Moving to Microsoft SharePoint: Are You Ready for the Leap?

Remember the days when on-premise servers were the ‘in thing’? They provided businesses with reliable solutions for data management. Yet, as time evolves, so do technological landscapes. Today, most operations that were once tethered to bulky hardware can seamlessly soar within a Microsoft 365 SharePoint environment.

Applications

Begin with a thorough review of all your applications. You should ask yourself: Are these primarily web-based or do they reside on your physical server? Common applications include Adobe, Quickbooks, niche business-specific applications, and various office products.

If they’re hosted on your server, consider whether cloud-based versions are available. Scrutinizing these alternatives is crucial. They should not only offer similar functions, but the transition to them should be smooth and uncomplicated. In most instances, the shift proves beneficial.

Computers

It is important to evaluate your computers. Ideally, they should be less than five years into their lifecycle. In the SharePoint sphere, the absence of an SSD can be a bottleneck; hard disk drives aren’t as efficient. At the very minimum, your machines should be powered by:

• An i5 processor
• A 256 GB SSD
• 16 GB of RAM

Internet Service

Your connectivity plays a pivotal role in how smooth your SharePoint experience will be. Understand your connection type:

Cable/Coax: Usually identified when the download speed (first number) is higher. Example: 100/10 would indicate a coax connection.

Fiber: Here, download and upload speeds mirror each other. Example: 100/100.

Although fiber is optimal for cloud-based operations due to the current upload demands, a robust cable connection can be equally effective, contingent on specific conditions.

Technology Partner

Does your IT provider make the cut? The complicated differences of setting up a SharePoint environment demand specialized expertise. Moreover, given that Microsoft 365 licenses come with a premium price tag, having a partner that makes sure you get the best bang for your buck is invaluable. It would be wise to request references from your IT provider for similar projects they’ve undertaken.

Ready to elevate your SharePoint experience and ensure you’re getting the most value from your IT investment? Do not hesitate to contact Info-Tech Montréal today for expert guidance and proven results.

Microsoft 365 Licenses

Navigating the world of Microsoft 365 licenses can sometimes feel daunting. Info-Tech Montréal can help break it down for you.

While most licenses include SharePoint and OneDrive, the Business Apps license doesn’t make the cut.

However, for those eyeing SharePoint, the Microsoft 365 Business Premium license emerges as the winner. Not only does it pack in SharePoint, it also boasts enhanced cybersecurity features, offering a digital shield for your business data. It’s essential to look beyond just names and prices.

Understanding the core features and long-term benefits will ensure you make a choice that aligns best with your business needs. In today’s digital age, comprehensive solutions and robust security go hand in hand.

Other Considerations in a SharePoint Environment

Always couple your Microsoft 365 license with Multi-Factor Authentication for an added layer of security. If you’re used to scanning to a shared server folder, it might be time to pivot to scanning directly into a SharePoint folder or switch to scan-to-email. Furthermore, linking computers to OneDrive guarantees that, even if disaster strikes your computer, your files remain safe, reachable, and mobile.

Get in touch with us, and we’ll review your systems, culminating in a detailed SharePoint readiness report. Dive into the future with confidence.