5 Key SharePoint System Design Aspects

The following are five key SharePoint Systems Design Aspects:

1) Successfully understand and define the SharePoint project objectives as these are keys to capturing stakeholder expectations, that will translate into quality requirements and efficiencies over the life cycle of the project.

2) Complete thorough SharePoint requirements as a critical factor in successful validation of requirements.

3) Have clear and unambiguous SharePoint requirements as these will help avoid misunderstanding when developing and making major or minor changes. 

4) Document all SharePoint based decisions made during the development of the original design concept, as this will help with future proposed changes and modifications.

5) Validate the SharePoint design solution via an iterative process and evaluate it against the stakeholder expectations.

4 Aspects a SharePoint Engineer Needs to Reduce

The following are four cost aspects, a SharePoint Engineer needs to account for in their work:

• Reduce costs as applicable be it code or architecture based. 

• Reduce risk as applicable be it process, feature or functionality based.

• When reducing cost, higher risks must be accepted.

• When reducing risks, higher costs must be accepted.

3 Top SharePoint On-Premise Best Practices to Realize

Here are the top three best practices for SharePoint On-Premise:

• Governance and Access Management:
• Implement Strong Access Controls: Make sure only authorized users have access to SharePoint content. Use permissions and groups effectively.
• Develop Clear Policies: Communicate and post guidelines for SharePoint usage, content management, and sharing. Review and update the policies often.
• Align with Business Goals: Make sure that governance aligns with the organizational objectives and supports the business operations.
• Information Architecture:
• Site Structure: Have a logical site hierarchy. Utilize sites to organize content, tasks, calendars, and resources.
• Lists and Libraries: Utilize SharePoint lists for useful data organization. Modern lists have responsive design, integration with Microsoft 365 services, and customizable views.
• Metadata and Libraries: Use metadata tagging for proper and useful document management within libraries.
• Backup and Recovery:
• Regular Backups: Schedule backups of the SharePoint environment. Use this to ensure data protection and disaster recovery.
• Test Restoration: Periodically test the restoration process to verify backups work as needed.
• Document Backup Procedures: Create and update documentation on backup procedures and revise it as applicable.

3 Key Points About SharePoint Online Web Parts

The following are three key points about SharePoint Online web parts:

• Building Blocks of Pages:
• Web parts are the fundamental building blocks for creating pages on SharePoint sites.
• Web parts are segmental components that allow one to display various types of content, such as text, images, files, videos, and dynamic elements.
• Customization and Placement:
• When one adds a modern page to a site, they can easily add and customize web parts.
• To add a web part:
• Go to the page where one wants to add it.
• Click the Edit button (if the page is not already in edit mode).
• Hover over or below the existing web part and click the circled “+” icon.
• Choose from the available web parts.
• One can also move or remove web parts as needed.
• Client-Side Web Parts:
• SharePoint client-side web parts run in the browser and appear within SharePoint pages.
• Developers build client-side web parts using modern client-side development tools and the SharePoint workbench.
• Web parts enhance the user experience by providing dynamic and interactive content.

SharePoint Online Best Practices for 2024

The following are some key SharePoint Online best practices for 2024: 

• New Section Backgrounds in Pages and News:
• Authors can add images or gradient color backgrounds to page sections.
• One can customize SharePoint pages and news by configuring section layouts with custom images or gradient colors.
• One can use accessibility aspects by adjusting focal points, fill mode, overlay, and opacity settings.
• Answers in Viva within Microsoft Search:
• Answers content appears in Viva Engage search and Microsoft Search results.
• If one doesn’t find the information needed, they can post the question into Answers.
• One can obtain an interactive email digest with relevant questions.
• SharePoint Security Best Practices:
• One can create and maintain security best practices as needed in SharePoint Online.
• Protect data, manage permissions, and follow security guidelines.

SharePoint Online Features that Harness the Power of AI

The following are SharePoint Online features that harness the power of AI:

1. Copilot in SharePoint: This feature combines the Large Language Models (LLMs) with data from the Microsoft Graph. Copilot in SharePoint allows one to create SharePoint sites and pages using natural language and AI.
2. Enhanced Visuals: SharePoint has many new aesthetic updates. For example one of the cooler updates is the advanced editing in the image web part.
3. Deeper Engagement: SharePoint integrates with email, Teams, and Microsoft Viva. This means one can display content to where users work, ensuring broader outreach.
4. Flexible Platform: SharePoint continues to maintain in templates, the SharePoint Framework, and Microsoft Graph.

Exciting Features That Combine SharePoint Online With the Power of AI

The following are exciting features that combine SharePoint Online with the power of AI:

• Natural Language and AI Authoring: With Copilot, one can create SharePoint pages faster and easier using natural language and AI.
• Real-Time Coauthoring: Work seamlessly on SharePoint documents, editing and collaborating in real time.
• Integrations with Email, Teams, and Microsoft Viva: SharePoint can display content where they work, ensuring content reaches the right audience.
• Templates, SharePoint Framework, and Microsoft Graph: Populate SharePoint sites with specific workflows and integrate them with custom applications.
• Content Experiences and Solutions: SharePoint can elevate employee productivity and refine business processes.
• Content Processing with AI: SharePoint allows one classify and systematically organize data.