Microsoft Office SharePoint Server Reviews

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server offers a flexible pricing and licensing structure, suitable for enterprises of varying sizes. For on-premises, a server and client access license model is used, with additional costs for SQL Server. Cloud solutions offer monthly per-user pricing, affordable for fewer than 100 users. Costs fluctuate with enterprise agreements and nonprofit discounts. Pricing is perceived as competitive relative to features, with significant importance placed on cost-effectiveness in many regions, particularly Africa.

• "It can be expensive for on-premises deployments, especially when you have to support SQL Server as your backend database. That's where the cost comes into play. SQL Server has its own licensing, which Microsoft keeps on changing. Therefore, it can become costly. In the earlier versions of SharePoint, version 2007 or 2010, they had an express version where the SQL Server licensing was free. It wasn't like a full-blown SharePoint. It was only a slimmed-down version. It used to be whatever your hardware costs. You would install the free software and work with it, but you were very limited in what you could do in SharePoint. If you wanted the SharePoint Enterprise Server with all the bells and whistles, then you had to pay more to get the SQL Server license based on the number of users or servers.The subscription model is different for cloud deployments. Licensing is per user and per month. The cost also depends on the storage required. If you have a lot of sites or documents, then you need to expand it based on your needs."
• "Pricing plans may be flexible depending on volume usage and your corporate relationship with Microsoft."
• "There are some aggressive discounts offered by Microsoft for organizations that are not for profit, which we are, and it makes it quite attractive to consider."

Organizations primarily utilize Microsoft Office SharePoint Server for document management, data sharing, and collaboration among teams. It serves as an intranet for information dissemination, a repository for project files, and a tool for managing workflows. SharePoint also supports hybrid configurations for both online and on-premises use, with functionalities extending to Power Apps and Power BI integration, enhancing business intelligence capabilities and enabling seamless communication via Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server support exhibits a varied experience. Many appreciate Microsoft's large community and documentation, finding customer service satisfactory. However, speed and efficiency are frequent concerns, with complexity often hindering support effectiveness. Some report prompt assistance as partners, whereas others prefer third-party alternatives for faster help. Migration issues and client-specific challenges are noted. Technical support ratings range, reflecting mixed satisfaction. Microsoft's flexible service is praised, but accessibility and detailed tier distinctions are seen as obstacles.

Many found the initial setup of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server straightforward, especially for cloud deployments. On-premises setups often required more resources. Customization needs and enterprise-level use increased complexity. Efficient deployment varied, typically taking minutes to months depending on requirements and organization size. Cloud options were easier with built-in features, while on-premises required handling multiple components, like servers and databases. Some reported difficulty due to lack of guidance for complex or large-scale implementations.

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server is praised for its scalability, both on-premises and in the cloud. Users report adding features and hardware without issues, handling high volumes and different roles efficiently. Many companies, small to large, observe minimal performance impact when scaling. It supports horizontal and vertical scaling, easily accommodating expanding needs. Even with extensive global company use, no significant challenges are noted, affirming Microsoft Office SharePoint Server's robust scalability.

Many find Microsoft Office SharePoint Server to be stable with minimal issues. Capacity planning and management are crucial. Some report occasional crashes but handle quickly. Stability is enhanced when managed correctly. Cloud-hosted SharePoint ensures uptime, but dependent on internet connectivity. Bugs appear sometimes but don't significantly impact performance. Regular updates and best practices help maintain stability. Users rate it highly for stability.