The Evolution of Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft SharePoint is a popular web platform developed by Microsoft for small to large organizations. It is designed as a centralized replacement for multiple web applications and supports various combinations of enterprise website requirements. It is typically associated with web content management and document management systems.

SharePoint's multi-purpose platform allows for the managing and provisioning of intranet portals, extranets and websites, document management and file management, collaboration spaces, social networking tools, enterprise search, business intelligence tooling, process/information integration, and third-party developed solutions. SharePoint can also be used as a web application development platform.

SharePoint is designed to be highly scalable. It is capable of supporting multiple organizations on a single 'server farm'. Microsoft provides SharePoint as a free product, it sells premium editions with additional integration and functionality, and it also provides SharePoint as a cloud computing solution as part of Office 365 and BPOS. The product is also often sold as a cloud solution by local third-party vendors.

SharePoint provides various methods for the customization and configuration of web areas, all of which have granular governance configurations. Beyond basic page-editing, file-storing and custom design ('branding') capabilities, one of the more prevalent forms of configuration is the ability to install third-party customizations called 'web parts' (i.e. widgets/gadgets).

Microsoft SharePoint has evolved significantly since its initial release in 2001. Initially designed as a platform for document management and collaboration, SharePoint has expanded to include a wide range of features and capabilities.

One of the most significant developments in SharePoint has been its integration with Microsoft Teams. Teams is a cloud-based collaboration and communication platform that allows users to chat, share files, and work on projects together in real time.

With the integration of SharePoint and Teams, users can access SharePoint content and features directly within Teams, making it easier to collaborate on documents and projects. This includes the ability to share and edit files, create and manage document libraries, and access and manage SharePoint sites.

The integration of SharePoint and Teams has also brought new capabilities to SharePoint, such as the ability to create and use custom apps and connectors within Teams. This allows users to customize their experience and integrate SharePoint with other applications and services.

Overall, the evolution of SharePoint and its integration with Teams has provided users with a more powerful and flexible platform for collaboration and document management. By bringing together the capabilities of SharePoint and Teams, Microsoft has enabled users to work more efficiently and effectively on their projects and tasks.


Tuesday, December 11, 2018 11:55 AM

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