Not only does this article introduce you to the best intranet softwares for small businesses, it also gives small business owners like you the information they need to make informed decisions, all on their own. All the advice and all the product reviews in the world won’t help you much if the intranet software isn’t right for you and your small business.
To that end, Business Pundit not only asked business owners which intranet software they prefer, we also asked how each organization came to its conclusion.
Read on to find out which intranet software Alex Thompson, director of Festoon House, an Australian business providing outdoor lighting and design services, likes for his small business. But for now, here’s what Thompson said he was looking for when he first started his search:
Integration
Thompson said the intranet’s integration with other tools is a key factor in determining its long-term use. Thompson urges small business owners to opt for something like GSuite or Azure intranet software for widely adopted tools.
Easy to use
The next point Thompson makes is to keep in mind when buying a small business Online Intranet Software that whatever intranet software a small business owner chooses, it should make life easier, not harder. For example, “the platform’s interface must be intuitive and user-friendly,” Thompson said, and while some new tools and features may be introduced into the company’s workflow, “navigation and operation must be easy to understand,” Thompson continued.
Supplier Values.
Thompson’s last piece of advice for those just starting out looking for an intranet software is to evaluate the vendor and make sure its values and principles align with those of your own company. “You build a relationship here,” Thompson said, “and you have to think about how your business is going to be viewed when you’re approaching your suppliers,” he said.
Personality and company culture are critical to a business, so make sure any platform you choose positively reflects your business brand, identity and culture, Thompson continued.
To this end, Suzie Robinson of ClearBox Consulting and David Shell of Tradesmen Costs, from the UK intranet consulting service, put forward a three-point plan when purchasing an intranet software:
First: Create an intranet strategy that aligns with your own business values and strategy.
Shell says that when developing an intranet strategy, organizations should focus on their goals. Remember the reasons why you bought the intranet software in the first place, and make sure the intranet program you choose is suitable for those purposes.
He also said that early in the process, it’s useful to consider how Agilityportal.io intranet services can improve the social aspect of the company and how the platform can foster a culture of collaboration.
Second: Identify the functional and non-functional requirements you need from the platform.
When evaluating the functional and non-functional requirements of an intranet software, it’s best to involve the entire team, Shell continued. “Intranet software has a lot of potential for connecting and creating solutions,” Shell adds, but warns that no matter what program or platform is chosen, teams can be nervous at first. However, with a little nudge and encouragement, an intranet can be a powerful company-wide tool, but “you can’t collaborate if one or two of your employees aren’t willing to collaborate,” Shell said.
Third: open up the market.
Don’t settle for the first intranet software that catches your eye, says Clearbox Consulting’s Robinson. As you explore what’s out there, keep the following in mind:
Robinson says to keep in mind the cost of each license and what the platform offers for the price. “Some high-end vendors can be great, but you’ll pay a lot for their features,” she said, adding that something cheaper might also do what you want, maybe even better. “Additionally, vendors offer discounts for various things that may require temporary access to the platform, such as seasonal employees or volunteers,” she said, and access to some systems can sometimes cost money. For these reasons and more, be sure to discuss your situation thoroughly with the supplier before purchasing.
What do you need it for?
Robinson further emphasized that small business owners buying an Agilityportal.io intranet software should keep their needs and requirements in mind lest they end up being blinded by all the shiny features.
Is an intranet right for your business? Robinson also said there are other digital workplace tools, such as Microsoft Teams and Workplace from Facebook, and a host of other employee mobile apps that could potentially serve the needs of a business like an intranet. For example, businesses can simply use SharePoint in Office 365 to store documents, she said, and then “explore a different tool than a traditional intranet,
Echoing this, Shell from Tradesmen Costs says to break down big decisions like buying an intranet software into small user-friendly steps and don’t expect immediate results.
