Sharepoint Versions : Everything You Need to Know | Softura

A story of how Microsoft’s web-based collaborative software came to be.

Developed by Microsoft, SharePoint is an online collaboration platform that businesses can integrate with Microsoft Office. The first version of the software was launched back in 2001 and many iterations have been released since then by the technology giant. SharePoint is usually considered to be a document storage and management system, however, this is a highly versatile software that can be configured substantially by enterprises based on their unique needs.

It has been more than 17 years since the first version of SharePoint was launched. The product has gone through a transformation through this period, let's take a look back at how it all started and what stages the software went through before taking its current form.

All SharePoint Versions

* SharePoint Portal Server 2001/SharePoint Team Services for Collaboration
* Windows SharePoint Services & Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003
* Windows SharePoint Services & Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007
* SharePoint Foundation & Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010
* SharePoint 2013 On-Premises & SharePoint Online
* SharePoint 2016 On-Premises
* SharePoint 2019 - To be released in mid-2018.

SharePoint 2001 – 2003

SharePoint Portal Server was released by Microsoft in 2001. Fundamentally, it was a document management platform and didn’t allow for much interaction. Setting up the software was quite straightforward. End clients would detail their needs and communicate them to the business’s IT department who then characterized all the features and services required. Once the requirements were finalized IT personnel worked inside SharePoint to analyze issues and find solutions. It wasn’t easy to add new features. In late 2003, under the more extensive Office 2003 umbrella, Microsoft launched Windows SharePoint Server as a component of Windows Server 2003. It had an enhanced UI, better personalization, and a collaboration suite.

SharePoint 2007 – 2010

At the beginning of 2007, archiving and document management and storage were primary enterprise needs along with web content. SharePoint 2007 was the version that defined the path of success for the software and paved the way for modern version as we see it today. This was when SharePoint moved to be a collaboration centered platform, permitting end clients more to interact. End clients were given the alternative to explore the newly released platform to make group destinations and oversee work processes. It was SharePoint 2007 that initially suited a completely practical and integrated document management and team collaboration system.

Following broad improvement, client response and beta testing, SharePoint 2010 furnished upgraded features such as better coordination with other Office applications. It engaged staff at all levels by enabling advanced level features to enhance and extend the connectivity of enterprise. It likewise mechanized the work process, which positively affected business productivity.

SharePoint 2013

The newer iteration brought new capabilities of Newsfeed, Community sites, sharing, OneNote integration and ability to customize the appearance along with the plethora of other features and enhancements. SharePoint 2013's defining features were the ability to drag and drop the documents into libraries from your hard drive partitions, quick edit, and synchronization of libraries. These were the changes that were very well received by the clients globally and the product was highly appreciated.

SharePoint 2016

Improving on an already amazing product wasn't easy but Microsoft was able to hit a home run once again. The software giant brought mobile apps to life, enabled quicker site creation, added compliance center, enhanced sharing capabilities within the software, and added support for files up to 10 GB which was a relief for professionals working in design and architecture.

The new version also had previews for images and videos, search, app launcher, and accessibility features. SharePoint 2016 is the most complete version of any collaboration software on the market today.

Microsoft has announced that the company will be releasing SharePoint 2019 on premises in mid-2018. That means the latest iteration of the software is just around the corner. We can hope that it maintains the tradition of bringing the most demanded features and user-friendly enhancements.