SharePoint 2007 and 2010 offers an extensive array of functionality; however, they do not do everything. As Microsoft continues to focus on what it sees as top feature priorities, there will be some missing functionality. To address those gaps, Microsoft relies upon its extensive partnership channel. It is here where Corridor has introduced Business Apps for SharePoint or the [.app].
Corridor is currently offering its first Business App for SharePoint [.app] with future Business Apps to be introduced in 2011.
Corridor’s Buiness Apps for SharePoint 2007 and 2010 are add-on products which extend SharePoint and address key gaps to solve specific business problems. Business Apps are designed with the intent of optimizing SharePoint Out-of-the-Box (OOTB) software functionality. In this respect, the Business Apps serve as a starting point or framework to solve a specific business problem. Rather than reinventing the wheel for each client, we leverage techniques and past experiences (taking from the good and avoiding the bad) and incorporate them into the Business Apps. Once the OOTB software configuration options are exhausted, we then supplement with Corridor developed Modules to address specific mission critical business functionality. Our Business Apps are prepared with the following design characteristics:
- Leverage SharePoint OOTB and Template Capabilities
- Minimal Impact on SharePoint Farm Infrastructure
- Create High Value add-on Modules to address Mission Critical Business Functionality
- Employ SharePoint Best Practices Development and Deployment Packaging Capabilities
Business Apps are developed specifically for Corridor’s areas of expertise which also have broad market appeal. Corridor will introduce additional Business Apps when the need and market opportunity arises.
Business Apps solutions are often compared to specialized or “pure-play” products that are designed to solve a specific business problem. The fundamental tradeoff here is the potential to leverage SharePoint functionality, infrastructure, and skills versus yet another silo of information and processes for that business area. In certain cases, SharePoint is simply not a fit and we will be the first to tell you if this is the case. However, based upon our research, we have found that most of the advanced functionality in the pure-play products is rarely implemented.
When this is the case, our Business Apps are an ideal fit as they address most of the key concerns without introducing the burden of another product to support or the high cost of complex, and potentially unused, functionality. Because of this, our Business Apps are being regularly deployed to address key areas with SharePoint as the underlying platform. This has the benefit of employing a technology that is being leveraged by a broad user population which is understood by most IT groups.