SharePoint

What is SharePoint?

SharePoint is a web-based collaboration and document management platform developed by Microsoft. It enables organizations to store, share, organize, and manage content such as documents, lists, and web pages in a centralized and secure manner. Integrated deeply with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), SharePoint is widely used for creating intranets, team sites, document libraries, and workflow automation.

At its core, SharePoint acts as a hub for teamwork, helping businesses ensure everyone has access to the right files, resources, and conversations.

Why Use SharePoint?

Organizations of all sizes use SharePoint for a variety of reasons:

• Collaboration: Easily share and co-author documents in real time.
• Document Management : Version history, check-in/check-out, and approval workflows.
• Intranet Creation Build internal sites for news, resources, policies, and more.
• Automation: Integrate with Power Automate to streamline business processes.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and Office apps.

Whether you're a small team or a global enterprise, SharePoint helps improve productivity and internal communication.

Is SharePoint Free?

SharePoint is not a standalone free product, but it is included with most Microsoft 365 business and enterprise plans. There are two primary versions:

• SharePoint Online: Cloud-based, included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
• SharePoint Server: On-premises version that requires separate licensing.

Note: If you're already using Microsoft 365 (e.g., via Microsoft Teams or Outlook), you likely have access to SharePoint Online at no extra cost.

Key Features of SharePoint

Feature	Description
Document Libraries	Centralized storage for files with version control and sharing options
Team Sites	Dedicated sites for departments, teams, or projects
Communication Sites	Broadcast information across your organization
Integration	Works with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Power Automate, and PowerApps
Permissions Control	Automate repetitive tasks and approval chains
Lists & Metadata	Create structured lists and track information using customizable columns
Enterprise Search	Find documents, people, and resources across your organization

How to Access SharePoint in Office 365?

If you're a Microsoft 365 user, accessing SharePoint is easy:

1. Go to https://portal.office.com and sign in.
2. Click the SharePoint app from the list of available services (you may find it under “Apps”).
3. You’ll be directed to the SharePoint homepage, where you can:
• View recommended and frequent sites
• Create new sites
• Search across all content

Alternatively, you can access SharePoint sites directly through Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, or from Outlook group links.

In Summary:

Key Point	Details
Product Name	SharePoint
Purpose	Collaboration, document management, intranet creation
Deployment Options	SharePoint Online (cloud), SharePoint Server (on-premises)
Included In	Microsoft 365 Business/Enterprise subscriptions
Access Method	Office.com, Teams, OneDrive, direct site URLs

SharePoint is a powerful and flexible platform for modern workplaces. Whether you're managing projects, sharing resources, or building an internal portal, SharePoint gives you the tools to make teamwork more efficient, organized, and secure.