SharePoint is a document management and storage system by Microsoft.
The web-based application easily integrates with Microsoft Office and lets users discover, share and collaborate on documents and content. Users can share content from anywhere on any device.
There are two main version of SharePoint available – SharePoint Server and SharePoint Online. SharePoint Server is installed directly on the customer’s IT infrastructure, while Online is a hosted service which is usually bundled in Office 365 subscriptions.
SharePoint Server gives organisations more control over the application and is available in three editions; Standard, Enterprise and Foundation (Free). SharePoint Server requires less updates and has access to a wider set of features which are also able to be customised.
SharePoint Online gives users a limited set of features and is updated on a more frequent basis.
How can SharePoint help manage internal comms?
First released in 2001, SharePoint usage varies from business to business. A common use for SharePoint is enterprise content and document management. SharePoint allows for the storage, retrieval, tracking, archiving, management and reporting of electronic records and documents.
SharePoint can also act as an intranet and social network, providing centralised access to information and applications. Used in this way, SharePoint can help a business manage internal communications, applications and information more easily.
Another common use for SharePoint is collaboration. The software contains team collaboration groupware capabilities, including project scheduling, shared mailboxes and social collaboration.
