Standardization with Cross Site Collection SharePoint Configurator
We've just released some extremely useful sample code in the form of an uncompiled solution deployment package and invisible feature. This WSP (solution package) and configuration guide includes basic inputs in an easy to read file with easy step by step instructions to deploy consistency in site collection configuration from Site Collection Master Pages, Content types, Auditing settings, Expiration settings, and more.
This entire project was designed to be easy enough so that someone who knows nothing about Visual Studio could make their changes and deploy the feature to roll out a consistent master page across one or more farms and turn on auditing to capture deletes as an example. The impact to information architecture and scalability really opens up possibilities and provides examples for dev teams in conjuction with the business that want to do even more to provide consistency. Please let us know if we've achieved our goal.
Concerned about upgrade, maintenance, and customizations? This solution package deploys and can be immediately removed leaving only the desired configuration settings behind! How many solutions do you know that can do that? (We of course recommend testing your desired configuration and settings in a test environment first.)
More information is available on the site for source http://www.codeplex.com/spconfigurator or on Joel Oleson's blog on standardization and consistency a key principal to governance.
Luis Camara Manoel & Joel Oleson
Microsoft Solution Accelerator Team & SharePoint Team
