If you're looking for a ready-to-use, robust collaborative workspace, Microsoft SharePoint is a good solution.
Microsoft SharePoint is a software suite that enables you to create collaborative Web sites based on an extensive library of templates. It runs on a server, making all its functionality easily accessible across an entire organization. You can set access levels for different employees and even track vacation requests and perform other administrative functions.
You have two options for implementing SharePoint. You can place it on a dedicated server in-house or purchase a hosted SharePoint plan.
In-House
If your organization is large enough, you can run Microsoft SharePoint on an in-house server, maintaining complete control over and access to your server. If you already have the facilities and you have the staff to dedicate to setup, upgrades and maintenance, this gives you the most control over the intranet's backend.
If you don't have the staff, secure storage or the budget to hire new staff and upgrade your facilities, you can get all the same front-end functionality for a fraction of the cost with a hosted plan.
Hosted SharePoint
This option gives you the best of both worlds. You get all the same functionality enterprise customers enjoy, but you pay a small monthly fee rather than shouldering the costs of running the system in-house.
Microsoft-certified professionals take care of all the installation, maintenance and software upgrades freeing you to concentrate on building a completely customized Web site that fits your needs. Your SharePoint portal is password-protected and encrypted to make sure your sensitive business information doesn't get into the wrong hands.