Choosing a Site Type for a Sharepoint 2007 (MOSS) Site

After determining the overall requirements and information architecture for a Sharepoint 2007 site, the Site Administrator will have to determine the site type to be used at the top or root level.

 

Sharepoint 2007 (MOSS) provides a number of site types to choose from when creating a new site. After reviewing the brief descriptions for each type from the Create Site options, the administrator may ask,  

"Should I create a publishing or collaboration site at the top/root level?"

The answer should be carefully considered and primarily determined by the features that support the business and information architecture requirements. 

• Who will be contributing content to the site? 
  
• Will the site require branding?
  
• How will the content be managed?
  
• What search functionality will be required across the site?
  
• Will workflows be required for business processes such as publishing or content approval?
  
• What audiences require access and how will access be provided? 
  
• Will the site require duplication of environments? eg. production and test sites
  

So what are the differences between site types?

Microsoft provides some useful information to assist with your decision:

- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262612.aspx
- http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=92330
- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262410.aspx

It's obviously important to set the top level site hierarchy correctly, even though you can create various site combinations below the top site. Be sure to prototype a couple of site hierarchy options and review their functionality and features with key business stakeholders before finalising.