The SharePoint experts from the IPI GmbH make SharePoint portals on the basis of the 5i method Lichtenau, June 24, 2010. The IPI GmbH, Lichtenau, presents a totally new, knowledge-based approach to portal projects based on Microsoft SharePoint. Based on the experience with more than 250 customers the company has developed the 5i method, which is known from the discipline of knowledge management. The method enables a holistic, validated approach for the introduction of SharePoint. It is suitable particularly for knowledge-based companies that make high demands on collaboration and communities in addition to the publishing. Looking ahead on possible developments and future requirements for the procurement of information within the company, IPI forms SharePoint portals that cover the requirements for cooperation, but also to a comprehensive knowledge base easily and without media discontinuity. The model included both infrastructure, integration, knowledge as well as access services. Already since 2002, IPI concentrated exclusively on SharePoint projects and solutions.

Various data sources that are connected to the SharePoint include the infrastructure services in the model. The integration services, such as business connectivity services, Web services or even workflows, serve a unified access by users and enrich search results to semantic information. Knowledge services include among other things numerous SharePoint’s own base functions. With these, information useful bundled and offered knowledge-specific actions. The access services IPI is the presentation layer and user interface, allowing users on the various information and documents can be accessed.

Background of the 5i method is as follows: companies often start with a SharePoint Portal, and this grows then organic. First there are team sites for a better collaboration among the employees, then project sites are added. Users of also communities, a common wish good success and the high level of internal acceptance Knowledge Base, dashboards with business intelligence data, company news and a central search. Considering this possible evolution of a SharePoint Portal in advance, media fractions and a variety of information Islands arise side by side”outlines the IPI director Roland Klein the experiences of SharePoint experts.