Installing, configuring, and creating a Microsoft Office 2007 SharePoint Server (MOSS) environment can be a somewhat daunting challenge for even the most experienced software or network administrator. However, if you take things one step at a time with a well thought-out plan and a topdown approach, you can create a basic system you can build upon as both you and your users become more accustomed to MOSS’s capabilities and how it can best serve your organization.

I have written this book from the viewpoint of the network and applications administrator who has some experience with a Microsoft environment but is new to Microsoft Office 2007 and MOSS. The chapters in this book each focus on one specific area of MOSS and its SharePoint features so you are able to configure each area and feature to create baseline functionality. I’ve avoided going too deeply into the more advanced features and functions so the beginner, for whom this guide is written, is able to get his or her MOSS environment up and running in quick order.

Part I of this book discusses the activities that precede and immediately follow the actual installation of MOSS. This discussion includes an overview of MOSS, how to plan for your installation, the pre-installation actions you need to take, installing MOSS, and the post-installation actions the MOSS administration should perform to ensure its functionality.

Part II covers the specific features and functions that can be used in an MOSS environment, including the purpose and use of SharePoint sites, lists, libraries, workflows, document management, Web Parts, search, and views. In addition, this part of the book also includes the functions performed by the MOSS administrator to maintain and monitor the MOSS environment and to configure and manage its security. This part of the book, while helpful as a startup guide, should also serve you later as a general reference on the day-to-day operations of your MOSS installation.

Part III of the book covers the integration of Microsoft Office 2007 applications with MOSS. One of the very best features of MOSS is that it works hand in glove with the Office applications to facilitate its use for all levels of user abilities, knowledge, and training. Part III includes information on how the Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook applications are integrated into MOSS to create a two-way interaction for users. Also included in Part III is an overview of the Business Intelligence functions of MOSS and how it can be integrated with line-of-business application software to further advance its usefulness andvalue to your users.