- Microsoft SharePoint is a powerful web-based collaboration and content management platform developed by Microsoft. Originally launched in 2001, SharePoint has evolved into a versatile solution for intranet portals, document management, enterprise content management (ECM), and workflow automation.
- Integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, it enables organizations to create secure, customizable websites for sharing information, managing documents, and collaborating across departments or teams, whether co-located or distributed globally.
- At its core, SharePoint allows users to build team sites and communication sites. Team sites are ideal for group-based collaboration, offering features like document libraries, shared calendars, task lists, and news feeds. Communication sites, on the other hand, are designed for broadcasting information across an organization, such as corporate news, policies, or executive messages. These sites can be tailored using web parts and templates to match specific business needs, offering flexibility without requiring deep technical skills.
- A major strength of SharePoint lies in its document management capabilities. It supports version control, metadata tagging, permissions management, and co-authoring, allowing multiple users to work on documents simultaneously while maintaining audit trails and security. Documents stored in SharePoint can be easily searched using Microsoft Search, which leverages AI to deliver relevant results. Integration with OneDrive for Business ensures seamless file syncing and access across devices, while built-in compliance and retention policies help organizations meet regulatory standards.
- SharePoint also functions as a content management system (CMS) and digital workplace platform. With SharePoint Pages and Lists, organizations can create structured, dynamic content and organize data without custom development. Additionally, SharePoint supports business process automation using Power Automate, enabling the creation of workflows for approvals, notifications, and other repetitive tasks. Combined with Power Apps, organizations can build custom business applications directly on top of SharePoint data.
- Security and governance are critical components of SharePoint. Administrators can control access through granular permission settings, manage site structures, and apply compliance rules via Microsoft Purview. SharePoint also integrates with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for authentication and single sign-on (SSO). Enterprise-grade encryption, data loss prevention (DLP), and sensitivity labels ensure that confidential information is protected at all times.
- In the context of the modern workplace, SharePoint often serves as the foundation for corporate intranets and knowledge management systems. It powers backend content for platforms like Microsoft Viva Connections, linking company news, resources, and communities directly into Microsoft Teams. SharePoint’s extensibility through Microsoft Graph API, SharePoint Framework (SPFx), and third-party connectors also allows developers to expand its functionality and integrate it with other enterprise systems.
