Basically, a web portal is a website that has been specially designed for a specific purpose. It can be used by customers, employees, partners, and other end users. These portals provide uniform information to users, and help with information integration and personalization.
These portals are designed to connect experiences and automate business processes. They can support mobile experiences, user authentication, and integrated back-end data. They can also quickly roll out new digital touchpoints.
A web portal is a great way to enhance customer service and customer relations. It allows customers to gain access to critical PII, such as financial accounts, without having to contact a customer service agent. This reduces the costs associated with time-intensive communication activities. It also gives customers a personalized view of vital data.
Web portals can be categorized into horizontal and domain-specific portals. Horizontal portals cater to general audiences, while domain-specific portals are aimed at specific target audiences. They may be designed for a particular industry or niche audience.
For example, an institutional portal provides a gateway to information about a large facility. Banks allow customers to gain access to financial account information through a web portal.
Portals also allow employees to access vital information and share it with each other. This is a necessity in the digital marketplace. It helps ensure that employees of different departments have access to the information they need.
Using a trusted business partner to build a portal can save time and money. Some CMSs also allow for custom builds, which can be tailored to an organization’s needs.
Key Facts of Web Portals
Among the key facts of web portals is that they offer organized access to a lot of information. This information can be static or dynamic. There are several types of web portals, including portals for specific domains, like pharmaceuticals, property, or education. Some portals are even specifically tailored to fit the needs of a particular industry, like clinical trials.
Another major fact about web portals is that they are able to deliver a more personalized experience. This is because they are designed to link to information and make it interactive. For example, a user may click on a button that will show or hide content based on their preferences. The user may also be able to view activity streams, comment on blogs, or interact with polls.
Another key fact about web portals is that they are designed to be accessible on all devices. This is important to both businesses and consumers. A slow loading website can cost businesses $2.6 billion in revenue per year.
The best portals have a lot of functionality, including an integrated package of services, news, content, electronic commerce, chat, and music downloads. Some portals even include a search engine, calendar, and news feeds.
The best portals also make sure to deliver a good user experience. This means presenting information across multiple platforms and ensuring adequate user authentication. The portal should also feature a customizable interface that helps to improve productivity.
