Last Updated: May 20, 2024

Run Microsoft Sharepoint Efficiently!

Welcome to the “Awesome Osmo Guide” designed to help you understand which software is necessary to run SharePoint efficiently. 

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to streamline your operations or an IT professional tasked with deploying SP within your organisation, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial. This blog will walk you through the essential software components and supportive applications that maximise SP’s capabilities.

Core Software Requirements for SharePoint

At its heart, SP is a powerful platform designed to facilitate better collaboration and document management within organisations. To get started, you’ll need to consider your setup approach—whether it’s an on-premises installation or a cloud-based solution like SP Online which is part of MS 365.

For Microsoft Sharepoint On-Premises:

• Server: The backbone of any on-premises SP setup, Windows Server ensures that your SP environment runs smoothly and is secure.
• SQL Server: MS SQL Server acts as the database engine where all of your SP data is stored. It’s critical for data retrieval and storage operations.
• SP Server: Depending on your organisation’s size and needs, you might deploy SP Server 2016, 2019, or SP Server Subscription Edition.

For Online:

• 365 subscription: This is the easiest way to access SP, as it is included in most business plans of 365. It handles much of the heavy lifting on own servers, reducing your need to manage the underlying infrastructure.

Essential Supportive Software

While the main software forms the backbone of your SP environment, several supportive applications and tools enhance its functionality and user experience.

For Both On-Premises and Online:

• MS Edge or Google Chrome: For optimal performance and compatibility, using a modern browser like Edge or Google Chrome is recommended when accessing SP.
• MS Office: SP integrates seamlessly with the Office suite. Programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook work hand-in-hand with SP for document management, real-time collaboration, and communication.
• OneDrive for Business: For cloud storage solutions, OneDrive for Business integrates with SP to provide a smooth document handling and synchronisation experience across all devices.

Use Cases and Applications

Understanding the applications of SP coupled with the right software can help in harnessing its full potential. Here are a few scenarios:

• Project Collaboration: Teams can collaborate on projects using SP with the support of Office tools. Real-time document editing, sharing, and communication are streamlined, ensuring project milestones are met efficiently.
• Intranet Portal: Many organisations use SP to create an intranet portal. This setup benefits immensely from the integration with 365, allowing employees to access company news, resources, and tools in one central location.
• Document Management and Storage: With the combined power of SP and OneDrive for Business, managing and storing documents becomes a breeze. Organisations can benefit from advanced features like version control, secure sharing, and remote access.

Conclusion

Choosing the right software for deploying and running MS SP is pivotal for the successful implementation and ongoing management of the platform. Whether you opt for an on-premises setup with MS Server and SP Server or a cloud-based approach via SP Online, the integration with other tools like Office and OneDrive for Business is essential for maximising productivity and collaboration. Get in touch with experts for more information or detailed consultancy.