Organizations today are constantly seeking ways to streamline their internal communication, document management, and collaboration processes. Intranet portals serve as a vital tool in achieving these objectives. However, many businesses face a critical decision: should they adopt an out-of-the-box (OOTB) intranet solution or invest in custom development?
This article explores the undeniable benefits of using OOTB intranet portal applications and why they can be a game-changer for organizations of all sizes.
What are out-of-the-box intranet portal applications?
Out-of-the-box intranet solutions are pre-built platforms designed to meet common organizational needs without requiring extensive customization. These platforms leverage built-in functionalities to create feature-rich intranets, eliminating the need for:
- Custom coding
- Third-party plugins or extensions
- Proprietary themes
- Complex integration with external systems
Instead, they focus on configuration over customization, ensuring ease of use and cost-efficiency.
Key benefits of using OOTB intranet portal applications
1. Cost Efficiency
One of the most compelling reasons to choose OOTB solutions is cost savings. These platforms are often included as part of existing enterprise subscriptions (e.g., Microsoft 365), reducing the need for additional investments in third-party tools or developers. Businesses can redirect resources toward other strategic initiatives instead of incurring the high costs associated with custom development.
2. Faster Implementation
OOTB intranet portals are pre-configured and ready to deploy, significantly reducing the time required to launch. Unlike custom-built solutions, which involve extensive planning, coding, testing, and training, OOTB applications enable organizations to go live in a matter of weeks, not months. This rapid implementation ensures faster ROI.
3. Simplified Maintenance and Updates
With OOTB applications, ongoing maintenance and updates are managed by the platform provider. Organizations don’t have to worry about compatibility issues, debugging custom code, or ensuring functionality after system updates. This simplicity translates into reduced IT overhead and a hassle-free experience.
4. Reliability and Support
OOTB solutions are thoroughly tested by the platform providers, ensuring robust performance. Built-in features are reliable and come with comprehensive support and documentation. Businesses can also benefit from the vendor’s regular updates and patches, ensuring continuous improvement without additional costs.
5.Seamless User Adoption
OOTB solutions are designed with usability in mind. Employees familiar with enterprise tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or similar platforms can easily adapt to OOTB intranet portals. Additionally, abundant training resources and community forums are readily available, eliminating the steep learning curve often associated with custom-built systems.
6.Mobile Accessibility
Modern OOTB intranet solutions come with mobile-friendly interfaces and dedicated apps, enabling employees to access critical information on the go. Customizations made to desktop versions may not always translate well to mobile devices, but OOTB solutions ensure a seamless mobile experience.
7. Continuous Innovation
OOTB platforms continuously evolve, introducing new features and functionalities based on user feedback and market trends. For example, features like workflow automation, AI-driven insights, and file-sharing enhancements are regularly added to platforms like Microsoft SharePoint Online. Organizations leveraging OOTB solutions automatically benefit from these innovations without additional effort.
8. Risk Mitigation
Custom solutions often carry the risk of breaking functionality during updates or creating dependencies on specific developers. OOTB platforms eliminate these risks by adhering to industry standards and ensuring compatibility with updates, saving organizations from potential disruptions.
9. Scalability
OOTB intranet portals are designed to grow with your organization. Whether you’re adding more users, integrating with other tools within the ecosystem, or scaling operations globally, OOTB solutions offer the flexibility to expand without requiring extensive rework or additional costs.
10. Alignment with Best Practices
OOTB solutions are built to align with industry best practices, ensuring compliance, security, and standardization. Custom-built solutions often require additional scrutiny to meet these standards, while OOTB platforms inherently follow them, providing peace of mind.
Why choose AVASOFT for out-of-the-box intranet solutions?
AVASOFT’s expertise in digital transformation and enterprise collaboration platforms makes us the ideal partner for organizations looking to maximize the potential of OOTB intranet solutions. With years of experience in implementing Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and other enterprise platforms, we ensure that your intranet is configured to meet your unique business needs while adhering to industry best practices.
Whether you’re looking to enhance employee productivity, streamline internal communication, or improve document management, AVASOFT’s tailored approach ensures seamless adoption and measurable results.
Let us help you gain the full potential of OOTB intranet portals to drive your business forward.
