We've heard it for many years... Intranets are dead. They're a vast wasteland of outdated content and antiquated technology from a bygone era. However, the unprecedented innovation from the likes of Microsoft, of all places, is turning the enterprise intranet literally upside down.
Let's take a look at some of the most common Intranet myths.
Myth 1: The Intranet is an extraneous, outdated channel for corporate spin.
This most common misconception may have been true at some point years ago. But today's modern intranet has evolved into a powerful, dynamic tool that's integrated seamlessly in the flow of work. It serves literally as the backbone of a digitally transformed, hybrid workplace, facilitating collaboration, communication, and information sharing.
Myth 2: Intranets are just information repositories
Some believe that intranets merely serve as repositories for employee communication, HR policies and corporate documentation. While these are some aspects of intranets, today's modern intranets are far more versatile, offering features like collaborative networking, knowledge sharing, and interactive communication tools, providing a truly holistic platform for collaboration and employee engagement.
Myth 3: Intranets are costly and complicated
The perception that overhauling an old intranet is expensive and complex can discourage organizations from even trying. However, a company that already has Microsoft 365 licenses (for tools such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams) already owns all the technology needed. Microsoft 365 includes all the integrated technical capabilities needed, including SharePoint, Stream, Viva Engage, and Viva Connections at no extra cost. With this cloud-based solution and user-friendly interfaces, modern intranets are more accessible and cost-effective than ever before.
Myth 4: Intranets are isolated platforms
Another myth is that intranets operate in isolation, disconnected from other digital tools and platforms. In reality, modern intranets seamlessly integrate with popular software like Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, and Viva, creating a unified digital workplace ecosystem.
Myth 5: Intranets are mostly for IT
This couldn't be further from reality. Today's Microsoft 365-based intranets are extremely easy to create and manage with far less IT support than ever before. And Intranets benefit all employees, from HR professionals and marketers to frontline workers and executives. Encouraging cross-functional collaboration on intranet development can maximize its potential.
Conclusion
Don't let these intranet myths hold your organization back from embracing digital transformation in the enterprise workplace. Modern intranets are not outdated repositories but versatile, integrated platforms that foster collaboration, engagement, and productivity. By dispelling these misconceptions and embracing the power of the intranet, you can set your organization on a path to a digitally transformed and more agile future.
