What is the difference between SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-premises?

What is the difference between SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-premises?

SharePoint Online refers to the cloud-based version of SharePoint that is hosted and managed by Microsoft. Users access SharePoint Online through a web browser without the need for on-premises servers or infrastructure.

On the other hand, SharePoint On-premises, also known as SharePoint Server, is installed on the organization's local servers and infrastructure. Users access SharePoint On-premises within the organization's network.

Some key differences between SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-premises include:

1. Deployment and management: SharePoint Online is managed and maintained by Microsoft, while SharePoint On-premises requires local IT resources for deployment and management.
2. Customization and flexibility: SharePoint Online may have some limitations in customization compared to SharePoint On-premises, which offers more flexibility for custom development.
3. Updates and maintenance: SharePoint Online receives frequent updates and maintenance by Microsoft, whereas SharePoint On-premises requires manual updates and maintenance by the organization's IT team.
4. Scalability and cost: SharePoint Online offers scalability based on subscription plans, while SharePoint On-premises requires upfront investment in hardware and software and may have limitations based on the organization's infrastructure.

Ultimately, the choice between SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-premises depends on factors such as budget, customization needs, security requirements, and IT resources within the organization.

For more information on SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-premises, you can visit the official Microsoft SharePoint comparison page.