SharePoint 2013 boasts a more simplified user interface than its predecessors, but several new features make it not only a powerful tool for collaboration, but for data analysis and integration as well. Although most of these features are built-in or enabled by default, some may not be obvious at first glance or will require a few steps of configuration to avoid user confusion.
From improved site creation to increased social media capabilities, these expert tips will help administrators and enterprises get the most out of what SharePoint 2013 has to offer.
The right way to configure co-authoring in SharePoint 2013
With document co-authoring enabled by default in SharePoint 2013, multiple users can edit a document at a time without overwriting previous changes. Administrators will still need to configure SharePoint so users aren’t required to check documents out of the document library, and document versioning — which is disabled by default — will also need to be configured appropriately.
SharePoint 2013′s tight social media integration
Unlike previous versions of SharePoint, which had limited social media capabilities, SharePoint 2013 integrates microblogging features found on Twitter and Facebook, including hashtags, follows, mentions and likes. Enterprises can leverage the increased connectivity of the SharePoint community as a way to share knowledge and improve team productivity.
How to synchronize SharePoint 2013 lists with Outlook 2013
Support for various types of SharePoint 2013 lists is built into Outlook 2013, allowing users to access their SharePoint data directly from the email client. However, administrators would do well to train users on accessing SharePoint data through Outlook in order to avoid any accidental crossover between personal and team information.
How the Design Manager in SharePoint 2013 modernizes site creation
Site creation is much more flexible in SharePoint 2013, thanks to the Design Manager. This new publishing feature not only allows users to upload designs created in the HTML or CSS design tools of their choice, but also features improved themes, design packages and device channels that render sites differently for mobile devices.
How SharePoint 2013 analytics enables real-time decision making
Accessing analytics is easier than ever in SharePoint 2013. OData support in Business Connectivity Services provides real-time access to data from multiple sources, and various Web protocols are available for query and update operations. Another improvement over past iterations of SharePoint is the fact that reports can now be generated in Excel.
How to synchronize SharePoint 2013 lists with Outlook 2013
Support for various types of SharePoint 2013 lists is built into Outlook 2013, allowing users to access their SharePoint data directly from the email client. However, administrators would do well to train users on accessing SharePoint data through Outlook in order to avoid any accidental crossover between personal and team information.