SharePoint On-Premise: Is it Right for Your Business?
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that allows businesses to create websites, intranets, and collaboration spaces. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities that can enhance productivity and streamline business processes. When considering SharePoint for your business, you have two options: SharePoint On-Premise or SharePoint Online. In this article, we will explore SharePoint On-Premise and discuss whether it is the right choice for your business.
What is SharePoint On-Premise?
SharePoint On-Premise refers to the deployment of SharePoint within your organization’s own infrastructure. This means that the servers and data are physically located on your premises, giving you complete control over your SharePoint environment. With SharePoint On-Premise, you have the flexibility to customize and tailor the platform to meet your specific business needs.
Benefits of SharePoint On-Premise
There are several benefits to choosing SharePoint On-Premise for your business:
- Customization: SharePoint On-Premise allows for extensive customization, giving you the ability to create a unique and tailored intranet or website for your organization. You can customize the look and feel, add custom functionality, and integrate with other systems.
- Data Control: With SharePoint On-Premise, you have complete control over your data. This is especially important for businesses that handle sensitive or confidential information. You can ensure that your data is stored and managed securely within your own infrastructure.
- Integration: SharePoint On-Premise can be easily integrated with other systems and applications within your organization. This allows for seamless collaboration and information sharing across different platforms.
- Compliance: SharePoint On-Premise offers robust compliance features, allowing you to meet industry-specific regulations and requirements. You can implement security measures, access controls, and auditing capabilities to ensure compliance with data protection standards.
- Performance: SharePoint On-Premise typically offers better performance and faster response times compared to SharePoint Online. This is because the servers and data are located within your own infrastructure, reducing latency and network dependencies.
Considerations for SharePoint On-Premise
While SharePoint On-Premise offers many benefits, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
- Cost: SharePoint On-Premise requires upfront investment in hardware, software licenses, and IT resources. You will need to purchase and maintain servers, as well as allocate resources for installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance.
- Expertise: SharePoint On-Premise requires technical expertise to set up and manage. You will need IT staff or a SharePoint development agency with experience in SharePoint deployment and administration.
- Scalability: SharePoint On-Premise may have limitations in terms of scalability. If your business grows rapidly or requires additional resources, you may need to invest in hardware upgrades or additional servers.
- Updates and Upgrades: With SharePoint On-Premise, you are responsible for managing updates and upgrades. This includes installing patches, service packs, and new versions of SharePoint. This requires planning and coordination to ensure minimal disruption to your business.
- Accessibility: SharePoint On-Premise may have limitations in terms of accessibility. If your employees need to access SharePoint from remote locations or on mobile devices, additional configuration and infrastructure may be required.
Is SharePoint On-Premise Right for Your Business?
Whether SharePoint On-Premise is the right choice for your business depends on your specific needs and requirements. Consider the following factors:
- Customization: If you require extensive customization and control over your SharePoint environment, SharePoint On-Premise may be the better option.
- Data Security: If your business deals with sensitive or confidential information, SharePoint On-Premise allows you to have complete control over your data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
- Performance: If performance and response times are critical for your business processes, SharePoint On-Premise may offer better performance compared to SharePoint Online.
- Cost: Consider the upfront and ongoing costs of SharePoint On-Premise, including hardware, software licenses, and IT resources. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the investment.
- Expertise: Assess whether your organization has the technical expertise to set up and manage SharePoint On-Premise. If not, consider outsourcing SharePoint development to a reputable agency.
Conclusion
SharePoint On-Premise offers a range of benefits, including customization, data control, integration, compliance, and performance. However, it also requires upfront investment, technical expertise, and ongoing maintenance. Consider your specific needs and requirements to determine whether SharePoint On-Premise is the right choice for your business. If you need assistance with SharePoint development or intranet design, consider outsourcing to a SharePoint development agency for expert guidance and support.