Ron Gilster delivers precisely what he promises - a beginner's guide to Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 ("MOSS"). As the author puts it: "I've avoided going too deeply into the more advanced features and functions [of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007] so the beginner, for whom this guide is written, is able to get his or her MOSS environment up and running in quick order".



SharePoint is Microsoft's fastest growing platform and with good reason: it provides and promotes collaboration.



While generally easy to navigate for end-users, that is only because people with greater technical knowledge have architected the platform to make it seem that way.



Gilster covers all of SharePoint Server 2007 and to some extent, the ways in which it can be implemented. The book is not superficial - it takes slightly more than 600 pages to make its points. Gilster did an excellent job of structuring the book. It begins with an overview, reviews the architecture of MOSS and then moves into pre-installtion, installation and post-installation as Part I. Part II is the nitty-gritty of running MOSS on a daily basis, its administration. As might be anticipated, this is the largest section of the book. MOSS is not a simple beast.



Part III covers the interaction between MOSS and Microsoft Office 2007. Gilster provides just enough information to help the beginning administrator, but most people will require more information if they run anything beyond a barebones installation.



Gilster's writing style is straightforward. He doesn't waste time on unfunny jokes and he keeps his objectives in view at all times. While I wouldn't call this a page turner by any stretch of the imagination, Gilster does deliver the information a MOSS beginner needs in a clear, succinct style. Excellent technical writing and a good introduction to Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007.



Jerry