ISG's SharePoint Offering

SharePoint and iMIS are integrated via single sign-on
ISG's integration allows users to login to SharePoint 2007 using ISGweb forms, and to manage users directly from the association management system (AMS) database, not only in the SharePoint database but also in the internal network's Active Directory system. In addition, access rights are automatically assigned in SharePoint based on AMS attributes.

For example, when an individual from a member organization becomes a committee leader according to iMIS, SharePoint will automatically grant him/her access to the applicable committee's workspaces without requiring a separate security system update in SharePoint.

Pre-configured templates for committees, chapters and other association groups
ISG's add-on modules for SharePoint 2007 are delivered as custom website templates designed specifically for different types of association groups. ISG templates combine standard SharePoint features, ISGweb functions, custom components and business rules that are relevant to each particular type of collaborative group. Building on the foundation of ready-to-deploy website configurations removes the burden of having to design each extranet from scratch using generic SharePoint tools.

For example, committee sites incorporate voting and nominations, a leadership directory, wikis, and workspaces for committee meetings. Chapter sites include roster management features and self-service reports that are required by the chapter's leaders.

ISGweb modules can be deployed inside SharePoint pages
ISGweb forms can be deployed inside the framework of the SharePoint Content Management System (CMS) in the same way ISGweb works with the association's public website. ISG has also programmed predefined custom web parts within SharePoint pages to make the ISGweb functionality work within the context of SharePoint.

For example, the ISGweb leadership directory automatically selects for whichever iMIS committee code applies to the user's current workspace.

iMIS data is accessible within the SharePoint system
ISG has pre-configured the SharePoint Business Data Catalog so that iMIS data describing contacts, events, and membership status can be used as an integral part of the standard SharePoint search, calendar, and group functionality.

For example, users can view a group-specific calendar of events that combines events added via Microsoft Outlook with events configured and tracked in iMIS, filtered according to iMIS criteria to show only those events that apply to the group. In addition, committee members can vote on a ballot with nominees selected based on criteria defined in iMIS.

Easy ongoing system configuration
ISG's website structures include administrative components for recurring tasks such as creating new workspaces and workflows. New sites are easily cloned from existing sites, complete with all the applicable website components, look and feel, navigation, and security. It also takes minimal effort for association staff to define their own custom rules for automated workflows, because they can build on the foundation of ISG's pre-defined workflow types.

For example, a new committee site can be added to an association's extranet in a single step. ISG's workflow types include document approval processes, feedback, voting processes, and report distribution.