Microsoft SharePoint is a browser-based content management system and web application platform designed to help organizations build websites. Developed by Microsoft, SharePoint serves as a secure and collaborative space or corporate information portal where documents and files are stored, organized and shared. The information is accessible 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 secure platform where groups can collaborate, optimize data management and improve efficiency.
SharePoint includes the following:
Windows SharePoint Services (WSS): Offers core functionality and content services
Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS): Provides additional functionality on 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 capabilities
Described by Microsoft as Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and Business Process Management (BPM), SharePoint is also adopted by enterprises for social networks, Business Intelligence (BI), systems and process integration, and workflow automation.
Microsoft introduces its SharePoint products and technologies which include the 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: Design, build and customize SharePoint websites, web pages and workflow solutions; sites can range from a content management system for a small project management team to a portal managed by a dashboard for a large enterprise
SharePoint Workspace: Disconnects content from the network for offline collaboration; the changes sync back to the SharePoint site
SkyDrive Pro folder synchronization: Synchronize offline versions of a SharePoint site to a folder on the desktop
Teams will launch SharePoint by signing into Office 365 and accessing SharePoint entry points. Colleagues can tune in to conversations and see updated activities by logging into the Newsfeed.
SkyDrive Pro is a collaborator's personal document library that can be shared with team members and accessed from a mobile device. By logging into Sites, collaborators can find, access, follow, and create sites. Collaborators can go to settings for further actions and site customization.
Do I need SharePoint for my work laptop?
If you work with team members primarily on your laptop, you may want to install Microsoft SharePoint. Organizations are adopting SharePoint to create customized websites or secure online spaces where information is stored, accessed, modified and shared. SharePoint serves as a centralized content management system or browser-based information portal for unified collaboration. If a team member is heavily dependent on the laptop to work and communicate, various SharePoint products and technologies will need to be available and accessible on the same device. After logging into SharePoint Online or your company's intranet site directly from your laptop, you can browse conversations, up-to-date activities, and your personal document library.
Microsoft SharePoint applications aren't limited to business laptops . Employees can equip Internet-connected tablets and smartphones with SharePoint sites, especially since Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is positioned to be a permanent and effective trend for businesses and employees. BYOD employees rely on their personal smartphones and tablets to work and communicate in and out of the office 24/7. A SharePoint-equipped notebook, tablet, or smartphone will maximize an employee's productivity, efficiency, and ability to stay current with team members. You can easily configure SharePoint features for mobile viewing and enhanced mobile work experiences.
Be sure to evaluate your laptop or tablet and check for any updates needed to support SharePoint technologies and application integration.
Do I need training to use SharePoint?
Microsoft SharePoint installation, administration, and troubleshooting require specialized skills. For example, SharePoint relies on proper Windows operation, Structured Query Language (SQL) databases, Internet Information Server (IIS), and Domain Name System (DNS) for optimal operation. A failure or misconfiguration in any of these named components can cause the SharePoint system to fail and a portal that has gone offline.
Before a SharePoint integration, take care of IT support and training and make sure you have backup to mitigate risk and restore functionality in the event of a system failure. Even a minor bug can ruin finalizing a proposal or editing a sales pitch. Outsourcing SharePoint hosting for system administration, reconfigurations, or troubleshooting is a solution for business. For independent training, use the resources and tutorials on the Microsoft website as a guide.
The Microsoft SharePoint Online TechCenter at TechNet.Microsoft.com provides pro IT resources for deploying SharePoint technologies on premise and learning about SharePoint services, including installations, upgrades, and migrations. The Microsoft Dev Center at MSDN.Microsoft.com provides SharePoint training modules, downloads, and developer documentation that includes how-tos, overviews, and references to the application programming interfaces (APIs).
Microsoft SharePoint developer training, exams, and certifications are also available. IT professionals can schedule a training course by selecting SharePoint under Microsoft Learning and Training. SharePoint 2013 training courses are available for download in the Support section of Office.Microsoft.com. Video-based tutorials can show you how to customize a public website, post to the newsfeed, and perform tasks in the document library.
What educational resources are available for SharePoint?
Microsoft offers the following SharePoint online training resources:
The SharePoint TechCenter for IT Professionals on TechNet.Microsoft.com offers resources and training for SharePoint Foundation and SharePoint Server on-premises. Technicians can also learn about SharePoint updates and services, including installations, migration and features. The SharePoint team blog, IT blog, and TechNet wiki are also available resources.
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