What is a Web Portal?

That's a question we get often when we tell people what we do.

Answers can range anywhere from a quick pitch like "a tool that allows people to build their websites" to something more specific like "a framework for integrating information, people and processes across organizational boundaries." (Thanks, Wikipedia)

Though true, those answers don't always address the questions people are asking. Namely, how can a portal help me serve my customers?

Since the modern shopping experience mostly resides within the Internet, it is very crucial to have a strong web presence. With a public site often times serving as the main source of knowledge about your brand, portals could function as a means of first discovery that connects the right people to the right content.

But why a portal, and not some other development tool or platform?

Portals are special in the sense that they offer a fine-tuned content delivery system. Depending on the type of user that arrives on your site, you can create unique channels with images, text and other site functions that are relevant to that specific user.

So, let's say you were a fashion company. With a proper portal system, a female shopper and a male employee, upon logging in, would find particular content that is useful to them—this is essentially the boiled-down idea of personalization.

We will see more utility for the portal as it continues to evolve in both form and function. Portals aren’t just systems of record anymore, as they are now being used as systems of engagement to reach different target groups across various channels. This is why we believe portals are poised to become the most personal way to help businesses connect with their customers, employees and partners.

To help further the discussion, we recently updated our "What is a Portal?" whitepaper. Feel free to download it or give us your thoughts on what you’re looking for in a good web experience.
 

What is a Portal? (Lite)

This brief whitepaper gives a basic overview about a portal's features and benefits. Learn about how portals can make an impact on your organization.

Get it now

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