The organization must make a decision about what level of client access to provide early in the design process to ensure that the client access is fine-tuned for the different types of users who will be accessing the SharePoint 2003 sites. The four choices outlined in this chapter are as follows:
Restrict access to SharePoint 2003 internal users. This is the most secure and simplest configuration to implement and support but does not fully leverage SharePoint 2003's features and capabilities. This configuration is well suited to organizations with high levels of security that want to protect their documents and data that will be stored in SharePoint 2003 sites.
Allow employees external access to SharePoint 2003. This configuration is more complex but more fully leverages the features and capabilities of SharePoint 2003. When this access is provided, it is critical that the organization has the appropriate policies and security measures in place because the external computers used to access the SharePoint 2003 sites may not be controlled or controllable by the organization. This solution is well suited to organizations with medium security concerns, with many key knowledge workers who travel extensively or work from home.
Allow employees and trusted partners external access to SharePoint 2003. This design adds complexity to simply allowing employees external access to the SharePoint 2003 sites; however, it further leverages the document-management and collaboration capabilities of SharePoint 2003. This solution is well suited for organizations that include external companies and consultants in their projects.
Allow employees, trusted partners, and customers access to SharePoint 2003. This is the most complex of the configurations covered because the customers will most likely be anonymous and the SharePoint 2003 design needs to take this into account when determining which sites and what data the anonymous users have access to. This design enables the organization to leverage its SharePoint 2003 resources to enhance communications with its existing and potential customer base.
The organization also needs to decide whether to support non-Windows operating systems and browsers other than Internet Explorer. By choosing to support only Microsoft operating systems and Internet Explorer, support will be streamlined and the clients will have the highest level of compatibility with the SharePoint 2003 sites.
SharePoint Portal Server 2001 document libraries can be accessed but require the installation of the appropriate client access software. Organizations should plan on migrating to SharePoint 2003 document libraries to ease administration and support and take advantage of the enhanced features of SharePoint 2003.
Although there are no specific client requirements for accessing SharePoint 2003 sites, Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 Professional are recommended, along with Internet Explorer 6.0 and Office System 2003 applications.
This chapter offers many configuration tips and recommendations. By taking the time to create corporate standards for the configuration of the XP Professional desktop and the Internet Explorer 6.0 browser settings, users have shorter learning curves and require less support during the learning process.
Understanding and using the History feature in Internet Explorer 6.0 can make users more productive and is recommended.
Understanding, using, and organizing Favorites in Internet Explorer 6.0 can also aid in navigation for new and seasoned users. Favorites can also be imported, which is a great way for the organization to provide a standardized navigational aid to new users.
Offline websites can be useful for remote and traveling users, but they can be complex to configure, and users will most likely require hand-holding and training to understand how to use them reliably.
Internet Explorer zones are another tool that the organization can use to help ensure the security of the client systems. The organization should provide training to more advanced users on how to use zones and consider implementing standards through IEAK and Group Policies.
Similar to Favorites, My Network Places can be helpful to users if they understand how to add new Network Places and give them meaningful names.
HTML Viewing is available for use with SharePoint 2003 sites but needs to be configured separately. The recommended system is a server class system with Windows Server 2003; IIS; the .NET Framework installed; and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2003 installed. There are limitations to the types of files that can be translated, as listed in this chapter, which should be understood prior to installing the HTML Viewer software.
Anonymous access can be provided if needed but should be provided through a new virtual server in IIS as discussed in this chapter.
Support resources and personnel are critical to positive user experiences with SharePoint 2003 and should be well thought out prior to implementing the solution. A well-rounded support practice involves site-specific resources that users can turn to, online documents customized to the needs of specific groups of users, and more generic online tools. Classroom-style training classes can also be beneficial.
