Is SharePoint Part of Microsoft 365? A Comprehensive Guide to Features, Integration, and Business Value

In today’s cloud-driven business landscape, the way organizations manage documents, share resources, and collaborate across teams has evolved significantly. Companies are increasingly moving away from outdated local file servers and adopting cloud-based solutions that offer flexibility, scalability, and real-time collaboration. Among these modern tools, SharePoint stands out as a powerful platform that enhances productivity, organizes information, and enables seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 services.

SharePoint is often misunderstood as a standalone application, but in reality, it is deeply integrated within the Microsoft 365 suite. This article explores the foundations of SharePoint, its relationship with Microsoft 365, and why it has become a cornerstone for organizations seeking better information management and collaboration tools.

What is Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365, is a comprehensive suite of cloud-based applications and services designed to improve productivity, communication, and security across businesses of all sizes. It includes familiar desktop applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with a range of collaborative tools such as Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.

This suite is accessible across various platforms and devices, enabling users to work from anywhere with an internet connection. Microsoft 365 offers cloud storage, real-time collaboration features, integrated security controls, and flexible subscription models, making it a go-to choice for modern organizations.

What sets Microsoft 365 apart is the synergy between its applications. Rather than functioning in isolation, each tool is designed to work with the others, allowing users to transition smoothly between tasks such as writing a report in Word, storing it in OneDrive, discussing it in Teams, and publishing it to a SharePoint site.

What is SharePoint

SharePoint is a collaborative platform that enables businesses to store, manage, and share content in a secure and organized manner. It provides centralized access to information, allowing teams to create websites, manage documents, and build internal portals for various business processes.

Unlike traditional file-sharing systems, SharePoint is web-based, allowing for remote access and real-time collaboration. Whether working from a desktop, tablet, or mobile device, users can stay connected to their content and colleagues. SharePoint also supports extensive customization, giving organizations the ability to tailor their sites to meet specific needs.

One of the core strengths of SharePoint is its tight integration with Microsoft 365. Users can open and edit documents stored in SharePoint using Word or Excel, chat with colleagues in Teams while reviewing a file, or share project updates on a SharePoint site accessible to stakeholders.

The Evolution of SharePoint

SharePoint was initially launched in 2001 as a document management and storage system. Over the years, it has undergone several iterations, each improving its capabilities and usability. Today, SharePoint Online is the cloud-based version offered as part of Microsoft 365, and it continues to play a vital role in enterprise collaboration.

Unlike earlier versions that required on-premises infrastructure, SharePoint Online eliminates the need for server maintenance and upgrades. It provides scalability, reliability, and continuous updates directly from Microsoft. This shift to the cloud has made SharePoint more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses, which previously found the setup and maintenance of on-premises solutions cost-prohibitive.

SharePoint’s evolution also includes advanced features like artificial intelligence for content discovery, mobile optimization, and deeper integration with Power Platform tools like Power Automate and Power Apps, enabling organizations to automate workflows and build custom business applications.

Core Features of SharePoint

SharePoint’s feature set is broad, addressing various business needs from simple document sharing to complex project management. Here are some of the core capabilities that make SharePoint an indispensable part of Microsoft 365:

Document management
SharePoint allows for centralized document storage with version control, metadata tagging, co-authoring, and check-in/check-out capabilities. Teams can collaborate on documents without the confusion of multiple email attachments or conflicting versions.

Team sites and communication sites
Team sites provide workspaces for specific teams or projects where members can share files, track tasks, and stay updated. Communication sites, on the other hand, are designed for broader audience engagement, such as company-wide announcements or departmental updates.

Lists and libraries
Lists are used to organize structured data, similar to spreadsheets, while libraries are used to store and manage documents. Both can be customized with views, filters, and workflows to streamline business processes.

Permissions and security
Granular permission settings allow administrators to control access at the site, folder, or document level. This ensures sensitive information is only accessible to authorized users, while maintaining ease of collaboration for general content.

Search functionality
SharePoint includes a powerful search engine that helps users quickly locate documents, people, or pages. It supports filters, metadata-based queries, and content previews to make information retrieval fast and efficient.

Integration with Office apps
Users can open, edit, and save files directly from Office apps such as Word and Excel to SharePoint libraries. Changes are synced automatically, and co-authoring allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously.

Customization and development
With built-in design tools and support for frameworks like SPFx (SharePoint Framework), businesses can create custom layouts, workflows, and web parts to extend SharePoint’s functionality.

How SharePoint Works Within Microsoft 365

SharePoint serves as the backbone for several Microsoft 365 services. For example, when users share files through Teams, those files are stored in a SharePoint site created automatically for the team. Similarly, files stored in OneDrive for Business are technically stored in a SharePoint document library tied to the user account.

This backend architecture enables seamless collaboration, as users can move between Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint without worrying about where files are stored. Everything is interconnected, and permissions set in one place apply throughout the system.

For organizations, this interconnected structure simplifies management and enhances user experience. Administrators can configure policies, manage user access, and monitor usage across all services from the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Benefits of Using SharePoint in Business

Adopting SharePoint as part of your Microsoft 365 strategy provides several tangible benefits. These include:

Improved collaboration
SharePoint facilitates real-time collaboration, reducing delays caused by email-based communication. Team members can co-author documents, post updates, and manage tasks from a single location.

Centralized information management
By organizing all content in one platform, businesses can reduce information silos and ensure everyone has access to the latest documents and data.

Enhanced security and compliance
SharePoint supports industry-standard security features, including encryption, access controls, audit logs, and compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. This makes it a reliable platform for handling sensitive information.

Scalability
Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, SharePoint can scale to meet your needs. Cloud infrastructure means you can add users, expand storage, and integrate new tools as your business grows.

Automation of business processes
SharePoint integrates with Power Automate to create workflows that reduce manual tasks. From document approval processes to automated notifications, these workflows streamline operations and increase efficiency.

Customizable user experience
Organizations can tailor SharePoint sites to reflect their branding and workflows. From navigation structures to homepage layouts, the platform supports extensive personalization.

Mobility
Because SharePoint is cloud-based, users can access content from anywhere. Mobile apps for SharePoint and Microsoft 365 allow employees to stay connected and productive on the go.

Common Use Cases for SharePoint

Different organizations use SharePoint in different ways, depending on their industry and business model. Here are some common scenarios:

Intranet portals
Many businesses use SharePoint to create company intranets where employees can find announcements, policy documents, HR forms, and other internal resources.

Project management hubs
Project-specific SharePoint sites can centralize all project documentation, meeting notes, timelines, and task assignments, helping teams stay organized.

Document libraries
SharePoint serves as a digital filing cabinet, replacing outdated shared drives and providing versioning, metadata tagging, and powerful search capabilities.

Knowledge bases
Departments can create searchable libraries of FAQs, guides, and training materials to support onboarding and reduce repetitive inquiries.

Client and vendor portals
Secure external access allows organizations to share information and collaborate with clients, partners, or suppliers without compromising internal security.

Challenges and Considerations

While SharePoint offers many advantages, it also comes with challenges that businesses should be aware of:

User adoption
Getting employees to switch from familiar systems to SharePoint can be difficult. Training and change management are essential for a smooth transition.

Complexity
For larger deployments, SharePoint can become complex to manage, especially if multiple customizations and integrations are involved.

Governance
Without proper policies and structures, SharePoint environments can become cluttered or inconsistent. It’s important to define governance guidelines around site creation, document naming, and user roles.

Maintenance and updates
Although SharePoint Online reduces infrastructure maintenance, organizations must still keep up with feature updates and security settings to ensure optimal use.

Advanced Features and Integration Strategies of SharePoint in Microsoft 365

As businesses continue to transition to cloud-based environments, SharePoint remains a foundational tool in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Its ability to manage content, streamline workflows, and foster real-time collaboration makes it an essential asset for organizations of all sizes. But to truly harness the power of SharePoint, it’s important to go beyond the basics and explore its more advanced features and integration capabilities.

This article explores how SharePoint interacts with other Microsoft 365 services, highlights key features that elevate business productivity, and offers integration strategies that help businesses maximize their investment in SharePoint.

SharePoint Integration Across Microsoft 365

One of the biggest strengths of SharePoint lies in its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 tools. This interoperability allows teams to collaborate more efficiently without switching platforms or managing disconnected systems.

Teams integration
When a new Microsoft Teams workspace is created, SharePoint automatically generates a connected document library to store shared files. These files are accessible directly from the Teams interface and are stored within the corresponding SharePoint site. This ensures that all team files remain organized, secure, and easy to access.

OneDrive integration
Each user in Microsoft 365 has their own OneDrive for Business account, which is essentially a personal document library powered by SharePoint. When users share files from OneDrive, they’re actually sharing links that point back to SharePoint storage. This design allows consistent permissions and enables smooth transition between personal and team content.

Power Platform integration
Microsoft’s Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power BI) offers advanced capabilities that extend SharePoint’s usefulness. Users can build custom forms, automate repetitive tasks, and visualize data—all from within SharePoint pages or connected libraries.

Outlook integration
SharePoint can be linked with Outlook for calendaring, task tracking, and contact management. Lists and libraries can be synchronized with Outlook, allowing offline access and editing, which then syncs back once users reconnect to the internet.

Planner and To Do
SharePoint tasks can be connected with Microsoft Planner and Microsoft To Do, providing a structured way to manage and track tasks across teams and projects. This integration ensures consistency and improves task visibility across different productivity tools.

Advanced SharePoint Features That Boost Productivity

Beyond document storage and collaboration, SharePoint includes several advanced features that help businesses digitize operations and improve content governance.

Metadata and content types
Using metadata, SharePoint allows users to tag documents with custom properties like project name, department, or document status. This enhances searchability and enables custom views and filtering in libraries. Content types define templates and rules for specific document categories, improving consistency and standardization across sites.

Version control and co-authoring
Every change made to a file in SharePoint is automatically tracked using version control. Users can view, restore, or compare past versions without overwriting the current one. This is especially useful in environments where multiple users co-author documents in real time.

Workflows and automation
With Power Automate, SharePoint users can automate business processes like approvals, notifications, or data collection. These workflows reduce manual effort, enforce standard procedures, and ensure timely completion of tasks. For example, a new document upload can trigger a review request that routes to different managers based on content tags.

Custom forms with Power Apps
Power Apps allows users to create low-code applications and forms that can be embedded directly into SharePoint pages or libraries. These forms can be used to collect structured information from employees or customers, enforce validation rules, and integrate with databases or APIs.

Document sets
Document sets group related documents together within a library, offering shared metadata and workflows for the entire set. This is particularly useful in legal, HR, and project management scenarios where multiple files belong to a single case, employee, or project.

Information management policies
Organizations can enforce retention schedules, expiration rules, and audit trails within SharePoint. These policies help meet legal and regulatory requirements while automating data lifecycle management.

Communication and branding
SharePoint communication sites are designed for sharing information with large audiences. These sites can be customized to reflect company branding and used to publish news, announcements, policies, and training materials. Visual web parts like image galleries, countdown timers, and news feeds improve user engagement and site aesthetics.

Hub sites
Hub sites connect multiple SharePoint sites under a shared navigation and branding model. This helps large organizations unify content structures and streamline navigation across related departments, teams, or regions.

Best Practices for SharePoint Implementation

Deploying SharePoint successfully involves more than just enabling the service. It requires strategic planning, structured governance, and continuous user education.

Define clear objectives
Before launching SharePoint, organizations should define what they want to achieve—whether it’s improving collaboration, managing documents, creating a digital workplace, or centralizing business data. Clear goals help in designing the right site structure and workflows.

Structure sites logically
A flat site structure is recommended over a deep hierarchy. Instead of nesting subsites, modern SharePoint favors standalone sites connected through hub sites. This approach offers more flexibility and easier permission management.

Develop a governance plan
Without oversight, SharePoint environments can become chaotic. A governance plan outlines how sites are created, who owns them, what naming conventions to follow, and how permissions are managed. This ensures long-term consistency and usability.

Train end users
Employee adoption is essential for SharePoint’s success. Offer regular training sessions, how-to guides, and in-app tips to help users understand features like versioning, metadata, and workflow usage.

Use templates and site designs
Site templates and site designs accelerate the rollout of consistent SharePoint sites across departments. Templates can include pre-built libraries, navigation, branding, and web parts tailored to specific use cases.

Monitor and optimize performance
Regularly review usage analytics to identify inactive sites, popular content, or areas where users may need support. Use this data to adjust content, improve navigation, or retire outdated pages.

Ensure mobile readiness
With more people working remotely or on the go, ensure your SharePoint content is mobile-friendly. Use responsive layouts and test web parts for compatibility with mobile devices.

Plan for backup and recovery
Though Microsoft provides built-in data protection for SharePoint Online, businesses should still consider backup solutions for long-term retention, regulatory compliance, and business continuity. Third-party backup tools can offer granular restore options beyond Microsoft’s native capabilities.

Customizing SharePoint for Unique Business Needs

One of the most valuable aspects of SharePoint is its adaptability. Businesses can extend SharePoint’s functionality using a variety of customization tools and techniques.

Custom web parts
Developers can build custom web parts using the SharePoint Framework. These components can display dashboards, embed third-party services, or offer interactive user experiences that go beyond the default offerings.

JavaScript and PowerShell
Power users and developers can utilize JavaScript and PowerShell to automate tasks, manage site collections, update user permissions, or trigger data syncs with other systems. These scripts enhance administrative control and streamline repetitive tasks.

REST APIs
For deeper integrations, SharePoint provides REST APIs that allow developers to interact with SharePoint data programmatically. These APIs support creating, reading, updating, and deleting SharePoint items from external applications or services.

Third-party solutions
The SharePoint ecosystem includes thousands of third-party tools and add-ons for project management, workflow automation, document scanning, compliance, and more. These tools often offer specialized features that can save time and reduce the need for custom development.

Design and branding
Organizations can tailor the look and feel of SharePoint to match their brand identity using themes, logos, fonts, and custom navigation. Consistent branding helps reinforce company culture and provides a more engaging experience for employees.

Security and Compliance in SharePoint

Protecting business data is a top priority, and SharePoint includes several layers of security and compliance features to help businesses maintain control over their content.

Granular permissions
Administrators can manage access at the site, library, folder, or document level. Users can be assigned roles such as visitor, member, or owner, each with specific rights. This flexibility ensures only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive information.

Multi-factor authentication
SharePoint supports multi-factor authentication through Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD). This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of identity verification beyond just a password.

Data loss prevention
With Microsoft Purview, organizations can define data loss prevention policies that identify and block the sharing of sensitive data, such as financial records or personal identifiers. These rules help enforce compliance with data privacy laws.

Audit logs
Every action taken in SharePoint—such as file access, sharing, deletion, or permission changes—is recorded in audit logs. These logs provide visibility into user activity and help detect anomalies or unauthorized access attempts.

Information Rights Management
IRM allows organizations to protect documents by applying usage restrictions such as preventing printing, copying, or forwarding. These controls travel with the document, even when it’s downloaded or shared outside the organization.

Retention and records management
SharePoint supports retention policies that preserve content for legal, compliance, or business continuity reasons. It also enables records management features for labeling and locking down official records.

Real-World Examples of SharePoint in Action

To understand the true impact of SharePoint, it helps to look at how real businesses use it in practice.

A law firm uses SharePoint to centralize case files and automate client intake forms using Power Apps. Version control ensures all documents are tracked, while permissions restrict access based on case assignments.

A manufacturing company builds a SharePoint-based safety portal where employees report incidents, review safety protocols, and access training videos. Integration with Power BI allows them to analyze trends in reported incidents.

A global marketing team uses SharePoint as an intranet to share branding assets, marketing calendars, and campaign playbooks. Communication sites provide updates on product launches, webinars, and customer events.

A nonprofit creates public-facing SharePoint pages to share research reports and success stories. Internal teams collaborate on grant applications and use workflows to manage approval cycles.

Deploying SharePoint in Your Organization: Strategies, Migration, and Choosing the Right Setup

As companies embrace digital transformation, adopting SharePoint within the Microsoft 365 environment offers a flexible, secure, and scalable way to manage information, foster collaboration, and streamline business operations. While many businesses recognize SharePoint’s benefits, successfully deploying it requires careful planning and execution.

This article focuses on SharePoint deployment strategies, migration considerations, setup options, and tips for ensuring a smooth rollout across your organization. Whether you’re transitioning from legacy systems or building a modern digital workspace from scratch, understanding these elements will help ensure long-term success.

Choosing the Right SharePoint Deployment Model

Before launching SharePoint across your business, it’s essential to understand the available deployment options. SharePoint can be implemented in several configurations, each with its own advantages depending on business requirements, existing infrastructure, and compliance needs.

SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online is the cloud-based version included with Microsoft 365. It is managed entirely by Microsoft, requiring no on-premises infrastructure. Organizations benefit from regular updates, automatic scaling, high availability, and reduced IT overhead. SharePoint Online is ideal for businesses prioritizing cloud-first strategies, remote access, and flexible collaboration.

SharePoint Server (on-premises)
This version is installed on your company’s own servers and managed internally. It offers complete control over data, customizations, and security policies. On-premises deployment is best suited for organizations with strict data residency requirements or those operating in highly regulated industries. However, it comes with higher maintenance costs and limited access to newer cloud-based features.

Hybrid deployment
A hybrid model combines SharePoint Online with SharePoint Server, offering the best of both environments. Organizations can host sensitive data on-premises while using the cloud for less critical content. This setup supports a gradual migration strategy and is useful for businesses transitioning from legacy systems.

Planning Your SharePoint Rollout

Implementing SharePoint successfully requires a strategic rollout plan that considers business goals, technical requirements, and user readiness. Rushing deployment without careful planning can result in disorganized content, poor user adoption, and administrative headaches.

Define business objectives
Start by identifying what you want SharePoint to achieve. Objectives may include improving collaboration, centralizing document management, automating workflows, or launching an intranet portal. Clear goals will help you design an effective information architecture and choose the right features.

Assess current systems
Conduct a detailed audit of your existing file servers, document repositories, intranets, and collaboration tools. Understand how users access and share content today, and identify pain points that SharePoint can resolve. This assessment guides the migration process and helps prioritize functionality.

Develop an information architecture
Your SharePoint structure should reflect how your organization works. Use logical site collections, libraries, and metadata to organize content by department, project, or function. Avoid replicating folder-heavy hierarchies from file servers, and instead focus on intuitive navigation and discoverability.

Assign governance roles
Define who will manage content, permissions, and policies within each SharePoint site. Appoint site owners, content creators, and administrators to maintain structure and ensure accountability. Governance also includes setting rules for site creation, naming conventions, and content lifecycle management.

Pilot the solution
Before rolling out SharePoint company-wide, conduct a pilot with a small group or department. Use their feedback to fine-tune the setup, address usability issues, and identify training needs. A successful pilot builds momentum and informs the broader deployment strategy.

Migrating to SharePoint

If you’re moving from an existing system to SharePoint, planning a structured migration is key to avoiding data loss, duplication, or broken permissions.

Inventory and categorize content
Start by cataloging the content you plan to migrate. Group files into categories such as current documents, archives, templates, or confidential data. Use this stage to eliminate redundant or outdated information.

Choose a migration approach
There are two main migration methods: manual and automated.

Manual migration involves downloading files from the old system and uploading them into SharePoint. This is feasible for smaller environments but becomes time-consuming for large-scale transfers.

Automated migration uses specialized tools that preserve metadata, permissions, and file structures. Tools like SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT), ShareGate, and Metalogix can streamline large migrations and reduce human error.

Map metadata and permissions
When migrating, consider applying metadata tags to help organize and filter documents. Also, ensure that user permissions are replicated correctly in the new environment. Mismatched access can lead to security risks or user frustration.

Communicate with users
Notify users about the upcoming migration, including what content will be moved, when it will happen, and what changes they can expect. Clear communication helps build trust and minimizes confusion during the transition.

Validate post-migration
After migration, verify that content appears correctly in the new environment, permissions are intact, and workflows function as expected. Encourage users to report any issues promptly so they can be resolved quickly.

Structuring SharePoint for Long-Term Success

A well-organized SharePoint environment is easier to use, maintain, and scale. Structure your sites and content with clarity and consistency in mind.

Use site collections strategically
Create site collections for major business units or functional areas. Each site collection can have its own administrators, storage limits, and branding. Avoid placing too much content in a single site, which can make navigation and management cumbersome.

Implement hubs and navigation
Use hub sites to connect related SharePoint sites under a common navigation structure. This provides users with a consistent experience as they move between different areas of your intranet or collaboration spaces.

Create reusable templates
Templates save time and promote consistency. Use site designs or provisioning scripts to deploy preconfigured libraries, lists, workflows, and layouts for recurring use cases like project tracking, client onboarding, or policy management.

Leverage metadata
Metadata improves search, sorting, and filtering. Replace complex folder structures with metadata fields such as project name, department, or file status. Create views that group or filter content based on these fields.

Establish retention and archiving policies
Use Microsoft Purview to apply retention policies that automatically archive or delete content based on age, status, or relevance. This keeps your environment clean and compliant without relying on manual cleanup.

Training and Support for End Users

User adoption is one of the most critical factors in the success of any SharePoint deployment. Even the most well-designed system will fail if users don’t know how to use it effectively.

Offer hands-on training
Provide training sessions, webinars, or workshops that show employees how to use SharePoint for their daily tasks. Focus on practical scenarios like uploading files, creating lists, sharing content, and collaborating in Teams.

Create a SharePoint knowledge base
Build a SharePoint site that contains user guides, how-to articles, video tutorials, and FAQs. Include contact information for internal support and offer step-by-step guidance for common actions.

Encourage a support community
Empower experienced users to become SharePoint champions within their departments. These champions can assist others, gather feedback, and act as a bridge between end users and IT.

Collect feedback regularly
After deployment, check in with users to understand what’s working well and where improvements are needed. Use surveys, interviews, or suggestion forms to capture input and make continuous improvements.

Update training as features evolve
SharePoint Online receives regular updates and new features from Microsoft. Keep training materials current to reflect UI changes, new web parts, and evolving best practices.

Monitoring and Maintaining Your SharePoint Environment

Once SharePoint is in place, ongoing monitoring and optimization are essential to keep it running smoothly and to ensure it continues to meet your organization’s needs.

Review usage analytics
Use built-in usage reports or Microsoft 365 analytics tools to track user activity, site visits, storage trends, and popular content. These insights can inform decisions about content optimization and resource allocation.

Audit permissions regularly
Permissions can change over time as roles shift or new team members join. Periodically audit permissions across your SharePoint sites to ensure that sensitive content remains secure and access rights are up to date.

Archive inactive content
Sites or libraries that are no longer in use should be archived or deleted. This keeps your environment lean and reduces clutter. Use automated retention policies to identify and manage obsolete content.

Stay informed about updates
Subscribe to the Microsoft 365 message center or roadmap to stay informed about upcoming changes, new features, or deprecations. Planning for these changes in advance helps minimize disruption.

Promote continuous improvement
Encourage departments to explore how SharePoint can support new processes or projects. As adoption deepens, users will often find innovative ways to leverage SharePoint’s capabilities beyond the initial rollout.

Conclusion

Deploying SharePoint within your organization offers a strategic opportunity to modernize collaboration, document management, and internal communication. But to unlock its full potential, deployment must be approached with careful planning, thoughtful migration, and user-focused support.

By choosing the right deployment model, structuring sites with purpose, training users effectively, and maintaining your environment, SharePoint can become the digital foundation for your business operations. As part of Microsoft 365, its seamless integration with other tools like Teams, OneDrive, Power Automate, and Power Apps ensures that your teams stay connected, productive, and agile—no matter where they work.

In the rapidly evolving digital workplace, SharePoint offers the tools and flexibility to meet today’s needs while scaling to support tomorrow’s growth. Whether you’re building an intranet, centralizing knowledge, or automating business processes, SharePoint continues to be a powerful solution that drives innovation and collaboration.