One of the most important aspects of a portal is its ability to aggregate and integrate information, such as applications, services, and content. This functionality includes the ability to embed non-persistent information, such as stock quotes, through the portal, and to run applications within, or deliver them through, a portal.
Table 1–5 shows the aggregation and integration features and their benefits.
Table 1–5 Aggregation Features and Benefits
Feature |
Description |
Benefit |
---|---|---|
The Portal Desktop provides the primary end-user interface for Portal Server and a mechanism for extensible content aggregation through the Provider Application Programming Interface (PAPI). The Portal Desktop includes a variety of providers that enable container hierarchy and the basic building blocks for building some types of channels. |
Users no longer have to search for the information. Instead, the information finds them. |
|
Consistent set of tools |
Users can use the provided set of tools such as web-based email and calendaring software that follows them through their entire time at the company. |
Users do not have to use one tool for one project, another tool for another location. Because these tools all work within the portal framework, the tools have a consistent look and feel and work similarly, reducing training time. |
Collaboration |
Portal Server provides control and access to data as a company-wide resource. |
In many companies, data is seen as being owned by individual departments, instead of as a company-wide resource. The portal can act as a catalyst for making the data available in a controlled way to the people who need to use it. This broader, more immediate access can improve collaboration. |
Integration |
Portal Server enables you to use the Portal Desktop as the sole place for users to gain access to or launch applications and access data. |
Integration with existing email, calendar, legacy, or web applications enables the portal to serve as a unified access point, enabling access to the information quickly and easily. |