Microsoft & Elcom

Microsoft provides an application called SharePoint, which is a document management solution. It can function as an intranet, but it does not come built to be used as an intranet, out-of-the-box. Therefore, it requires you to engage a custom SharePoint intranet developer or vendor, to turn it into a fully fledged intranet.

SharePoint alone may not meet all the specific intranet needs of an organisation.

Microsoft also provide an application called Microsoft Viva. This can be used by organisations to communicate news and other information to their workforce.  Think of it as a hub of company news and information. it lacks some intranet-specific features such as content management, advanced search functionality, personalisation, built-in quality control, and company branding. For example, Viva Connections relies on SharePoint home sites for content, and it cannot operate across multiple intranets, which may be a limitation for organisations with multiple intranets or complex content targeting needs. It also can only be deployed to one home site, which may not be sufficient for organisations with multiple departments or locations

Yes, having Microsoft 365 is just one piece of the puzzle.

An intranet like Elcom complements Microsoft 365 by bringing together all its applications into a cohesive, easy-to-navigate digital workspace. This not only streamlines workflows but also enhances internal communications and resource sharing.

With Elcom's intranet, you have a centralised hub of information, communication and resources - all integrated seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 suite - thereby amplifying the benefits of your existing tools.

Integrating an intranet with Microsoft 365 enhances your digital workplace by creating a unified, seamless experience. This integration leverages the robust capabilities of Microsoft 365, including Teams and SharePoint, directly within contextual pages on your intranet.

For example, your HR department will likely have a dedicated page on the intranet with news, forms, resources, tools, contact details of the HR team etc. With this integration, they can also add in their dedicated Team Channel where team members can discuss recruitment strategies, benefits packages, and other HR-related topics, as well as policies and procedures from relevant SharePoint folders.

This means improved efficiency in accessing resources, better communication among teams, and a centralised hub for all your organisational needs.

Elcom respects existing permissions created in Microsoft.

For example, with the SharePoint integration, Elcom takes the SharePoint credentials of the logged in user into account when viewing documents via the SharePoint document list to ensure that the appropriate SharePoint security permissions are applied. At the same time, the SharePoint document search displays real-time search data, adhering to user-specific security permissions. This ensures that employees only access files they are authorised to view in SharePoint.

Elcom is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful integration of our platform with Microsoft services for our users. To achieve this, we provide comprehensive technical support facilitated by our in-house team, comprising implementation experts, software developers, business analysts, helpdesk support, and systems administrators. This multidisciplinary team is dedicated to assisting with the integration process, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance.

Selecting the ideal intranet solution involves evaluating your organisation's specific needs, size, and goals. For insights on choosing the right solution for your needs, we recommend you read the ‘Intranet Buyers Guide’. This comes with a comprehensive evaluation framework to help you compare solutions.

Generally, a good intranet should enhance communication, collaboration, and resource accessibility without adding complexity.

The Elcom Intranet Package Solutions was built as an intranet by a team of experts with over 20 years of experience building intranet.

Here's what you can expect:

• Access for everyone: Accounts are created directly within Elcom. This means you do not need a company email or Active Directory account for users in the Elcom Platform. You can create an account for everyone from Christmas casuals to volunteers.
• Unlimited user licensing: Elcom is made to grow with you. No matter how many employees you have, there is no additional cost ensuring that everyone has access to your intranet.
• Fast Deployment: Our solutions are designed to give you a head-start, enabling quick deployments without the costs or challenges of building from scratch.
• Engaging Designs: Choose from best practice templates, each crafted for optimal user experience, and customised with your branding and logo.
• Expert Guidance: Transition seamlessly with our onboarding service, a personal account manager for all your needs and unlimited technical support.