As more companies adopt hybrid workspaces and support remote workers, the more they are looking for solutions to stay connected and keep up a level of collaboration that they would in person. There are many benefits to hybrid and remote working but they also come with their own challenges as well. Issues like lack of team communication, productivity and organization are now commonplace.

So as the traditional office set-up dies out the more we’ve accepted these challenges but tech companies are acknowledging this new demand for tools and services to make working better than it was in person.

We spoke to TechQuarters, a leading IT Support Company about what Microsoft is doing to combat these challenges and one of the first products that Microsoft suggests is SharePoint.

Microsoft SharePoint is software that was launched back in 2001 and began as a simple document management platform with limited information-sharing capabilities. Now over two decades later, SharePoint is primarily cloud-based and has become a complex intranet solution for many companies. SharePoint allows a company to create a private network where employees can communicate, collaborate and securely store and share information and resources in one central space.

SharePoint has a never-ending list of features and services and most companies claim that they can’t live without the platform. But even leading providers of IT Support in London know that this powerhouse doesn’t come without its own disadvantages. We broke down the pros and cons of SharePoint to better understand if the platform is even worth implementing.

Pros

Extensive Range of Features

Undeniably, SharePoint has a very large and diverse set of features in its arsenal. Everything from task management, document management, asset libraries, and security information management ensures a company can enjoy a seamless experience while being able to easily store, share and manage information digitally.

Office 365 Integrations

A big selling point for many companies looking to implement SharePoint is how integrated the platform is with the rest of Office 365. If teams are already using multiple Microsoft products then SharePoint slots in perfectly.

Customization

SharePoint was made to be integrated and customized for each individual company’s needs. Developers can easily create simple add-ons or even complicated applications to meet the specific needs of a company. It’s a great choice for the option of flexibility.

Encourages Collaboration

SharePoint is focused on increasing employee collaboration and participation. The platform creates a company intranet portal or central hub for everyone to have access to resources, tools and company news.

The platform also provides real-time editing and quick sharing with Microsoft Office apps and generated custom links.

Enhanced Data Security

Microsoft has ensured that SharePoint and all the data stored on it are protected with the best security encryption for superior data privacy. By using SharePoint there is a reduced risk of data loss and duplication. Additionally, companies can enable Multi-factor or Two Factor Authentication for extra protection.

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Cons

Complex to maintain and use

There’s no doubt that SharePoint is extensive in its features and capabilities but that has created a challenge as well. Office 365 Consultants have found that companies using SharePoint need adequate user training and help maintain the complex platform.

Expensive implementation and customization

SharePoint was not made to be used as is but its high level of customization is both a blessing and a curse. Companies need to invest in customization, implementation, training and administration to get SharePoint to the best it can be and this can be costly.

Too many feature options

Sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. Companies need to carefully choose what fits their business and enable the features that are a priority. Too many features can create a messy and confusing platform for all employees.

Limited Mobile Access

And finally, SharePoint is generally great for sharing information and resources but when it comes to mobile devices the platform can be difficult to access. It’s not the ideal choice if a company has employees that need constant easy access to their phones.

In conclusion, SharePoint is a great platform that has changed the game for many companies big and small. It has so many features and benefits that some of them can actually be a disadvantage when put in the wrong hands. The consensus is that the cons for SharePoint generally lie in mismanagement or lack of understanding. Companies who are looking to implement it should keep in mind that training and planning will be needed but once up and running, SharePoint can be a fantastic addition.