What is SharePoint and Why Businesses Use it?

Posted by Dan St. Hilaire  /  September 3, 2024  /  SharePoint   —   No Comments ↓

I still get asked why a business would move to Microsoft 365, and without a doubt one of the primary driving factors is SharePoint and the business process automation you can leverage with your content across the Microsoft 365 applications. - This post is at the heart, a short post that should provide you with a core foundational knowledge of what SharePoint is, and how businesses use it. 

What is SharePoint?

SharePoint is a web-based collaboration platform developed by Microsoft. It serves as a secure place to store, organize, share, and access information from any device. SharePoint can be used to create websites, manage documents, and facilitate collaboration among team members.

Read more about SharePoint Key Concepts and Fundamentals where we explore Sites, and Site Collections, Lists and Libraries, Document Management, Collaboration and Work Flow Automation. 

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Why Do Businesses Use SharePoint?

  1. Document Management: SharePoint provides a robust document management system that allows businesses to store, organize, and manage documents efficiently. It supports version control, metadata tagging, and advanced search capabilities, making it easier for employees to find and collaborate on documents.
  2. Collaboration: SharePoint enhances collaboration by allowing team members to work together on documents in real-time. Features like co-authoring, discussion boards, and integration with other Microsoft 365 apps (such as Teams and Planner) facilitate seamless communication and teamwork.
  3. Intranet and Extranet: SharePoint can be used to create intranet sites for internal communication and extranets for sharing information with external partners. This helps businesses keep employees informed and engaged while also providing a secure platform for external collaboration.
  4. Business Process Automation: SharePoint allows businesses to automate workflows and streamline processes. With tools like Power Automate, businesses can create custom workflows to automate repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
  5. Security and Compliance: SharePoint offers robust security features, including permissions management, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards. This ensures that sensitive information is protected and that businesses can meet regulatory requirements.
  6. Integration with Microsoft 365: SharePoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, providing a unified platform for productivity and collaboration. This integration allows businesses to leverage the full suite of Microsoft tools to enhance their operations.

Topics: SharePoint