Using Amazon Web Services with SharePoint 2013

In addition to being a web application development platform, SharePoint is also used by a large number of enterprises for document and management. Microsoft has released SharePoint 2013 with a set of advanced features to broaden its capacity. It allows organizations to avail the latest cloud-based iterations of the collaboration platform. The SharePoint applications in the cloud can be further managed by users through customized applications designed by several companies including Microsoft.

The users also have option to run SharePoint 2013 with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to avail several benefits including no upfront investment, lower operational cost, enhanced speed and flexible capacity. Microsoft has made it easier for users to run SharePoint in AWS through the License Mobility through Software Assurance. Also, Amazon EC2 running Windows Server create a secure and reliable environment to deploy and run the SharePoint applications.

Important Advantages of Using Amazon Web Services with SharePoint 2013

No Upfront Investment

When an organization decides to deploy SharePoint in the cloud, it is not required to invest any funds upfront. As Amazon requires users to pay only for the cloud resources used by them, they are not required to procure any new hardware. In addition to pay-as-you-go pricing, Amazon further takes care of the hardware management. Thus, an organization can optimize its content management without incurring any initial cost.

Easy and Fast Deployment

An enterprise can further deploy SharePoint applications in the cloud without putting any additional time and effort. After obtaining the required license, it can deploy the application quickly without waiting for the required hardware to arrive. Microsoft has further optimized the online version of SharePoint by including several advanced features to eliminate the functional gaps associated with switching to a cloud-based environment.

Use Existing Skill and Software

Similar to hardware, a business can run SharePoint application with AWS without requiring skilled developers and resources. Microsoft has designed the platform with a set of simple and easy features. So an enterprise can quickly create and deploy new apps by using its existing developers and software assets. Unlike other cloud services, the AWS platform supports a large number of operating systems and programming language. So the .NET developers can create robust application by using familiar tools and IDEs like Visual Studio.

Curtail Capital Expenses

Each modern business explores option to convert capital expenses into operational expenses. But the team managing infrastructure always tries to sabotage such initiatives in order to retain control. An organization can use SharePoint 2013 with AWS to curtail both capital and operational expenses. It can scale down the cost according to its cloud resource requirements. At the same time, a business can further avoid the large and upfront expenses. The AWS Cloud allows organizations to add capacity according to the changes in business demand. So an enterprise can easily scale the cloud capacity quickly according to its needs.

Manage SharePoint through Customized Applications

Unlike large enterprises, the small and local businesses cannot afford to deploy an IT team to manage their content and documents. SharePoint 2013 facilitates document and content management without deploying a dedicated team. The users have option to manage the SharePoint application with AWS using a variety of applications developed by Microsoft and third-party companies. So it becomes easier for the small and medium enterprises to align technologies with business processes without deploying any additional resources.

Enhanced Security

While deploying an application in the cloud, users have to explore ways to keep it secure and inaccessible. As a secure and durable technology platform, AWS is widely used by companies belonging to different industries and regions. The certifications and audit standards used by the platform is further recognized across industries. Thus, an organization gets a secure and reliable environment to deploy SharePoint applications.

A number of recent reports have highlighted that a gradual increase is noted in the number of enterprises using Amazon Web Services with SharePoint 2013. However, each organization also needs to identify and address some of the important challenges while using AWS with SharePoint 2013. It also needs to choose the right third-party applications to get enhanced data privacy and security. You can hire developers from custom Sharepoint development companies who can help build sharepoint apps for you within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide sharepoint webparts development services. If you would like to hire sharepoint developers for your development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

5 Safety Concerns of Using SharePoint on Mobile Devices

The growing popularity of smartphones and tablets has encouraged many companies to upgrade their existing software by including specialized features and functionality to target the new users. Microsoft has upgraded SharePoint with loads of features to target some of the most popular mobile operating systems including Windows, iOS and Android. The mobile capabilities have made it easier for many application developers and resellers to optimize their users’ mobile experience without putting any extra time.

At the same time, these features have enabled users to access a variety of content on their mobile devices anytime and anywhere. Most companies, nowadays, allow their staff to access corporate resources through their mobile devices to reduce project cost. With more and more users accessing SharePoint 2013 on their handheld devices, it has become essential for companies to keep the mobile experience of their employees and customers safe and secure.

So the IT department often finds it a daunting challenge to completely control the way the corporate resources are being accessed by various stakeholders. Many companies even look for the best techniques to prepare a comprehensive SharePoint mobile security plan. However, you can always concentrate on some common mobile security measures to ensure that your employees and clients will access SharePoint content without compromising the security of sensitive corporate content. This can help you unleash the powers of custom sharepoint development while keeping security strengthened.

5 Common Security Guidelines for Using SharePoint on Mobile Devices

Securing Content when the Mobile Device is Lost or Stolen: In comparison to computers, the chances of a mobile device being lost or stolen are much higher. So you must make a policy to protect the sensitive documents and data of your company, in case a user’s mobile device is lost or stolen. If a person is allowed of access corporate resources on his smartphone or tablet, he must be asked to protect his mobile devices through a lock or pin. Also, you must explore options to remotely wipe out the documents and data stored on the mobile device. As the security features vary from one mobile device to another, you must implement policies by targeting the major mobile operating systems.

Protecting Users’ Login Credentials: Most mobile devices allow users to store their username, password, and similar credentials. Some devices even use cookies to store the login credential of users. So you must train your staff about the most effective way to protect their credentials. After completing a task, the user must sign out of the corporate website. Similarly, they must disable all options that allow them to remember their passwords or keep them signed in. It is also important to delete cookies on their mobile browser on a daily basis. These measures will make it difficult for unauthorized users to access the corporate resources in case the mobile device is lost or stolen.

Protecting Communication between Server and Mobile Device: Most users access the data and documents of their organization through their mobile web browsers. So you must implement a strategy to secure the communication between your SharePoint Server 2013 and mobile web browsers. You can always keep the communication secure by enabling SSL. You can even consider using Forefront Unified Access Gateway (UAG) or any other reverse proxy server to keep the communication secure. By securing the communication, you can further minimize the chances of your corporate resources being hacked.

Activate Exchange ActiveSync Protocol: As a communication protocol, Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync is effective in optimizing the device-side security. The protocol is presently available for Windows phones and other third-party mobile devices. You can further administer the device security by administering a comprehensive policy. Normally, the mobile devices of users access the SharePoint Server 2013 through a public-facing URL. So the SharePoint data and documents will remain inaccessible in case a mobile device is lost or stolen. Also, you can use the protocol to remotely wipe a variety of data from the mobile device. The protocol also enables you to prevent unauthorized access by displaying a lock screen that will force the users to enter a complex password.

Impose Multiple Authentications: Microsoft has further updated SharePoint 2013 with multiple authentication modes and methods. However, all authentication methods and modes may not be supported by each mobile device. So you have to make a comprehensive list of mobile devices that your employees use for accessing the corporate resources. Based on the supported mobile devices, you have to understand and implement the relevant authentication modes. Also, you have to decide the files, documents and resources that you will allow your staff to access on mobile devices. If you have made SharePoint sites, it will be easier to decide the mobile devices that can be used to access the resources externally. The external access restrictions will also have a impact on the authentication methods selected by you.

It is also important to review the guidelines for using SharePoint on mobile devices to make the security arrangements stronger and more effective. At the same time, you should also explore the latest security measures recommended by Microsoft to keep your corporate resources secure and inaccessible.

We provide Sharepoint development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert SharePoint developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.