Chapter 7. Configuring Client Access to SharePoint Resources

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Four Different Options for Configuring SharePoint 2003 Client Access

• Additional Client Access Decisions

• SharePoint 2003 Client Access Requirements

• Client Requirements for Accessing SharePoint 2001 Document Libraries

• Using Internet Explorer 6.0 to Access SharePoint 2003 Sites

• Using Netscape Navigator 7.2 to Access SharePoint 2003 Sites

• Using My Network Places to Access SharePoint 2003 Sites

• Using Word 2003 to Access SharePoint 2003 Sites

• Configuring an HTML Viewer for SharePoint 2003

• Providing Anonymous Access

• Installing the Client Components for Backward-Compatible Document Libraries

• Providing Support to Clients

Chapter 6, “Installing SharePoint Portal Server 2003 and Windows SharePoint Services,” covered the configuration options and processes to be followed for installing Windows SharePoint Services and SharePoint Portal Server 2003 to provide the basic infrastructure. This chapter concentrates on key elements that contribute to the user experience when accessing these sites. Although having the proper server configuration that is reliable and high-performance is important, if the users don't have a good experience accessing the sites, the project won't be considered a complete success.

This chapter covers the different client access options that an organization can choose from to allow access to SharePoint 2003 sites, ranging from a purely internal SharePoint 2003 configuration, to one that is open to the outside world. The Windows XP My Network Places tool is discussed, and Internet Explorer 6.0 and Netscape Navigator 7.2 are reviewed, and their respective strengths highlighted.

Access using browsers other than Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator on the market or from a Linux or Macintosh operating system won't be covered in this chapter due to space limitations. Other third-party technologies also can be used to access SharePoint 2003 sites, such as Citrix MetaFrame software products, and specialty products can be used to provide access to visually impaired or blind knowledge workers. If these products need to be supported, the prototype and testing phases should allocate time to thoroughly test these technologies.

Chapter 5, “Planning and Designing the SharePoint 2003 User Environment,” covers in depth the elements to consider when designing the SharePoint 2003 environment with regard to end-user access, including security and permissions, audiences, and site groups, and provides a design background to the information provided in this chapter.

After reading this chapter, you should have a good understanding of the pros and cons of different methods of accessing the SharePoint 2003 environment and be ready to perform further tests in your specific IT infrastructure to determine which methods are best for your business and support needs.