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SharePoint Online vs SharePoint Server: cloud vs on-premises features, cost, security, and which deployment is best for your organization.
Choosing between SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server is a critical decision for enterprise organizations. This comprehensive comparison helps you understand the key differences, strengths, and ideal use cases for each platform.
SharePoint Online offers enterprise-grade features with deep Microsoft ecosystem integration. Key advantages include seamless authentication with Azure AD, native Office 365 integration, and comprehensive security and compliance features.
SharePoint Server provides a competitive alternative with its own strengths and unique capabilities. Understanding when to choose SharePoint Server over SharePoint Online depends on your specific requirements and existing technology stack.
For organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, SharePoint Online typically offers better integration, unified licensing, and simplified management. However, SharePoint Server may be the better choice if you have specific requirements that align with its strengths.
Making the right choice requires understanding your organization's unique needs, existing infrastructure, and long-term strategy. EPC Group's consultants have 28+ years of experience helping enterprises evaluate and implement the right technology solutions.
SharePoint Online is recommended for most organizations due to automatic updates, zero infrastructure maintenance, built-in disaster recovery, and included compliance features. SharePoint Server is best for organizations with strict data sovereignty requirements, air-gapped networks, or heavy customizations incompatible with the cloud.
SharePoint Online Plan 1 starts at $5/user/month, and it is included in Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise plans. SharePoint Server requires server licenses ($7,500+), SQL Server licenses, CALs ($100+ per user), hardware, and IT staff for maintenance. TCO for SharePoint Server is typically 3 to 5 times higher over a 5-year period.
Yes, Microsoft provides the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) for free, and third-party tools like ShareGate and AvePoint offer advanced migration capabilities. Key considerations include custom solutions, InfoPath forms, legacy workflows, and large file libraries. EPC Group typically recommends a phased migration approach.
SharePoint Online supports the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) for custom web parts and extensions, Power Automate for workflows, and Power Apps for custom forms. However, full-trust solutions and farm solutions from SharePoint Server are not supported and must be redesigned using modern development patterns.
SharePoint Server Subscription Edition (SE) is the latest on-premises version with continuous feature updates. However, Microsoft is investing primarily in SharePoint Online with AI-powered features like Copilot, SharePoint Premium, and Syntex. On-premises editions receive security updates but fewer new features.
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