Intranet Approaches: Build with cool tools, or use an out-of-the-box best practices solution?

Recently, we have seen a number of organizations who are looking to deploy an Intranet Structure wrestling with the approach of building it themselves using tools, pieces and parts, from vendors vs. using an already built out-of-the-box application based on best practice design.  They are looking at companies like Live Tiles, Unily, or Valo that provide building blocks, thinking they can design an effective intranet structure.
This is interesting because many of people shopping may not fully understand that just having the tools, does not mean you know how to design an Intranet portal structure. 
​  
Like building a house with no architectural plan

Let’s step back and compare building an intranet structure to building a house.  We have all gone into custom built houses that are poorly designed and wondered what were the original owners thinking? 

​Imagine you have bought a lot and you are ready to build your home.  You can have a bunch of materials dropped off, get power tools and build it yourself.  Maybe you have watched some videos and think you can design it yourself.  Or you just start building it with the cool new power tools you got.  

Read More