Why Use SharePoint for Business?
SharePoint, a web-based application by Microsoft, is a powerful tool for document sharing, business intelligence, advanced search, and content collaboration. Launched in 2001, it’s marketed as a document management and storage system. However, millions of businesses use it in various ways due to its high configurability. SharePoint is also known for its ease of use, making it a favorite among users with different levels of IT knowledge.
Microsoft reports that 75% of Fortune 500 companies use SharePoint, highlighting its adaptability. If you’re new to SharePoint and unsure if it’s right for you, take inspiration from these large companies. Here are our top five reasons why SharePoint might be the perfect fit for your business.
1. Flexibility
SharePoint offers functions for nearly every aspect of your business’s daily operations. For example, it can serve as an intranet—your company’s internal website for tasks like scheduling, contact management, and information sharing. Administrators can assign different permissions to users based on their roles. Executives may have broader access, while other employees may have limited access based on their job requirements.
2. Customization
While SharePoint’s default features work well for many, its true strength lies in its customizability. You can tailor it to fit your business’s unique needs, whether large or small. You can even customize the interface to reflect your company’s branding. Drag-and-drop functions further enhance the user experience.
3. Integration with Existing Applications
SharePoint integrates seamlessly with various business applications, including Microsoft Office Suite tools like Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. It also works well with MS Exchange Server and MS Unified Communications. This compatibility reduces the need to invest in new applications. If you use the online version of SharePoint, it’s compatible with most modern web browsers, including Microsoft Edge.
4. No Coding Required
SharePoint is ideal for non-technical users because it requires no coding skills to set up and use. Employees can start using it immediately without extensive training. This saves time and money, as you won’t need to hire developers to create or update sites. Ready-made templates allow you to launch sites quickly.
5. Advanced Security Controls
Security is a top priority for many businesses, and SharePoint delivers. Microsoft invests $1 billion annually in cloud security, making SharePoint a trusted choice for government entities and businesses alike. Advanced security features reduce the risk of outages and unauthorized access. You can customize security settings for individual documents, sites, lists, and libraries, ensuring only authorized users have access.
Conclusion: Why SharePoint Stands Out
These five reasons highlight why SharePoint is a top choice for businesses. Since its launch 20 years ago, SharePoint has continually evolved to meet modern needs. Recent updates have made it more user-friendly, faster, and mobile-responsive. It also integrates better with popular services like MS Teams and Flow.
Interested in learning more about SharePoint? We’d be happy to provide an overview and explain how it can benefit your business. For a no-obligation consultation or to speak with one of our IT experts, call 604-899-1105.