During all phases of this process, one of the most important thing you can do along the way is to develop an effective communication plan. When you start planning your communication efforts, think all across the company. Be sure to include everyone who will be exposed to the changes your making to the intranet or website you are changing.

Examples of groups to communicate to:

Targeted communication efforts will allow your end-users stay informed and potentially take part in the corporate portal deployment process. Deliver your messages through relevant mechanisms (company newsletters, email, posters, inter-office mailings, training sessions, presentations to work groups, etc.).

When developing the communication plan for delivering your corporate portal be sure to identify the following items:

This will help keep your communications in alignment with your overarching corporate portal deployment and implementation; as long as you keep your primary plan on track.

Corporate portals are big change for many companies and their employees. They require a behavior change, a new way of working and may cause some end-users to push-back if they are not informed along the way. Keep your eyes open for those who may be resistant to change and take time to work closely with them to be sure they are on board and comfortable with the changes.

Communication can be in many forms: