User-Generated Applications Drive SharePoint Value

Defining SharePoint is no easy task. It has components for multiple applications that offer functionality including business intelligence, collaboration, and content management. Beyond application functionality, SharePoint also contains a multilevel development environment that holds appeal and opportunity for everyone from end users, who can now use SharePoint to develop simple form-based applications, to professional developers building complex applications. However, since SharePoint development is accessible to both highly skilled and unskilled developers, information and knowledge management (I&KM) professionals could find themselves with a chaotic environment that compromises the reliability of mission-critical applications. To tap the power of SharePoint and to avoid risks, I&KM pros must work closely with IT to develop policies that empower users, reduce the burden on IT, and respect the larger computing environment.