Organizations that already rely on Microsoft SharePoint often look for ways to extend its use beyond document management and collaboration. One of the most powerful applications of this platform is running a helpdesk in SharePoint. A helpdesk SharePoint solution can streamline IT support, HR requests, and service management by leveraging the tools your team already uses daily.
In this article, we’ll explore why you might want to run your helpdesk in SharePoint, the options available, and why NITRO Help Desk is the most effective and scalable choice.
Why Run a Helpdesk in SharePoint?
Running a helpdesk SharePoint solution offers several advantages:
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Centralization: Employees already log in to SharePoint for documents, intranet content, and collaboration. Adding a helpdesk into that environment reduces friction.
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Cost savings: Instead of purchasing an entirely separate helpdesk platform, organizations can extend the value of their existing Microsoft 365 or SharePoint investment.
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Security & compliance: Requests and data remain inside your Microsoft tenant, aligning with enterprise-grade compliance and governance policies.
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Customization: SharePoint allows workflows, forms, and automations that can adapt to your organization’s unique needs.
For teams using Microsoft 365, building a helpdesk SharePoint system just makes sense.
Options for a Helpdesk in SharePoint
When considering how to set up a helpdesk SharePoint system, organizations generally explore three main options:
1. Build Your Own Helpdesk in SharePoint
Some IT teams start by creating lists, libraries, and workflows to track tickets inside SharePoint. This do-it-yourself approach can work for very small teams, but it quickly hits limitations:
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Lack of automation for ticket routing and escalations
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No integrated reporting or dashboards
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High maintenance cost as needs grow
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Limited user experience compared to dedicated helpdesk tools
Building your own helpdesk in SharePoint can be a stopgap solution, but it’s rarely sustainable at scale.
2. Use Third-Party Helpdesk Software (Separate from SharePoint)
Another option is adopting popular helpdesk platforms like ServiceNow, Zendesk, or Freshservice. These tools are feature-rich, but they come with challenges:
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Expensive licensing
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Steep learning curves for staff
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Data stored outside your Microsoft 365 environment
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Limited integration with SharePoint workflows and collaboration tools
For organizations committed to Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, this option often feels redundant and overly costly.
3. Use a Purpose-Built Helpdesk for SharePoint: NITRO Help Desk
The best of both worlds is to use a solution designed to run directly in SharePoint while providing the advanced functionality of a modern helpdesk system.
NITRO Help Desk by Crow Canyon Software is the leading option here. It delivers:
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Full ticket management (routing, escalation, SLAs) directly in SharePoint
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Easy configuration with no code required
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Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Power Automate
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Customizable forms, workflows, and dashboards
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Cost-effective pricing compared to enterprise helpdesk platforms
With NITRO Help Desk, you gain a robust, enterprise-grade helpdesk system while keeping all your operations within Microsoft 365. This means higher adoption, lower costs, and improved efficiency compared to other approaches.
Conclusion: The Smart Way to Run a Helpdesk in SharePoint
If your organization is already invested in Microsoft 365, setting up a helpdesk SharePoint solution is a logical step. While you could build your own system in SharePoint or use a separate third-party platform, both options come with trade-offs in cost, complexity, and long-term sustainability.
NITRO Help Desk gives you the best path forward: a modern, powerful, and flexible helpdesk that runs natively in SharePoint and grows with your organization.
Would you like to see a live demo of how NITRO Help Desk works in SharePoint?
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