Smartsheet Platform Insights

Key Aspects:

• Analysis Framework:

  • Each Smartsheet feature is analyzed using a standardized 10-element framework, covering prerequisites, regions, plans, control levels, architecture, engineering, operation, and more.

  • This framework provides a deep dive into the technical and operational aspects of each feature

• Regional Platform Variations:

  • The document meticulously details the feature sets available in the US, EU, and Gov regions, highlighting their independence as "Data Islands."

  • It emphasizes the EU region's GDPR compliance and the Gov region's FedRAMP adherence, which result in differing feature availability.

• Platform Features Examined:

  • Each Smartsheet feature is analyzed using a standardized 10-element framework, covering prerequisites, regions, plans, control levels, architecture, engineering, operation, and more.

  • This framework provides a deep dive into the technical and operational aspects of each feature.

• Security Focus:

  • Security features like Safe Sharing, Authentication, Custom Email Domain, and Customer Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK) are thoroughly examined.

  • The document explores how these features control data access and maintain security across the platform.

• User and License Administration:

  • Detailed explanations of user administration functions, including user provisioning, deactivation, deletion, and group management, are provided.

  • License administration, including provisioning and deprovisioning, is also covered.

• Enterprise Plan Manager (EPM):

  • The EPM and its User Movement Policy (UMP) are highlighted as critical tools for managing multiple Smartsheet plans within an organization.

  • EPM is a central point for managing Authentication, Domains, and user auto provisioning.

• Advanced Platform Integrations:

  • The document discusses advanced integrations with Microsoft services, such as Azure AD, to enhance user management, authentication, and security.

  • This section shows methods to leverage existing infrastructure to improve Smartsheet administration.

• Global Smartsheet:

  • The document describes how users can operate in all three Smartsheet regions simultaneously.

• Detailed Operational Information:

  • The document includes very detailed operational information, including UI navigation, and operational procedures.

Key Insights:

• Regional Differences:

  • Organizations must be aware of the regional differences in Smartsheet features due to compliance and security requirements.

  • Data residency and compliance are key drivers in the regional differences.

• Security Controls:

  • Smartsheet offers robust security controls, allowing organizations to manage data access and sharing effectively.

  • Safe sharing features are powerful but require careful configuration.

• EPM Importance:

  • The EPM is essential for organizations with multiple Smartsheet plans, providing centralized management and control.

  • EPM can greatly streamline administration.

• Integration Capabilities:

  • Smartsheet's integration with Microsoft services enhances its functionality and streamlines user management.

  • Leveraging existing infrastructure improves efficiency.

• Granular Control:

  • Smartsheet allows for very granular control over many aspects of the platform.

• Operational Complexity:

  • The document shows that Smartsheet operations can become complex, especially within enterprise environments.