Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/37773
SHAREPOINT AS A PATHWAY TO IMPROVED CLIENT SERVICE Only then can SharePoint deliver the valuable client intelligence that partners and attorneys need. Getting the data right is a necessary starting point for sensible analysis of and decision making on the information SharePoint serves up. DO IT ONCE, DO IT RIGHT Bringing together data in order to look at it in a new light and form the basis for proactive business development is the end game of SharePoint. Many firms wish to use its client analysis capabilities to spot new market opportunities, but it pays to walk before running. Always consider the following points when embarking on a SharePoint project. • Start with the basics: It’s always smart to start with the basics and incrementally add value. In our experience, “big bang” implementations of SharePoint do not go well. Begin using SharePoint in tried and tested ways that are cost-effective and quickly add value. • Know your customer: Often you will have more than one audience to cater to and it is important to understand what all the users expect to get out of the system. A project that allows a broad range of people and teams to contribute will produce an information system that provides a competitive advantage a lot sooner. In contrast, one that fails to address a range of audience needs will suffer from poor user uptake and become an anchor to productivity. • Think about the data: When looking to SharePoint for delivering integrated data, do not underestimate the data integrity issues that can occur when you have multiple, potentially inconsistent sources of data. Data integration without data integrity leads to bad results! • Collaborate to innovate: All the successful SharePoint projects Hubbard One has managed have involved some sort of joint venture between the key departments within the firm. Collaboration is key to realizing benefits, and it aids firmwide buy-in to the project. ILTA Microsoft Case Study: Law Firm Practice Sees Revenues Climb up to 20 Percent Because of Information Platform The law firm of Parker Poe wanted new ways to compete in the hyper-competitive environment for legal services, ways that would demonstrate its expertise and its ability to use that expertise to provide superior client service. It found what it was looking for in a custom information platform called Parkway, built using Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 and the services of Microsoft Gold Certified Partner XMLAW. The firm uses Parkway to show potential clients... Click here to read more. www.iltanet.org Portal Platforms 29