What is Microsoft SharePoint?

Microsoft SharePoint is a browser-based content management system and Web application platform designed to help organizations create websites. Developed by Microsoft, SharePoint serves as a secure, collaborative space or enterprise information portal where documents and files are stored, organized and shared. Information can be accessed from any device with a Web browser. An organization can configure SharePoint to run an intranet portal, extranet and various websites. Think of SharePoint as a centralized and protected platform where groups can collaborate, streamline data management and improve efficiency.

SharePoint includes the following:

• Windows SharePoint Services (WSS): Offers basic functionality and content services
• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS): Provides additional features onto the underlying WSS layer and solutions for the end user reacting with the repository or storage location
• Microsoft Search Server: Serves as an Enterprise Search engine for advanced indexing and search capacities

Described by Microsoft as Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and Business Process Management (BPM), SharePoint is furthermore adopted by companies for social networks, Business Intelligence (BI), system and process integration, and workflow automation.

Microsoft features its SharePoint products and technologies that include following:
• SharePoint Online: Provides a Microsoft-hosted, cloud-based service; businesses can subscribe to Office 365 to create a custom shareable site
• SharePoint Foundation: Serves as the primary technology for SharePoint sites
• SharePoint Server: Includes features and capabilities for on-premise deployment and management
• SharePoint Designer: Designs, builds and customizes SharePoint websites, Web pages and workflow solutions; sites can range from a content management system for a small project management team to a dashboard-operated portal for a large enterprise
• SharePoint Workspace: Disconnects content from the network for offline collaboration; changes will sync back to the SharePoint site
• SkyDrive Pro folder sync: Synchronizes offline versions of a SharePoint site to a desktop folder

Teams will start SharePoint by signing into Office 365 and accessing the SharePoint entry points. Coworkers can tune into conversations and see updated activities by accessing the Newsfeed.

SkyDrive Pro is a coworker’s personal document library that can be shared with team members and accessed from a mobile device. By accessing Sites, coworkers can locate, access, follow and create sites. Coworkers can go to settings for additional actions and site customization.