoint integration services we offer, contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com.

SharePoint 2010, unveiled only a couple of weeks ago, gave rise to parallel announcements by third party firms about integrations, add-ons and other support options. Earlier, when Microsoft introduced SharePoint 2007, backup solutions from technology companies such as Symantec and McAfee took at least a year to surface. The situation occurred even when the companies well supported SharePoint 2003 solution.

Additionally, other software companies including EMC/Documentum, OpenText, and WebTrends are showing their support by introducing integrations for SharePoint 2010. These companies have long offered support for earlier version of SharePoint but what’s astonishing is that they are able to produce supplements to new version so quickly. Microsoft is certainly attracting a number of vendors to provide add-ons for SharePoint 2010 which indicates a promising future.

At Softweb Solutions, we provide SharePoint solutions that help organizations manage unstructured content by delivering improved knowledge sharing, enterprise collaboration, and customer communication capabilities. Are you truly aware of SharePoint 2010 capabilities? Contact us for a free demo.