Intervate launches intranet-in-a-box solution

Addressing the needs of medium- to large-sized companies wishing to unify their people, processes and systems, Intervate, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, has launched its intranet-in-a-box solution, IntraBox.

IntraBox makes it easy for companies using Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) technology to rapidly deploy and manage an intranet and portal solution within a limited budget.

"Intranets lie at the heart of an organisation's communication and collaboration strategy," says Migal van As, CEO of Intervate, "while portals form a logical extension to an organisation's intranet by providing a consolidated interface into multi systems and stores. They additionally introduce capabilities such as personalisation and single sign-on. Intervate has packaged 10 years of enterprise project experience and best practice knowledge in designing and implementing intranet and portal projects into IntraBox."

The service Intervate offers includes the project management and implementation of the customer's intranet according to the IntraBox methodology in far less time than it would take by traditional methods. Using the IntraBox approach will also ensure that mid-market companies with limited budgets have access to the same benefits intranets deliver to their enterprise counterparts at substantially higher costs.

"A well planned and implemented intranet results in significantly improved productivity and cost savings," explains Van As. "These benefits are achieved through greater access to information, more efficient processes and reduced time wasting.

"A common misconception of corporate intranets and portals is that they are not used effectively because people prefer to do things the way they have always been done. However, when designed correctly - which means taking cognisance of human behavioural and system usability - intranets and portals become knowledge sharing and administrative hubs that remove the drudge work from administrative tasks. They speed up the process of finding and sharing relevant information, allowing people to spend more time on productive work."

To ensure sustainable success of any intranet and portal initiative, it is imperative that key best practices are followed and common pitfalls avoided in the implementation of the project. IntraBox is a faster and more reliable method of building these systems as it uses pre-built components for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, that offer best practice functionality, as well as configuration principles designed to deliver the desired functionality in minimal time.

Instead of having to rely on expensive and lengthy custom development projects, IntraBox empowers Intervate to rapidly deliver a high-value solution to mid-range customers in weeks rather than months.

"Intervate has been involved in implementing intranet and portal solutions for over 10 years and has worked on many large-scale local and multinational solutions," concludes Van As. "Our experience has given us great insight into the required components and the best approach and methodology to ensure successful project delivery. This knowledge has culminated in the packaged solution offering we call IntraBox."