Can you explain the difference between Sharepoint Online and Sharepoint Server, and provide examples of when you would recommend using each platform in an organization?

Understanding the Difference Between Sharepoint Online and Sharepoint Server

Sharepoint Online and Sharepoint Server are two distinct platforms offered by Microsoft for collaboration, document management, and content sharing within organizations. The main difference between the two lies in their deployment models and hosting options.

Sharepoint Online

Sharepoint Online is a cloud-based version of Sharepoint, which is part of the Office 365 suite. It is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that is hosted and managed by Microsoft in the cloud. Sharepoint Online offers scalability, reliability, and automatic updates without the need for on-premises hardware and maintenance. It is a cost-effective option for organizations looking for a flexible and accessible collaboration platform.

Sharepoint Server

Sharepoint Server, on the other hand, is an on-premises solution that requires organizations to host and manage the Sharepoint infrastructure internally. This provides more control over customization, security, and integration with other on-premises systems. Sharepoint Server is suitable for organizations with strict security and compliance requirements, as well as those that require extensive customizations and integrations with existing IT infrastructure.

When to Choose Sharepoint Online vs. Sharepoint Server

When recommending Sharepoint Online or Sharepoint Server for an organization, several factors should be considered:

Sharepoint Online Recommendation:

Sharepoint Online is recommended for:

• Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for collaboration and document management.
• Organizations that require scalability and flexibility in their collaboration platform without the need for maintaining infrastructure.
• Teams that need remote access and real-time collaboration on documents from any location.

Sharepoint Server Recommendation:

Sharepoint Server is recommended for:

• Large enterprises with complex security and compliance requirements that prefer to host their collaboration platform on-premises.
• Organizations that need extensive customization and integration capabilities with other on-premises systems.
• Industries such as healthcare and finance that have strict data localization and regulatory compliance needs.

Ultimately, the choice between Sharepoint Online and Sharepoint Server depends on the specific needs and preferences of the organization regarding control, customization, scalability, and compliance.

Focus keyword: Sharepoint Online vs. Sharepoint Server