Free Microsoft 365 health check: how many of your licenses are actually in use? Apply →

Book a call

What is SharePoint?

SharePoint is Microsoft's collaboration platform: organizations use it to share and manage content, knowledge and applications. This guide covers what it's used for, which editions exist and how it relates to Teams.

Last updated:

What is SharePoint used for?

Microsoft describes SharePoint as a collaboration platform that empowers teamwork. Organizations mostly use it for intranets, document management and team sites.

  • Intranet. An internal portal for announcements, news and company information.
  • Document management. Files stored with their versions, co-authored and shared with permissions.
  • Team sites. One place for a project's or department's documents, lists and pages.
  • Search. Fast access to information, within the content each user can reach.

Which editions of SharePoint are there?

SharePoint runs in the cloud as part of Microsoft 365, and on-premises as SharePoint Server.

EditionWhere it runsStatus
SharePoint in Microsoft 365 (SharePoint Online)In Microsoft's cloudMicrosoft updates it continuously
SharePoint Server Subscription EditionOn your own serversSupported under the Modern Lifecycle Policy
SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019On your own serversSupport ended on 14 July 2026

How do SharePoint and Teams relate?

Files shared in Teams are stored in SharePoint sites. According to Microsoft, SharePoint is deeply integrated into Teams. So an organization that uses Teams is also using SharePoint, whether it notices or not.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between SharePoint and OneDrive?

OneDrive is for personal files. SharePoint is for content shared by teams and the whole organization.

Can SharePoint still run on-premises?

Yes. The supported on-premises edition is SharePoint Server Subscription Edition. Support for SharePoint 2016 and 2019 ended on 14 July 2026.

Can you build custom apps on SharePoint?

Yes. Custom components are built with the SharePoint Framework, and apps made with Power Apps can be added to SharePoint.

  • SharePoint Online · Microsoft 365

    Microsoft 365 and SharePoint

    Intranets, document management and workflows; moves to Microsoft 365.

  • 2013 → Subscription Edition

    SharePoint on-premises

    Installation, version upgrades, maintenance and custom apps.

  • With your team

    Workshops

    Focused sessions that turn one topic into a roadmap with your team.

Let's review your SharePoint project together

In the intro call, we talk through your current environment, your needs and your goal.

Book a call