Microsoft SharePoint was launched in 2001 and over the past 20+ years has massively grown in popularity. SharePoint Online is a cloud-based content management tool that enables users to store files online for sharing and seamless collaboration.
A well-designed SharePoint site also reduces the complexities related to file storage. However, even with the increase of SharePoint Online, many businesses still rely on legacy on-premises file storage.
What is SharePoint Online?
SharePoint Online is a powerful web-based application used for collaboration and information exchange across an organisation. In simple terms, it is the cloud version of SharePoint. SharePoint Online allows users to store, share, and manage content seamlessly.
The Microsoft Cloud version of SharePoint, SharePoint Online, has many additional integration capabilities with other cloud applications. It is paired in functionality with many of the other offerings Microsoft packages with an Office 365 or Microsoft 365 license.
What are the benefits of using SharePoint Online
Migrating to SharePoint Online has a number of advantages that include increased security, greater productivity, effortless real-time collaboration, and a consistent and streamlined user experience. SharePoint Online is also hyper-customisable, can help businesses scale quickly and easily, allows you to work from anywhere, aiding hybrid and remote work, and empowers teamwork
Scale Quickly and Easily
For businesses that rely on on-premises storage, they will be accustomed to the time investment and costs associated with increasing the amount of storage on their server. Although the price of storage has decreased significantly over the past decade, managing the amount of free space can be an arduous task that requires forecasting for future storage requirements.
In comparison, if a business needs more storage, they can instantly purchase more storage to meet their demands. Similarly, if they are not using the extra storage, they can decrease the amount and only pay for what they require.
Increased Security
The cybersecurity threat landscape has continued to evolve at a rapid pace and the tactics cybercriminals use are becoming more complex. For businesses that rely on on-premises storage solutions, they are responsible for ensuring their system is secure from all current threats.
Without a team of cybersecurity professionals, this is a difficult task. With SharePoint Online and OneDrive, Microsoft has an industry-leading team of security experts working 24/7 to ensure that all data is safe from cybercriminals. Similarly, if your business has legal or other requirements that govern the handling of data, SharePoint can be configured to comply with most governance standards and policies.
Work From Anywhere
Due to the pandemic, the past 2 years have seen a massive rise in remote and hybrid working. With this change in the workplace model, it has become essential for IT systems to be accessible from anywhere, on any device.
Whilst this is possible with on-premises file storage through the use of a VPN, it adds unnecessary complexity to a business’s IT system and depending on the size of your business, the increase in traffic can overload the VPN. With SharePoint Online, employees have access to all files and systems, regardless of where they are working.
Increased Collaboration and Productivity
As SharePoint Online is a Microsoft product, it seamlessly integrates with all other products within the Microsoft 365 suite. For employees, this means they can collaborate on documents in real-time, with version control, even with stakeholders outside of their business. It also uses advanced AI and machine learning to make it easier for users to quickly and easily find information. This allows employees to spend more time working productively, and less time searching for a specific document within an on-premises storage solution.
Customisable to Suit your Business
Every business has a different way they manage storage and interact with files, and SharePoint Online is highly customisable to ensure it is the right solution for all businesses.
There is the option to use SharePoint with the default features, but it is also possible to develop your own custom assets. Businesses can also customise their SharePoint Online space with their own branding to really make it their own.
Consistent Innovation
Microsoft continues to invest heavily in updating its existing products to meet the everchanging needs of modern businesses. SharePoint is no different, with new updates being constantly released to improve collaboration, productivity, and the overall user experience.
Want to find out more?
SharePoint Online has features that can transform the way all businesses view file storage and productivity. If your business still relies on legacy on-premises file storage infrastructure, or if you want to find out more about how you could be using SharePoint Online more effectively, get in touch with us today.
