Enhancing SharePoint for Content Integration
By automatically presenting SharePoint and non-SharePoint content in the context of a given page, or by allowing users to find information using intrinsically focused searches (when they don't even realize that they are conducting a federated search), adds tremendous value and dynamism to SharePoint portals and sites. The use of multiple interconnected BCS and integration-enabling Web Parts leverages metadata from one source to be used in others. This integration provides users with a full view of the information they need in the context of a single page, without any requirement for additional training, use of multiple applications, or re-entry of criteria in multiple different forms and/or formats.
Archive SharePoint Documents Long-Term
SharePoint stores documents in the SharePoint SQL Server database(s). This storage mechanism presents challenges for storing large volumes of documents, especially in regard to documents with long retention periods and binary large objects (BLOBs). Database growth, as well as backup and recovery processes, affects the long-term scalability and reliability of the SharePoint repository. Further, it is difficult to leverage compliant and read-only storage devices when documents remain in the database. Database-based storage makes it difficult to use more cost-effective storage technology during the lifecycle of the document, such as archiving documents to a cheaper, slower magnetic disk after the document reaches a certain stage in its lifecycle.
The content integration-enabling layer should enable you to directly respond to these challenges by allowing documents from SharePoint to be archived in a repository of record—a highly scalable, platform-independent, universal repository that provides centrally controlled retention and disposition for all enterprise content, including SharePoint documents. It should also provide archiving functionality that can be fully defined by SharePoint administrators while presenting options for determining archive triggers based on their organization's unique needs.
The End Result
With a configurable content integration-enabling layer, total content integration can be achieved and corporate content management policies, information governance rules, and industry regulations can be met. Business-specific enterprise applications for finance/accounting, human resources, warehouse management, records management, etc., can be seamlessly integrated. Information workers can access all business- critical content, both internal and external to SharePoint, from the familiar SharePoint user interface. This enhances business process controls, improves productivity, and lowers training costs. It also adds value to SharePoint portals and sites by aggregating all the information required for quick answers or sound decision-making to a user's preferred user interface. In addition, by archiving SharePoint documents in a "repository of record" or other more appropriate repositories, organizations can create infinite scalability while lowering storage, operational and database maintenance costs. This approach to enhancing SharePoint creates a win-win-win situation for SharePoint administrators, knowledge workers, and for your organization's business success.