Microsoft SharePoint

What is Microsoft SharePoint?

Microsoft SharePoint is Microsoft's document management and intranet platform, with document libraries, versioning and collaboration integrated into Microsoft 365, the natural choice for Microsoft centric organisations. It provides document libraries where files are stored, organised with metadata, versioned and secured with permissions, alongside intranet sites, team sites, lists and collaboration, integrated deeply with Microsoft 365 (Office apps, Teams, OneDrive) and included in Microsoft 365 plans. Used by a vast number of organisations as both a document management system and an intranet, SharePoint is the natural document platform for those on Microsoft 365. For the Microsoft ecosystem, SharePoint is a leading choice.

SharePoint's distinction is document management and intranet in the Microsoft ecosystem, included in Microsoft 365. It combines document libraries, versioning and permissions with intranet and collaboration, all tied into Microsoft 365 and often already owned, so Microsoft organisations get document management within their stack at no extra cost, which no standalone system matches for Microsoft integration and bundled value. That integration, breadth and bundling set it apart for Microsoft organisations.

Who Microsoft SharePoint is best for

Microsoft SharePoint is best for organisations on Microsoft 365 that want document management and an intranet integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, especially since it is included in their plan. It suits Microsoft centric organisations. It is a weaker fit for those wanting intelligent metadata driven management, where M-Files fits, deep document workflow and compliance, where DocuWare or Laserfiche fit, simple secure cloud content, where Box fits, or legal specialist needs, where iManage fits.

Key features

The core strengths are document libraries with metadata, versioning and permissions, intranet and team sites, lists, and collaboration, all deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 (Office apps, Teams, OneDrive), with workflows (Power Automate) and search. SharePoint offers document management and intranet in one, included in Microsoft 365. Its Microsoft integration, document plus intranet breadth, and bundling are its defining advantages.

Microsoft SharePoint pricing

Microsoft SharePoint is included in Microsoft 365 business and enterprise plans, so organisations on Microsoft 365 get it at no extra cost, and standalone SharePoint Online plans are available from around 5 US dollars per user a month. Costs follow your Microsoft 365 licensing. So for Microsoft organisations it is effectively bundled. Confirm details via Microsoft 365.

Integrations and ecosystem

Microsoft SharePoint integrates natively with Microsoft 365 (Office apps, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook), Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps) and many apps. Its deep Microsoft 365 integration, which ties document management and intranet to the Microsoft tools organisations already use, is a signature strength and the core reason Microsoft organisations use it.

SharePoint and the Microsoft ecosystem

Document management and intranet in the Microsoft ecosystem, included in Microsoft 365, is the signature strength: SharePoint combines libraries, versioning and permissions with intranet and collaboration, tied into Microsoft 365 and often already owned. For Microsoft organisations, this integration and bundled value are the main reason to use SharePoint.

Ease of use and support

Microsoft SharePoint is capable and widely used, rated for Microsoft integration, document and intranet breadth and value, with Microsoft support, though reviewers find it complex and less intuitive than simpler tools, and its 4.0 rating reflects this. Its G2 reviews praise integration and capability, with complexity and usability the main considerations.

Is Microsoft SharePoint worth it?

For organisations on Microsoft 365 that want document management and an intranet integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, included in their plan, SharePoint is a capable, cost effective choice. The main caution is complexity and a less intuitive experience, so those wanting intelligent metadata management may prefer M-Files, deep workflow DocuWare or Laserfiche, and simple cloud content Box, but for the Microsoft ecosystem SharePoint leads.