7 Apps that Bring SharePoint to the iPad

The need for the right applications is immense when it comes to catering to the vast range of mobile users. People making use of iPad and iPhones need to access SharePoint content too and it is for this reason that it becomes essential to bring SharePoint to the iPad. The unconventional applications are often found working effectively for the purpose.

Now, quite a lot of options are available for making Microsoft SharePoint accessible on the device. The traditional iPad browser paves the way for a somewhat satisfactory experience. Several factors need to be considered in this regard. For instance, content editable attribute is supported by the desktop version of Safari while such facility is not made available by the Safari on the iPhone OS. This attribute is used by the application development platform and other collaboration products such as that of the Office Web Apps. This ensures a rich editing experience within a supported browser.

On the other hand, offline support and a richer experience is facilitated by certain apps that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. Here is an overview of some of the popular as well as prominent apps that helps in bringing SharePoint to the said device.

1. SharePlus Office Mobile Client

SharePlus emerges to be one of the most prominent and universally used iOS Client for SharePoint that enables carrying the highly valuable information assets of this web application development platform on the Smartphones or tablets, irrespective of the prevailing scenario of connectivity. The app works well on several OS like Android, iOS, Mac and Blackberry.

2. Filamente

Filamente is often considered to be the most beneficial and user- friendly apps that offers a simple yet intuitive way of interaction with the development platform from the mobile devices. Setting up Filamente for the team site is quite easy and hassle- free. Other advantages of this application come in the form of a rich text editor plus link to Dropbox feature.

3. Moprise: SharePoint Documents for iPad

Morpise is an excellent collaboration client for iPad. This application, featured by Apple in iPad @ Work, enables users to access, share as well as collaborate any of their SharePoint document on the larger screen.

4. Harmon

The version 1.2.3 of this application of 2.5 MB comes with a rather intuitive user interface while also bringing forth an easy setup for the team site.

5. Briefcase Pro

Briefcase Pro is one such app that facilitates effective search from anywhere. The application has an intuitive user interface coupled with a fairly rich text editor.

6. Native iPad

Native iPad, as an application, is widely preferred primarily because purchase of additional software is not a necessity for the same. The application has no offline capability, which ensures that the security risks are much desired. Above all, it facilitates text input for list items.

7. SP- Dashboard

Coming up to be yet another useful app for bringing SharePoint to the iPad, SP- Dashboard for iPad allows users to browse SharePoint data in a much easier and efficient manner. It offers a good experience of navigating through the SharePoint sites and viewing the lists, libraries and documents. Additionally, one can also define the favorite lists, documents as well as libraries for fast access while renaming the favorites for a better overview.

With this application at your service, presentation of the SharePoint data with complete mobility becomes possible. As the retrieved data is automatically updated and stored on the device, there is no need of an internet connection for accessing the data.

All of the above- mentioned applications and products are intuitive with some of them being better than the others. The apps not only serve the purpose of bringing SharePoint to the iPad but also reduce the cost of ownership in the long run. Sharepoint 2013 mobile development teams can help you build mobile apps using SharePoint 2013 within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide SharePoint bespoke development services. If you would like to talk to one of our certified sharepoint programmers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Steps for SharePoint and PHP Integration

With the help of document libraries and custom lists, it is possible to read list data directly from SharePoint into the existing PHP application. In this way, a number of possibilities can be explored. Certain PHP tools are available through which it is possible to leverage the potential of the .NET Connector within the world of PHP. It ensures convenient access to SharePoint data such as documents and items. If developers are capable of working with recognized ADO.NET frameworks as well as SQL, it enhances the production quality, thus making the development process faster.

Connection of PHP applications

Developers now can avail the facility of connecting their respective PHP applications to SharePoint with the help of SQL, with the same convenience as is applicable in case of an ordinary database. Existing PHP tools are able to handle predefined lists such as the ‘Task list’ or the ‘Calendar’. Custom document libraries as well as lists can also be handled.

Seamless Integration with SharePoint

PHP tools available in the market assist in saving a lot of time when it comes to integrating with the document management system. With the help of these tools, you will be able to make use of the following aspects:

• Convenient installation is possible by simply including the library files, then setting up the connection settings to the SharePoint installation service.

• Through the use of the tools, it is possible to completely handle custom list items, develop any list that is required and that too, instantly. Moreover, predefined list items can also be managed. Again, you can also manage document libraries, folders as well as documents. You can even go for storage of data in database or dynamically read through the SharePoint integration service.

• Developers can effectively leverage these tools to work faster, developing better as well as increasingly flexible solutions. Every input-output from SharePoint gets transformed into the recognized database computer language Structured Query Language. Therefore it is easy to normalize the development process. As a result of this, developers with no prior expertise in SharePoint integration or development are able to conveniently work with document libraries along with list data.

Benefits of SharePoint and PHP Integration

Through the integration of SharePoint with PHP, there are a number of benefits that are achieved:

• The threshold of requisite knowledge is considerably brought down while working with data and integration pertaining to the document management system.

• The productivity of developers can be enhanced

• The maintenance costs can be lessened.

• The need for specific training for developers can be brought down to a great extent.

• The integration ensures easier support to data connectivity.

Features and Steps

Through the SharePoint integration service provided by a number of companies, the document management system can be queried like a regular database, irrespective of whether you are making the selection from amongst a default list, an edited version of a default list, a document library or a custom list. The data will be retrieved and made available to meet the specific requirements. You can go for the following:

• Choose explicit columns (SELECT Title, Id, FROM customList)

• Choose everything (SELECT * FROM customList, include the .all in the list name to obtain each element that is available from the list)

• Make the choice by view (SELECT * FROM viewName, customList.)

There are PHP tools offering support for creation, reading, updations and deletion with the help of SQL syntax in addition to stored procedures. Comprehensive handling of list items is made convenient along with management of document libraries as well as the respective items (documents and folders).

Whether it is SharePoint 2010 development, or any other version, by leveraging a diverse collection of PHP classes, developers are capable of easily integrating SharePoint and PHP.

We provide sharepoint development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert sharepoint programmers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

How Can You Integrate DotNetNuke 6 & 7 with SharePoint?

DotNetNuke has already established itself as one of the most popular as well as preferred web content management systems, based on Microsoft. Net. DotNetNuke websites are known to offer excellent user experience while also letting the brands enhance their identity. The recent trend is that of integrating this content management system with that of Microsoft SharePoint, of which the latest version has recently come out in the form of SharePoint 2013.

The integration is quite helpful for the businesses in a number of ways. Here is a brief overview of how the integration of DotNetNuke with SharePoint can be executed with success.

Effective Document Management with SharePoint

SharePoint is undoubtedly the most preferred as well as even sought- after system for document management, helpful for businesses of varying size or nature. Now, this platform is built into cloud, which allows maximum storage and accessibility. Consequently, the professionals in a team have an opportunity to share as well as collaborate on apparently large amounts of data and documents. Additionally, the platform integrates effectively with Outlook and this enables enhancement of the significance of the social tools. All this leads to a carefully organized atmosphere. The team members can also convert the raw data into important interactive reports.

Integration of DotNetNuke with SharePoint

The best thing about integrating the web content management system with the web application development platform is that the two of them integrates quite seamlessly. An automatic integration implies that no further efforts are required when it comes to operating the system. The DNN Community can merge with the platform in a rather hassle- free manner by means of using the custom modules. The primary idea, here, is to design a system that allows the platform to communicate from behind a firewall with the people facing the website. Now, all this means that the documents can be pushed into the portal on the DotNetNuke website with higher level of safety and efficiency. At the same time, the filter rules can be designed to track down the individual documents to find out as to where they go.

DNN Enterprise and SharePoint Connector

In instances where the platform is used as the document management system, integration of the same with DotNetNuke Enterprise Edition is actually of real benefits. The custom integration saves a lot of money of the enterprise while investment that is made is actually worthy.

The DNN Enterprise SharePoint connector comes up as a powerful and significant feature, supporting both 2007 and 2010 versions of the platform. The firewall issues can be avoided at the same time. Content, on the other hand, stays fresh and is published directly from the SharePoint Document Library. It is the DotNetNuke role- based security network that performs the essential function of protecting the published documents.

Making Use of the SharePoint Folder Provider

The SharePoint Folder is particularly useful in integration with DotNetNuke 6. It enables the DNN users to store as well as synchronize the files contained in the document libraries, located in 2010 version of this platform.

Here is an overview of the features of this Folder and the way it helps:

The communication between the web application development platform and the DotNetNuke 6 becomes faster and more direct by virtue of the folder. It paves the way for multiple providers to indicate to different document libraries from either the similar platform based sites or from the different ones.

The SharePoint Folder facilitates a number of functionalities such as addition cum deleting of folders, uploading, downloading, renaming of files along with synchronization of the files and folders. Above all, this Folder actually acts as a strong base for several DNN modules, which make use of the DotNetNuke file system. Custom SharePoint development teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide SharePoint application development services. If you would like to talk to one of our SharePoint developers or would like to take a look at the work they have done, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

SharePoint and Social Media Goes Together for Unlimited Benefits of Businesses

The social media has become an inextricable part of modern lifestyle. With millions of people using major social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin on a daily basis, the social media has also become an effective medium of web-based communication and information sharing. The social networking platforms have further enabled companies to promote their products and services by targeting customers residing in different regions.

At the same time, many businesses also use social media to stay connected with their existing customers and potentials, along with gathering their suggestions, feedback and views. The huge popularity of social media has further made it essential for each business to choose a content management system that allows them boost public relations by availing the benefits of social media. Unlike the conventional file sharing softwares, the latest version of Microsoft SharePoint offers a variety of functions related to social media and collaboration.

In addition to seamlessly sharing data among your distributed team mambers, clients, vendors and other stakeholders, you can also use SharePoint features to build a customized social media portal for your business just like Facebook. The My Sites feature further enables your employees to create and edit their individual profile pages, and synchronize theire profile with the Active Directory. They can further create public profile to make share both personal and professional information with cowoekers and clients resding in other countries. The social media feature of SharePoint 2013 has made it easier for a business to avail the combined benefits of social media and an innovative content management system. This makes the search for “Top companies in Sharepoint” rise to gigantic global numbers.

Singificant Advantages of SharePoint Social Features

Centralized Location to Store All Your Conten: Each user wants to store all his files in a central location where the information can be accessed easily by others. The My Sites features allow users to have a central location for their personal and professional information. Microsoft has further optimized the features to make it easier for users to access the required information without putting any extra time and effort.

You also have options to use the default Team Template to see links for Sites, Newsfeed and SkyDrive on the top of the page. These links will make it easier for users to quickly navigate within the My Site. Once you make these sites available on several templates, the members of your distributed team can easily navigate from the content related to a specific team or project. Also, they can easily collabaorate the information with their personal account.

Easy to Organize, Access and Share Your Data: Many users look for easier options to organize their content, rather than linking the content to their personal account. Share Point 2013 suuports a concept knows as Follow. The feature enables users to easily and quicky add links and references to specific files on their individual My Sites. At the same time, you can use the features to easily follow documents, people, tags and sites within SharePoint. Based on the things you want to follow, you can see the icon directly that will make it easier for you to access the content in future.

For instance, if your project requires you to create and review new documents, the Follow concept will make it easier for you to add reference to the existing as well as new content. Also, you can review the documents easily by seeing your newsfeed updated. Simialarly, your suggestions and feedback can be viewed by other team members through their newsfeed updates. So they can easily decide the content that they have to rely on, instead of navigating through the entire site.

Options to Start and Continue Conversations: The SharePoint 2013 further allows users to discuss the content by posting, and responding to comments. When one opens his newsfeed, he can view the information on different categories. The section will also see the things that you follow under each catergory. Along with following the content, you can use the feature to interact with other users directly from the site. You can simply add the @ symbol before the name of the specific post, and make it easier for others to find the global address. Also, the mentioned users will get email notifications informing them about the update.

Further, when you create a new team site, it will by default contain a newsfeed. The newsfeed can be used by your teammates to discuss the content. As all your contents are located in a cental place, your coworkers can easily iniatiate a conversation, and participate in discussions. Your colleagues also have options to interact with each other by sending emails. But the interactions through newsfeed will complement the needs of all users. Also, the conversations will remain more centralized within your team or project content.

If you are new to building a social media sharing site using SharePoint 2013, it is advisable to gather instructions provided by Microsoft. The whitepaper further explains how to customize your content management system to avail the features and functionality offered by major social networking platforms.

We provide sharepoint development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert sharePoint developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Best Practices for Successful Migration to SharePoint 2013

Each organization selects the best file sharing software to make its communication system more efficient and powerful. Based on its needs and budget, a company has options to choose from a variety of proprietary and open source content management systems. But many companies prefer using the comprehensive solutions provided by Microsoft SharePoint to transform its operations and operations. SharePoint further enables businesses to preserve and enjoy the benefits offered by their existing IT infrastructure, compliance and structured process.

The latest version of SharePoint offers a set of innovative features like easy to design and brand a website; improved business connectivity services; option to perform eDiscovery queries; and customized identity management. SharePoint 2013 further makes it easier for businesses to optimizing the viewing experience of users regardless of their choice of mobile device and operating system. Similar to other smart users, you must be thinking of migrating to the new version to avail a number of advantages. This makes the search for “Top companies in Sharepoint” who can help in migration torise to gigantic global numbers.

However, many experts have highlighted the risks associated with SharePoint 2013 migration without proper planning. The lack of proper planning will further make your IT professionals to spend a huge amount of time and effort. Therefore, it is becomes essential for a user to explore options to make the project successful without increasing stress. It is also important to understand and implement some best practices to migrate to SharePoint 2013 easily.

5 Best Practices to Make a Successful SharePoint 2013 Migration Plan

1. Address Your Business Needs: When you are migrating to SharePoint 2013, you must use the transitional phase as an opportunity to thoroughly assess your business needs and governance. You can even make a comprehensive plan, and decide how to use the upgraded version, and what type of content you want to store in the new system. At the same time, you must review you existing content management system, and decide the files that must be retained or can be discarded. Reviewing your business needs and information infrastructure from the scratch will surely need some amount of time and efforts. But the investment will make your content management system more efficient and relevant.

2. Organize and Externalize Business Data: Often a huge amount of unused data may affect the performance of your content management adversely. So you must make a cleanup strategy by using the data externalization feature provided by SharePoint 2013. The feature enables you to move a huge amount of unused and old data from your main server to secondary and inexpensive data repositories. For instance, you can use a special tool like Storage Maximizer to easily transfer these data from your SQL server databases to other open source databases. The data externalization will increase your server space, while reducing the time required to access relevant information.

3. Make and Implement an Effective Communication Plan: When you are migrating to an advanced content management system, it is important to communicate the changes to all stakeholders. Often the files are accessed by your employees, clients, vendors and website administrators. So these people must be communicated about how to access the data in a faster and convenient way. It is also a good idea to call all stakeholders, and ensure that they clearly understand how to use SharePoint 2013. At the same time, you can also consider sharing a change management system to make the migration easier without disrupting day to day communication. However, you must set a deadline so that the users can understand how to access files through the hefty GUI provided by SharePoint 2013.

4. Evaluate Your Business Environment Thoroughly: Each business has to store and share a wide range of documents, solutions and data. The files will be stored in SharePoint 2013, but these will be accessed by different users, stakeholders and website administrator. So you must gather their suggestion and feedback to optimize your governance plan. Similar to other organization, you may be storing all your data on network file servers and other collaborative systems. When you are making the migration plan, some or most of these documents can be moved into SharePoint. At the same time, you can also consider using SharePoint 2013 as a comprehensive record management system to manage your existing as wells a future data in a more efficient and organized way.

5. Choose the Best Migration Approach: When a business decides to migrate to SharePoint 2013, it can choose from several data migration approaches. However, you must evaluate each approach based on specific criterions like your business needs and potential trouble spots. As the latest SharePoint version does not allow users to directly upgrade their existing data farm, you have to upgrade by attaching a database, or by using third-party tools. However, you have options to run two data farms at a time by using any one of, or combining the two approaches. It is also important to evaluate the pros and cons of each migration approach to decide the best option to suit your business requirements.

We provide sharepoint development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert sharepoint developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.