Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/37773
10. PLAN FOR PORTAL MAINTENANCE. One hopes we are at the point where a well-conceived intranet has a sustainable lifespan of at least four to five years, assuming gradual adaptation and the addition of new functionality. Over such time there will undoubtedly be numerous updates to underlying data systems (billing, DMS, HR) requiring compatibility checks and adjustments with the intranet, particularly for home-grown connectors. DMS or billing systems may also be changed for financial or functionality reasons, as well as a probable desire for new SharePoint upgrades. Budgeting for such maintenance over time can be a challenge when many KM/IT departments are tasked year-on-year to do more without increases (two-thirds of respondents in ILTA’s 2010 KM Survey saw their budgets stay the same compared to the prior year). Further, the more functionality is added to meet attorney demand over time, the more challenging your maintenance can become. Recommendation: Look for ways to manage the expectations of your team and to consolidate your ongoing process. Some firms have chosen to rely on a single-source SharePoint platform responsible for maintaining compatibility with a wide range of third- party data systems and new SharePoint releases. With a set annual subscription fee covering a range of third- party products, you can budget predictably. CONCLUSION: PLAN PROACTIVELY. Careful planning is undeniably critical for a portal project, but a protracted planning process can become static. The trick is to keep your process moving, while still making informed decisions. Though every firm has somewhat different needs from a portal, the primary considerations are relatively consistent, and invoking the right experience with those issues can help you make faster decisions and avoid common pitfalls. ILTA Click here to view the full results of the 2010 Knowledge Management Survey. 22 Portal Platforms ILTA White Paper