SharePoint is a web application platform in the Microsoft Office server suite. It can be used as a secure place to store, organize, share and access information from almost any device. The application from Microsoft essentially enables organisations to work more efficiently by letting users share documents, data and information.
How does SharePoint work?
The answer to this question can become quite complex as there are many aspects to cover. But a basic answer would be that SharePoint combines various functions which are traditionally separate applications.
This includes:
- Intranet
- Extranet
- Content management
- Personal cloud
- Workflow management
- Web content management
The servers have also traditionally been deployed for internal use in mid-size businesses and large departments. Many organisations use it to create websites. It’s considered quite beneficial because organisations don’t have to worry about maintaining their own systems and applications as well as disaster recovery. For this reason it’s becoming increasingly popular.
Tell me more about SharePoint Platforms?
Free (Foundation)
This contains basic collaboration features such as lists, document libraries, workflows, calendars team sites, etc.
Paid (Server)
This option includes all the features of the Foundation platform, plus social computing, enterprise search, web content management, business intelligence, business connectivity and electronic forms.
Online (Office365)
Another product that is becoming more popular, Office 365 includes Office, Exchange/Outlook and SharePoint. It also includes the cloud, which is basically an abstract term for servers maintained by companies that provide such services, for customers to be able to host their systems and applications for a monthly fee, usually per user.
For Developers
Developers can use it to build applications and to take advantage of its features.
If you are considering ways of improving the efficiency of your organisation, SharePoint may just be the way to go.