RICHMOND, Va (July 1, 2008) - Ironworks Consulting, a management and web consulting firm, along with client Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) are featured on Microsoft’s SharePoint blog highlighting the launch of CCF’s new intranet, “The HUB.”
Ironworks used the latest SharePoint software to build a powerful global platform enhancing CCF staff communications worldwide. Funded through a Microsoft software grant, CCF implemented the new intranet among 31 national offices, regional offices, ChildFund Alliance members and the International Office in Richmond.
The HUB provides a single source for information, content and document storage, as well as a means for collaboration both internally and externally.
David Perkinson, a lead architect for Ironworks Consulting, said that due to the strategic importance of CCF’s intranet initiative and the global presence of personnel, Ironworks followed an aggressive approach to establishing a governance framework for The HUB prior to actual site implementation.
“The out of the box, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 provides CCF with the content management, collaboration and search functionality needed to meet many of the organization’s external needs,” said Perkinson. “SharePoint also provided a solid platform for development and customization allowing our developers to build out custom features and web parts while designers implemented a specialized look and feel.”
“The Hub has become a primary communications tool for CCF employees worldwide,” said Bill Cavender, assistant director of Interactive Communications for CCF. “We now have one central repository for information where we’re able to quickly share documents and, at the same time, post important updates and provide features about employees and programs.”
“The best part is its ease of use,” Cavender added. “You don’t have to be a computer expert to share files.”
By its nature, CCF’s international humanitarian work requires that it be spread out across many regions, countries and time zones. The Hub allows for staff to communicate and collaborate on a daily basis without being in the same office.
“The real benefit is that CCF is able to more easily achieve its objective of improving the lives of deprived, excluded and vulnerable children because employees are able to interact worldwide more readily,” Cavender said.
To see the full Microsoft blog go to:
http://blogs.msdn.com/sharepoint/archive/2008/06/16/how-we-did-it-christian-childrens-fund-extranet-powered-by-sharepoint.aspx