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Overview

One of the biggest advantages of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 is the ease with which users can create and customize Web sites. With minimal training— and with no need for special technical knowledge or coding skills—users can build elaborate sites to manage documents, display business data, coordinate schedules in a group, collaborate with coworkers, and perform many other functions.

Because Office SharePoint Server 2007 is so easy to use, it is essential to lay a solid foundation of planning and policies before you implement SharePoint Server for your organization. Repeat after me: "The key to success with SharePoint Server is planning." That's your new mantra. This article begins by discussing some of the basic concepts and terminology you need to know to work on a SharePoint site. Then the article talks about the key things you need to plan before you even begin to create your site:

• Governance model
• Information architecture
• Site structure

Each section of the article points to additional online resources where you can learn more about a subject. Finally, the article provides you with tips about documenting your site and training your users. This article will help you get started building the foundation for a successful SharePoint Server site. Hopefully, it will put you on a path for getting started that will help you avoid the chaos that can result from just opening the doors and letting people do whatever they want.