Tag: SharePoint

SharePoint book review

I have completed a review of Mastering Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 by C.A. Callahan for those who are interested.

In summary, I liked it because it is one of the few books that is specifically focused on Windows SharePoint Services rather than SharePoint in general (which also includes MOSS). It covers a good deal of ground from installation to using to advanced configuration including things like network load balancing. Some of more advanced topics may not be relevant to those using WSS v3 with Small Business Server but none the less I feel this book is a worthwhile reference for those looking for information about WSS v3.

WSSOPS March update

The March update for my Windows SharePoint Operations Guide (due out soon) will give subscribers information about how to install and use the new Microsoft SharePoint Administration Toolkit v3 that will assist in troubleshooting and optimization SharePoint performance. I’ve also included instructions on how you can embed Google maps into your SharePoint site (to see this in action go to the http://supportweb.ciaops.net.au/ and scroll to the bottom of the screen).

 

The March update also has updated information for SharePoint Application Management about deleting SharePoint sites. As well, it includes how to vary the time that the !New icon is displayed (and even getting rid of it if you want!) and a whole lot more updated content.

 

The fact that my Guide is updated monthly is another benefit you get over other SharePoint sources. As the latest information and functionality becomes available I put it in the Guide. As a subscriber you receive these updates for a whole year.

 

For more information about the Windows SharePoint Guide see www.wssops.com.

EasyJet video

Here’s a nice short video about how EasyJet are using SharePoint Server 2007 as their intranet.

Big bad SharePoint

Interesting article about how people (especially IBM) are scrambling to bridge the SharePoint divide. In part, the article says:

 

“Big Blue is clearly worried about the broad proliferation of SharePoint sites. They are cropping up in companies and departments everywhere. With the free Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) so easy to turn on, and departments needing a simple to use, cheap place to store documents and collaborate on work, it’s no wonder they skip WebSphere to get their jobs done. So IBM, not wanting to get kicked completely to the curb needs an integration story for all these SharePoint data stores.”

In these poor economic times even large businesses can see that free Windows SharePoint Services can make them far more productive. The article also goes on to say:

 

“But it doesn’t look like IBM is the only big boy scared of the SharePoint craze. It seems the Open Source community may also be a little concerned about loosing market share to the mighty marketing machine that is Microsoft.”

So it would seem that SharePoint has them all running scared. Why? Because it is such a great tool. Because it is a platform on which on-going development is happening. As more and more people get on board with SharePoint the whole ecosystem around the product grows. Sure, Microsoft probably makes lots of money from SharePoint Office Server (MOSS) but Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) is free. It is even an integrated part of SBS 2008. So why do so few small businesses use it?

 

I think simply because no one has ever shown them what SharePoint is. If there was ever an opportunity in this market, then here it is. SharePoint is a quick and easy way to provide real time saving solutions for clients. It is a great way to help save them money by doing things better.

 

So what’s the first step? If you aren’t familiar with SharePoint then start using it, see my Windows SharePoint Operations Guide as a way to get skilled up quickly, visit my SharePoint site http://supportweb.ciaops.net.au for free document downloads, go out and buy some books and read, but mainly start using it so you can sell it. Why? The opposition is running scared when it comes to SharePoint and that sounds pretty encouraging to me.

What’s coming to WSSOPS in February

I’ve been working hard adding more information to my Windows SharePoint Operations Guide. In February subscribers will find information about an addition migration technique that is particularly handy when you want to merge the content of two SharePoint sites together. There is also a new section covering recommended SharePoint books not only for administrators but also for users. As well there is information site columns and creating additional document library templates.

 

I like to think part of the value of the Guide is that fact it gets updated with more information every month. So when you get the Guide you not only get all the information it currently contains (plus the other benefits) but also updated information (and any additional benefits) that come along for the period of subscription.

 

And you never know, there maybe some more special offers coming real soon, so stay tuned.

SharePoint Guide last minute bargain

Well we are not too far away from 2009 folks. Apart from the digit change in the year my Windows SharePoint Operations Guide will also be going up in price from January 1. However, if you are quick you can still get it for the 2008 price of $239.99 from Karl Palachuk’s SMBBooks site.

 

Karl’s also done a blog post on the product just to let everyone know so there’ll be on excuses.

 

The January release is all ready to go with numerous updates for subscribers. I believe this what sets the Guide apart from other publications is the fact that it is a 12 month subscription in which you receive:

 

– Monthly updated documentation with regular additions.

– Over 1,000 pages of documentation covering many hard to find SharePoint topics including migration, database configuration and add-ons.

– Access to a free hosted SharePoint v3 site for testing and demonstration.

– DVD updates that not only includes all the documentation but also all the files you need to install SharePoint.

– Access to free email SharePoint support from myself.

– and more

 

For just the cost of a few hours work you’ll receive literally hundreds of hours that I’ve invested in this product documenting and testing everything inside. If you are working with, or plan to work with, Windows SharePoint on SBS2008 or SBS2003 then the Windows SharePoint Guide is going to save you hours of work.

 

So get it now for 2009 benefits at 2008 prices!

What coming in the next SharePoint Guide release?

Here is some of the new content that will be included in January release of my Windows SharePoint Operations Guide:

 

– Migration to Companyweb on SBS 2008. I have retested my initial beta information of this process on the released version of SBS 2008 and added some additional information about security. So like SBS 2008, this process is no longer in beta.

 

– Upgrading SQL Versions. There are cases where you may wish to upgrade the version of SQL server you are using with SharePoint. Typically this involves an upgrade from the default SQL Server 2005 Embedded Edition (SSEE) to the full version of SQL server. I have documented the full process to make it simple and straight forward.

 

– Additional troubleshooting techniques. I’ve added a few more troubleshooting techniques to help overcome some common frustrations.

 

These are just a few of the items I’ll be adding for the January release. As always, subscribers will receive their new versions automatically free as part of their subscription to the Guide. If you aren’t a subscriber then don’t forget that from January 1, 2009 the price for the Guide rises to $299. So if you get in now you’ll save $50!

 

As always, information about the Windows SharePoint Operations Guide can be found at http://www.wssops.com. I thank all my subscribers for their support over the last year and look forward to providing you even more content in 2009.

Edit in datasheet without Microsoft Office

Normally in SharePoint if you want to edit a list or library in a datasheet the machine you are using has to have Microsoft Office installed.

 

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But what happens in cases where machines aren’t going to need Microsoft Office otherwise? It seems a little silly to purchase a copy of Microsoft Office just to have the ability to edit in a datasheet with SharePoint.

 

The solution is to download and install Access 2007 Runtime from Microsoft which is a free download. So now all client machines can have the functionality of using the ‘Edit in Datasheet’ feature without having to purchase an additional Microsoft Office license.