Why Microsoft Added Dynamics 365 Cloud Services and the Hottest New Services

Microsoft Dynamics 365 has been created to increase the productivity of a business by becoming more specific. Businesses can choose which areas to focus on from sales automation to customer service and select from various apps to address the particular needs of their unique consumers. Dynamics 365 will be able to service people in over 40 different languages as well as in 135 different market places. In order to better understand Dynamics 365, here is a breakdown of how Dynamics 365 can help your business.

1.What is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Microsoft has created a platform which combines CRM and ERP services into a single entity that is now known as  Microsoft Dynamics 365.  CEO Satya Nadella wanted to show how a focus on combining CRM and ERP could change the way businesses and consumers buy and use business apps. AppSource is one of the main contributors to the flare of Dynamics 365 but the integration of artificial intelligence into the system has become a huge talking point. Earlier last month TechCrunch Noted, “It’s been designed as a stand-alone service that can work with any of the Dynamics 365 CRM components-sales, customer service, or field service - and can also work with any external CRM tool with open APIs.”
This also means users who are using the Microsoft SharePoint Application, Office 365, or other Microsoft tools can access the AI services. Power BI and Cortana, according to the Microsoft Blog, “Will further help businesses achieve their goals through predictive insights, prescriptive advice and actionable next steps.”  Similar to Office 365 and Microsoft SharePoint, Dynamics 365 seeks to simplify the integration and management of data across various applications.

                                                                        Image Source: windowscentral.com

2. How Is It Different?

What makes Dynamics 365 intriguing is the introduction of Microsoft AppSource. What the Microsoft team has done is become more specific with their apps. They are now designed to work efficiently not only together but independently as well.  The Microsoft Blog notes how your business can start small and pay only for what you need. “The apps include built-in insights, predictive intelligence and workflow optimization, all of which will be delivered through simple, easy-to-use, mobile experiences with offline capabilities.”
Another feature available to businesses is over 200 SaaS apps which also have add-in’s and content packs ready for use. Microsoft Dynamics 365 also allows you to create new applications while still being able to edit and enhance old ones. The vast amount of resources made available to businesses on this platform help to make collaboration easier and increase innovation.

                                                                    Image Source: pexels.com

3. Other Special Features

Another feature Microsoft is making available is the ability for small businesses to tend to their business needs as much as larger ones. There is Dynamics 365 which caters to  small businesses of about 100, and one for enterprises. The same applications are accessible to both however, Dynamics 365 for enterprises places a large emphasis on ERP. This allows a larger range of business owners to interact freely with Microsoft Dynamics 365 because the nature of their small or large business will be recognized.
Microsoft is also allowing consumers to a licensing choice based on the access requirements of a business. If you find that one person needs to be able to use the service there is an option for a single team member which has certain restrictions. However, if you find your business to be on the opposite side of the spectrum and need group access you can license through a plan to gain access for everyone.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 seeks not only to make business processes easier, but to help encourage creativity and innovation. Much like the latest SharePoint updates, these new additions are to provide your business with the best possible tools for success. Here’s a recap of the most important points:
The Dynamics of Dynamics 365

1. Microsoft Dynamics is a cloud based application which offers a combination of CRM and ERP services
2. Artificial intelligence is integrated into the system to help service your business
3. The AppSource SaaS applications were created to address specific areas of your business
4. There are options for both small and large businesses
5. Access can be licensed based on what your business needs

Why Microsoft Added Dynamics 365 Cloud Services and the Hottest New Services

Posted by Sophina Dillard No comments

Microsoft Dynamics 365 has been created to increase the productivity of a business by becoming more specific. Businesses can choose which areas to focus on from sales automation to customer service and select from various apps to address the particular needs of their unique consumers. Dynamics 365 will be able to service people in over 40 different languages as well as in 135 different market places. In order to better understand Dynamics 365, here is a breakdown of how Dynamics 365 can help your business.

1.What is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Microsoft has created a platform which combines CRM and ERP services into a single entity that is now known as  Microsoft Dynamics 365.  CEO Satya Nadella wanted to show how a focus on combining CRM and ERP could change the way businesses and consumers buy and use business apps. AppSource is one of the main contributors to the flare of Dynamics 365 but the integration of artificial intelligence into the system has become a huge talking point. Earlier last month TechCrunch Noted, “It’s been designed as a stand-alone service that can work with any of the Dynamics 365 CRM components-sales, customer service, or field service - and can also work with any external CRM tool with open APIs.”
This also means users who are using the Microsoft SharePoint Application, Office 365, or other Microsoft tools can access the AI services. Power BI and Cortana, according to the Microsoft Blog, “Will further help businesses achieve their goals through predictive insights, prescriptive advice and actionable next steps.”  Similar to Office 365 and Microsoft SharePoint, Dynamics 365 seeks to simplify the integration and management of data across various applications.

                                                                        Image Source: windowscentral.com

2. How Is It Different?

What makes Dynamics 365 intriguing is the introduction of Microsoft AppSource. What the Microsoft team has done is become more specific with their apps. They are now designed to work efficiently not only together but independently as well.  The Microsoft Blog notes how your business can start small and pay only for what you need. “The apps include built-in insights, predictive intelligence and workflow optimization, all of which will be delivered through simple, easy-to-use, mobile experiences with offline capabilities.”
Another feature available to businesses is over 200 SaaS apps which also have add-in’s and content packs ready for use. Microsoft Dynamics 365 also allows you to create new applications while still being able to edit and enhance old ones. The vast amount of resources made available to businesses on this platform help to make collaboration easier and increase innovation.

                                                                    Image Source: pexels.com

3. Other Special Features

Another feature Microsoft is making available is the ability for small businesses to tend to their business needs as much as larger ones. There is Dynamics 365 which caters to  small businesses of about 100, and one for enterprises. The same applications are accessible to both however, Dynamics 365 for enterprises places a large emphasis on ERP. This allows a larger range of business owners to interact freely with Microsoft Dynamics 365 because the nature of their small or large business will be recognized.
Microsoft is also allowing consumers to a licensing choice based on the access requirements of a business. If you find that one person needs to be able to use the service there is an option for a single team member which has certain restrictions. However, if you find your business to be on the opposite side of the spectrum and need group access you can license through a plan to gain access for everyone.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 seeks not only to make business processes easier, but to help encourage creativity and innovation. Much like the latest SharePoint updates, these new additions are to provide your business with the best possible tools for success. Here’s a recap of the most important points:
The Dynamics of Dynamics 365

1. Microsoft Dynamics is a cloud based application which offers a combination of CRM and ERP services
2. Artificial intelligence is integrated into the system to help service your business
3. The AppSource SaaS applications were created to address specific areas of your business
4. There are options for both small and large businesses
5. Access can be licensed based on what your business needs

Microsoft SharePoint Report Feature Update

Image Source: blogs.office.com

Microsoft has launched an update for Sharepoint, here’s what you need to know and how it’s affecting OneDrive.

The new update to the Microsoft SharePoint Application has a client-centered approach with updates that enhance the user experience. The team has modernized their framework to include the new trends within today’s digital industry. They have also given the public a glimpse of what they see for the future of OneDrive, Microsoft Graph, and SharePoint. But to better understand the update, let’s first get back to the basics.

Back to the Basics

Microsoft SharePoint is a web-based application that helps businesses store and manage their content in a way that enhances the collaborative experience. Multiple accounts can be working and editing a file at once, and the app shares the updates instantaneously so everyone has the most recent version of the document. SharePoint also makes a note of which users are active and what files they’re on at any given time. With a user-friendly interface and ease of access, it’s no wonder how popular the app has gotten over the years. According to CMSWire.com, over 80% of fortune 500 companies use SharePoint in their offices and 38% of their users access it through Microsoft Office 365. To make the process even better, they have recently updated the software to provide users with the best experience yet.

Function of the New Microsoft SharePoint Application Framework

In this quickly developing digital world, Microsoft has continuously been an example of adaptation. They have once again set the standard with their new update on SharePoint and the changes they’ve made to create a stronger and more reliable framework for its users. The SharePoint team writes,

“We will let our partners, our customers and our independent developers leverage the latest JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular. This model provides dramatically better experiences, performance, mobile support and more while broadening our developer ecosystem from .NET and beyond.”

                                                                                      Image Source: blogs.office.com

Microsoft recognized the trends and habits of today’s users and is taking the right steps to evolve with them. Many people are using script injections and their new framework enables users to extend even further than .NET, because it is no longer .NET dependent. However, what makes their framework so special is the customization. The SharePoint team notes, “We’re enabling you to choose the framework that you want.” The new developments build off of the already existing strengths SharePoint has, including the arsenal of tools from Office 365 to create an approach that is more client based. The intention with the new design was to allow easier access in and among different “browsers, devices, and screen sizes.”

The framework also has a special focus on the end users. They will be able to interact with the Web Parts and Canvas by adding different features such as text. Another reason why they are becoming a priority is to allow insight into what end users within the organization are using within Office 365. 

                                                                                Image Source: thewindowsclub.com

New Features and Benefits

Keeping in theme with a more client-based system, the Microsoft SharePoint application changed the structure of its pages. They have become technology independent and from the client side, the interface can be created by using JavaScript and a template framework. What’s more is the added ability of add-ins and webinars. An update on the report feature page will inform users of which accounts have been synchronized to different documents, page views, and other actions. This makes information easier to manage for managers and administration for large businesses.

OneDrive, Microsoft Graph, and SharePoint are all large players in the online world and the future goal is to align them all in a multi-platform community that will enhance the user experience across all channels. Something that includes all intricate aspects of each app but is simple. What the team hopes to accomplish is to create an interface where engineers, partners, customers, and developers will be able to innovate in one application that provides access to all the tools they need.

Recapturing the Update

1.    The new SharePoint framework is client based

2.    There’s a focus on end users

3.    A more modern approach to reporting and updating

4.    A vision of the future into a multi-platform community 

Microsoft SharePoint Report Feature Update

Posted by Sophina Dillard No comments

Image Source: blogs.office.com

Microsoft has launched an update for Sharepoint, here’s what you need to know and how it’s affecting OneDrive.

The new update to the Microsoft SharePoint Application has a client-centered approach with updates that enhance the user experience. The team has modernized their framework to include the new trends within today’s digital industry. They have also given the public a glimpse of what they see for the future of OneDrive, Microsoft Graph, and SharePoint. But to better understand the update, let’s first get back to the basics.

Back to the Basics

Microsoft SharePoint is a web-based application that helps businesses store and manage their content in a way that enhances the collaborative experience. Multiple accounts can be working and editing a file at once, and the app shares the updates instantaneously so everyone has the most recent version of the document. SharePoint also makes a note of which users are active and what files they’re on at any given time. With a user-friendly interface and ease of access, it’s no wonder how popular the app has gotten over the years. According to CMSWire.com, over 80% of fortune 500 companies use SharePoint in their offices and 38% of their users access it through Microsoft Office 365. To make the process even better, they have recently updated the software to provide users with the best experience yet.

Function of the New Microsoft SharePoint Application Framework

In this quickly developing digital world, Microsoft has continuously been an example of adaptation. They have once again set the standard with their new update on SharePoint and the changes they’ve made to create a stronger and more reliable framework for its users. The SharePoint team writes,

“We will let our partners, our customers and our independent developers leverage the latest JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular. This model provides dramatically better experiences, performance, mobile support and more while broadening our developer ecosystem from .NET and beyond.”

                                                                                      Image Source: blogs.office.com

Microsoft recognized the trends and habits of today’s users and is taking the right steps to evolve with them. Many people are using script injections and their new framework enables users to extend even further than .NET, because it is no longer .NET dependent. However, what makes their framework so special is the customization. The SharePoint team notes, “We’re enabling you to choose the framework that you want.” The new developments build off of the already existing strengths SharePoint has, including the arsenal of tools from Office 365 to create an approach that is more client based. The intention with the new design was to allow easier access in and among different “browsers, devices, and screen sizes.”

The framework also has a special focus on the end users. They will be able to interact with the Web Parts and Canvas by adding different features such as text. Another reason why they are becoming a priority is to allow insight into what end users within the organization are using within Office 365. 

                                                                                Image Source: thewindowsclub.com

New Features and Benefits

Keeping in theme with a more client-based system, the Microsoft SharePoint application changed the structure of its pages. They have become technology independent and from the client side, the interface can be created by using JavaScript and a template framework. What’s more is the added ability of add-ins and webinars. An update on the report feature page will inform users of which accounts have been synchronized to different documents, page views, and other actions. This makes information easier to manage for managers and administration for large businesses.

OneDrive, Microsoft Graph, and SharePoint are all large players in the online world and the future goal is to align them all in a multi-platform community that will enhance the user experience across all channels. Something that includes all intricate aspects of each app but is simple. What the team hopes to accomplish is to create an interface where engineers, partners, customers, and developers will be able to innovate in one application that provides access to all the tools they need.

Recapturing the Update

1.    The new SharePoint framework is client based

2.    There’s a focus on end users

3.    A more modern approach to reporting and updating

4.    A vision of the future into a multi-platform community 

Microsoft Office 365 Groups Integration and SharePoint Team Sites Improvements

If you asked what people thought a “Cloud” was twenty years ago, they would appropriately point to the sky and tell you that they are those white, puffy things. Nowadays, the “Cloud” is an online file sharing and network server storage used for a multitude of reasons. It is a far cry from the days of floppy disks and even USB’s. But why do people love the cloud so much? One easy answer; it makes life easier. The value of the cloud from a corporate perspective is unlimited. The sharing of information is substantially easier for workers, which raises productivity and in turn increases sales. With close to 95% of workers using any form of cloud service in their office, the sky is the limit (no cloud pun attended).                                                         Image Source: mvapublicstorage.blob.core.windows.net Microsoft Office 365, ever since its release date back in 2011, enables a subscription cloud service for all of its very popular Microsoft software such as word, excel, PowerPoint, access, etc. This along with the company’s Microsoft SharePoint Application, which is a program that acts as a secure place to store and organize information, gives businesses the tools they need to succeed. With four out of five Fortune 500 companies using Microsoft Office 365, the popularity of these apps in the workplace has become relevant. Early this September, Microsoft announced some improvements for their Office 365 and SharePoint software. Since it’s important to stay current with these changes, we’ve got you covered on the updates: Microsoft Office 365 Groups Integration Microsoft explained in their announcement; “The integration of groups and SharePoint team sites means that any time a new team site is created, a new group membership will be created as well.” Microsoft explains; “When you create a group, Office 365 gives the group a shared inbox, calendar, OneNote notebook, a Planner for task management.” The update now also includes a full-powered SharePoint team site where now each added group gets a plethora of new updates revolving around features like adding new web pages, document libraries, etc. There are some other interesting details included with the update announcement: Redesigning of the team site home page provides easier navigation to and throughthe team’s lists, applications, libraries of data, and sub team sites. Also, now when you choose the name of the team site, the group card will be shown. Addition of quick links now makes inserting content into your team’s site that much easier. The new activity section now shows recent actions of users in a group. All of these additions make the groups feature in Microsoft Office 365 that much more convenient, which let’s be honest, is the main reason companies use software like this. Let’s move on to the announcements surrounding the updates Microsoft made to SharePoint: Microsoft Office SharePoint Online Improvements More recently, Microsoft has really made it a point to improve their Microsoft SharePoint Application software. In May of this year, Microsoft talked about what they saw as the future of SharePoint at their event in San Francisco. Here they said; “…we unveiled a new cloud-first, mobile-first vision and roadmap for SharePoint, along with innovations that empower people, teams, and organizations to intelligently discover, share and collaborate on content from anywhere and on any device.”                                                                       Image Source: ms-purple.com With this update rolling out, we finally get to see some of these visions come to fruition. The new announcement included: As explained in the announcement; “The new “highlighted content” web part lets you set criteria so that specific content will automatically and dynamically populate in that area of the page.” The toolbox acts as a repository for webpage parts and developers can now make custom web parts right from this addition. They also included in on their announcement of Microsoft SharePoint updates that with, “Modern lists and support for Microsoft Flow and PowerApps” you can, “Collaborate on structured data, connect with other data sources, automate business processes and create mobile business applications based on SharePoint lists.”  The sharing and organizing of files, access to those files, and similar interactions will be introduced with the SharePoint and OneDrive apps. Note; according to the update; “Microsoft PowerApps and Flow will both soon come to the modern document library experience.” Updated Site Contents page with team sites.                                                                              Image Source: blogs.office.com One of the biggest announced updates is that the Microsoft SharePoint Application site collection storage limit will increase from 1TB to 25TB. Often times, users of the software felt that having only 1TB was a bottleneck for business purposes. This improvement will allow for improved content preservation and site collection. It would seem that Microsoft is continuing their pursuit in making these programs that much more exceptional and painless to use. Microsoft knows just how to treat their customers. I know I’m excited; you should be too!

Microsoft Office 365 Groups Integration and SharePoint Team Sites Improvements

Posted by Sophina Dillard No comments

If you asked what people thought a “Cloud” was twenty years ago, they would appropriately point to the sky and tell you that they are those white, puffy things. Nowadays, the “Cloud” is an online file sharing and network server storage used for a multitude of reasons. It is a far cry from the days of floppy disks and even USB’s. But why do people love the cloud so much? One easy answer; it makes life easier. The value of the cloud from a corporate perspective is unlimited. The sharing of information is substantially easier for workers, which raises productivity and in turn increases sales. With close to 95% of workers using any form of cloud service in their office, the sky is the limit (no cloud pun attended).                                                         Image Source: mvapublicstorage.blob.core.windows.net Microsoft Office 365, ever since its release date back in 2011, enables a subscription cloud service for all of its very popular Microsoft software such as word, excel, PowerPoint, access, etc. This along with the company’s Microsoft SharePoint Application, which is a program that acts as a secure place to store and organize information, gives businesses the tools they need to succeed. With four out of five Fortune 500 companies using Microsoft Office 365, the popularity of these apps in the workplace has become relevant. Early this September, Microsoft announced some improvements for their Office 365 and SharePoint software. Since it’s important to stay current with these changes, we’ve got you covered on the updates: Microsoft Office 365 Groups Integration Microsoft explained in their announcement; “The integration of groups and SharePoint team sites means that any time a new team site is created, a new group membership will be created as well.” Microsoft explains; “When you create a group, Office 365 gives the group a shared inbox, calendar, OneNote notebook, a Planner for task management.” The update now also includes a full-powered SharePoint team site where now each added group gets a plethora of new updates revolving around features like adding new web pages, document libraries, etc. There are some other interesting details included with the update announcement: Redesigning of the team site home page provides easier navigation to and throughthe team’s lists, applications, libraries of data, and sub team sites. Also, now when you choose the name of the team site, the group card will be shown. Addition of quick links now makes inserting content into your team’s site that much easier. The new activity section now shows recent actions of users in a group. All of these additions make the groups feature in Microsoft Office 365 that much more convenient, which let’s be honest, is the main reason companies use software like this. Let’s move on to the announcements surrounding the updates Microsoft made to SharePoint: Microsoft Office SharePoint Online Improvements More recently, Microsoft has really made it a point to improve their Microsoft SharePoint Application software. In May of this year, Microsoft talked about what they saw as the future of SharePoint at their event in San Francisco. Here they said; “…we unveiled a new cloud-first, mobile-first vision and roadmap for SharePoint, along with innovations that empower people, teams, and organizations to intelligently discover, share and collaborate on content from anywhere and on any device.”                                                                       Image Source: ms-purple.com With this update rolling out, we finally get to see some of these visions come to fruition. The new announcement included: As explained in the announcement; “The new “highlighted content” web part lets you set criteria so that specific content will automatically and dynamically populate in that area of the page.” The toolbox acts as a repository for webpage parts and developers can now make custom web parts right from this addition. They also included in on their announcement of Microsoft SharePoint updates that with, “Modern lists and support for Microsoft Flow and PowerApps” you can, “Collaborate on structured data, connect with other data sources, automate business processes and create mobile business applications based on SharePoint lists.”  The sharing and organizing of files, access to those files, and similar interactions will be introduced with the SharePoint and OneDrive apps. Note; according to the update; “Microsoft PowerApps and Flow will both soon come to the modern document library experience.” Updated Site Contents page with team sites.                                                                              Image Source: blogs.office.com One of the biggest announced updates is that the Microsoft SharePoint Application site collection storage limit will increase from 1TB to 25TB. Often times, users of the software felt that having only 1TB was a bottleneck for business purposes. This improvement will allow for improved content preservation and site collection. It would seem that Microsoft is continuing their pursuit in making these programs that much more exceptional and painless to use. Microsoft knows just how to treat their customers. I know I’m excited; you should be too!

Microsoft SharePoint’s OneDrive New Features You Should Know

                                                                         Image Credit: mva.microsoft.com

Microsoft has released a slew of new upgrades to their SharePoint and OneDirve services over the past few months. The new improvements assist enterprises that already utilize Office 365 and its features including SharePoint. Some of the enhancements are a new SharePoint framework, Microsoft Flow integration, and the addition of a Sharepoint mobile app for iOS. All of these improvements help employees work faster and smarter than they have before. 

SharePoint and Microsoft Flow

Microsoft SharePoint is a web based collaboration and document management platform, which allows enterprises to host files, manage documents, and collaborate on projects. SharePoint’s ability to store, archive, and manage documents while also allowing workers to collaborate on a document in real time gives the application a flexibility to fit any enterprises needs. One of the new updates is the addition of Microsoft Flow to SharePoint online. Microsoft Flow is an application, which automates workflows and makes managing information much easier because the application cooperates with Microsoft and many third-party applications.

SharePoint’s OneDrive Online Document Libraries

Every business needs a place to securely store their documents online and SharePoint provides a central location for workers to share, store, and collaborate on documents called OneDrive for business. Much like OneDrive, which is Microsoft’s personal cloud storage services, OneDrive for business is a cloud storage system but instead of being managed by an individual it is maintained by an organization. Microsoft even allows a user to transfer documents from their personal OneDrive account to their OneDrive for business account. 

                                                                              Image Credit: support.office.com

SharePoint Framework

SharePoint Framework allows developers to create powerful applications creating a robust user experience. The platform leverages a new page structure called SharePoint Page. The page structure gives developers the ability to build from the client-side and has some great features like hosting web parts and add-ins while being technologically independent. The whole purpose of SharePoint Framework is usability and Jeff Teper, corporate VP for Microsoft’s SharePoint and OneDrive for Business, conveyed this best when he said, “I think you'll see a simple user experience [and] we will have an extensibility model. The goal is not to have somebody have to read 1,000-page how-to program in a SharePoint book.” Microsoft has made an effort in recent months to make enterprises have simple and seamless experiences with their applications and services.

                                                                                 Image Credit: blogs.office.com 

SharePoint Mobile

For any business that wants convenience, a mobile application in today’s world is a necessity. Microsoft’s mobile application offers users the ability to enter portals, access content, and collaborate with coworkers. Sharepoint is connected through Office 365 so it always on a user’s desktop, while OneDrive for Business is integrated into the iOS app. Both applications allow an employee to always be available, which creates a more productive business. The app also comes with Microsoft Graph technology, which connects SharePoint Online and Office 365.

                                                                                   Image Credit: blogs.office.com

Businesses are constantly looking to make their workers more efficient and open. Microsoft is always adding new features to their services and interpreting and predicting the needs of their customers. SharePoint and OneDrive are great examples because they are built with business demands in mind. In the future, Microsoft is adding Webhooks into SharePoint, custom sites on the SharePoint Framework, and the sites API on Microsoft Graph.

All of these new components will make their applications more efficient and seamlessly help a business. SharePoint delivers workers a central location to communicate with their coworkers, produce content, and accept tasks. Sharing content online in a secure environment has become an important aspect of any business. OneDrive for Business allows organizations to control their employees’ capability to contribute to the documents in the library. Microsoft creates applications and services that better enterprises by improving the technology people use everyday. 

Microsoft SharePoint’s OneDrive New Features You Should Know

Posted by Sophina Dillard No comments

                                                                         Image Credit: mva.microsoft.com

Microsoft has released a slew of new upgrades to their SharePoint and OneDirve services over the past few months. The new improvements assist enterprises that already utilize Office 365 and its features including SharePoint. Some of the enhancements are a new SharePoint framework, Microsoft Flow integration, and the addition of a Sharepoint mobile app for iOS. All of these improvements help employees work faster and smarter than they have before. 

SharePoint and Microsoft Flow

Microsoft SharePoint is a web based collaboration and document management platform, which allows enterprises to host files, manage documents, and collaborate on projects. SharePoint’s ability to store, archive, and manage documents while also allowing workers to collaborate on a document in real time gives the application a flexibility to fit any enterprises needs. One of the new updates is the addition of Microsoft Flow to SharePoint online. Microsoft Flow is an application, which automates workflows and makes managing information much easier because the application cooperates with Microsoft and many third-party applications.

SharePoint’s OneDrive Online Document Libraries

Every business needs a place to securely store their documents online and SharePoint provides a central location for workers to share, store, and collaborate on documents called OneDrive for business. Much like OneDrive, which is Microsoft’s personal cloud storage services, OneDrive for business is a cloud storage system but instead of being managed by an individual it is maintained by an organization. Microsoft even allows a user to transfer documents from their personal OneDrive account to their OneDrive for business account. 

                                                                              Image Credit: support.office.com

SharePoint Framework

SharePoint Framework allows developers to create powerful applications creating a robust user experience. The platform leverages a new page structure called SharePoint Page. The page structure gives developers the ability to build from the client-side and has some great features like hosting web parts and add-ins while being technologically independent. The whole purpose of SharePoint Framework is usability and Jeff Teper, corporate VP for Microsoft’s SharePoint and OneDrive for Business, conveyed this best when he said, “I think you'll see a simple user experience [and] we will have an extensibility model. The goal is not to have somebody have to read 1,000-page how-to program in a SharePoint book.” Microsoft has made an effort in recent months to make enterprises have simple and seamless experiences with their applications and services.

                                                                                 Image Credit: blogs.office.com 

SharePoint Mobile

For any business that wants convenience, a mobile application in today’s world is a necessity. Microsoft’s mobile application offers users the ability to enter portals, access content, and collaborate with coworkers. Sharepoint is connected through Office 365 so it always on a user’s desktop, while OneDrive for Business is integrated into the iOS app. Both applications allow an employee to always be available, which creates a more productive business. The app also comes with Microsoft Graph technology, which connects SharePoint Online and Office 365.

                                                                                   Image Credit: blogs.office.com

Businesses are constantly looking to make their workers more efficient and open. Microsoft is always adding new features to their services and interpreting and predicting the needs of their customers. SharePoint and OneDrive are great examples because they are built with business demands in mind. In the future, Microsoft is adding Webhooks into SharePoint, custom sites on the SharePoint Framework, and the sites API on Microsoft Graph.

All of these new components will make their applications more efficient and seamlessly help a business. SharePoint delivers workers a central location to communicate with their coworkers, produce content, and accept tasks. Sharing content online in a secure environment has become an important aspect of any business. OneDrive for Business allows organizations to control their employees’ capability to contribute to the documents in the library. Microsoft creates applications and services that better enterprises by improving the technology people use everyday. 

The risks of SharePoint security mismanagement

How would you feel if that creep from the office had looked through your contract to find out what you earn? Would it bother you if anyone other than your direct manager could read your performance review? What would it look like if your company’s customer details or information about a merger were hacked?

SharePoint is an amazingly powerful tool which, when implemented correctly, is perfectly secure. However, that’s the catch: it has to be implemented correctly. We love SharePoint because it’s so amazingly flexible, and this flexibility basically allows you to deploy it in almost any way you want. However, this feature is a double-edged sword – people often implement SharePoint in a risky manner, and open their organizations to the danger of leaks and hacks.

Why you need to be aware of SharePoint risks

Not convinced that having a security policy is such a big deal? Think again. 

A recent survey of 1000 SharePoint users found some pretty surprising results. 34% of respondents admitted that themselves or their colleagues had, at some point, looked at documents they weren’t supposed to read. Of those who had, 23% had looked into their colleagues’ salary information, 34% had looked at other personal details and 8% had discovered secret information about mergers and acquisitions. Respondents also shared information they weren’t supposed to, either by putting it on USB sticks or sharing it with themselves via email. 

Perhaps most worryingly, a lot of companies don’t have any kind of strategy for dealing with security. Research by Emedia revealed that a staggering 22% of organizations have NO information security policy:

As Emedia’s research shows, only 1/3 of organizations actually have a comprehensive and up-to-date security policy to protect themselves against data breaches.

Why is all of this a problem?

If you don’t have a comprehensive security strategy, you’re opening your company up to a lot of risks.

Privacy

It goes without saying, but most employees would feel violated if they knew anyone in the business would be able to see their personal information. Even if they had ‘nothing to hide’ the simple fact that their colleagues could discover private information without asking them directly would make many people feel uncomfortable.

Leaks

Another major risk for organizations without a strong security policy is that information may be leaked by employees with an agenda or who want to damage the organization in some way. While it’s true that SharePoint wasn’t at fault for the Edward Snowden leaks at the NSA (lax security was to blame), it does show how even a technically advanced organization can be vulnerable to internal attacks. Without a strong security policy, your organization’s plans, trade secrets and strategy could be shared with competitors and undermine your market position. 

Hacking

Almost any organization worth its salt is at risk of hacking. If a hacker is determined, they may well find a hole at some point in your company’s security – even if you have a well maintained firewall. However, those organizations who have developed ‘defense in depth’ will always be able to limit the impact of such attacks. Even if a hacker ‘gets in’ with a valid user name they’ve acquired, they’ll only ever be able to see what that user had access to. If your company doesn’t have a well maintained internal security policy and allows anyone to look at any document, you may as well fling the doors wide open. 

Compliance

You might still not be convinced that any of the above reasons are enough to make you improve your SharePoint security strategy. However, you never really had much of a choice anyway. There are a range of regulations around the world which, to some degree or another, will force you to treat and manage the data your company collects in a secure manner. 

The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be coming into force over the next couple of years. It will basically affect any company that ever treats the Personably Identifiable Information (PII) of individuals from the EU – whether they’re customers, clients or employees. The rule will force companies to implement strict data management policies to reduce the chances of private data getting into the wrong hands. And if you don’t comply, expect a hefty fine – either 100 million Euros or 5% of annual turnover – whichever is greater. 

Get smart

SharePoint security needn’t be too hard, though. Fortunately, there is software out there, such as Sharegate, that makes SharePoint security management very simple. If you properly manage SharePoint’s security, you’ll massively reduce your chances of losing vital information, secrets and being fined by international organizations. Secure SharePoint management doesn’t require a HUGE effort, just a little planning and preparation. If you make up one of the two thirds of companies that don’t have a comprehensive strategy, ask yourself “why not?”.

The risks of SharePoint security mismanagement

Posted by Sophina Dillard No comments

How would you feel if that creep from the office had looked through your contract to find out what you earn? Would it bother you if anyone other than your direct manager could read your performance review? What would it look like if your company’s customer details or information about a merger were hacked?

SharePoint is an amazingly powerful tool which, when implemented correctly, is perfectly secure. However, that’s the catch: it has to be implemented correctly. We love SharePoint because it’s so amazingly flexible, and this flexibility basically allows you to deploy it in almost any way you want. However, this feature is a double-edged sword – people often implement SharePoint in a risky manner, and open their organizations to the danger of leaks and hacks.

Why you need to be aware of SharePoint risks

Not convinced that having a security policy is such a big deal? Think again. 

A recent survey of 1000 SharePoint users found some pretty surprising results. 34% of respondents admitted that themselves or their colleagues had, at some point, looked at documents they weren’t supposed to read. Of those who had, 23% had looked into their colleagues’ salary information, 34% had looked at other personal details and 8% had discovered secret information about mergers and acquisitions. Respondents also shared information they weren’t supposed to, either by putting it on USB sticks or sharing it with themselves via email. 

Perhaps most worryingly, a lot of companies don’t have any kind of strategy for dealing with security. Research by Emedia revealed that a staggering 22% of organizations have NO information security policy:

As Emedia’s research shows, only 1/3 of organizations actually have a comprehensive and up-to-date security policy to protect themselves against data breaches.

Why is all of this a problem?

If you don’t have a comprehensive security strategy, you’re opening your company up to a lot of risks.

Privacy

It goes without saying, but most employees would feel violated if they knew anyone in the business would be able to see their personal information. Even if they had ‘nothing to hide’ the simple fact that their colleagues could discover private information without asking them directly would make many people feel uncomfortable.

Leaks

Another major risk for organizations without a strong security policy is that information may be leaked by employees with an agenda or who want to damage the organization in some way. While it’s true that SharePoint wasn’t at fault for the Edward Snowden leaks at the NSA (lax security was to blame), it does show how even a technically advanced organization can be vulnerable to internal attacks. Without a strong security policy, your organization’s plans, trade secrets and strategy could be shared with competitors and undermine your market position. 

Hacking

Almost any organization worth its salt is at risk of hacking. If a hacker is determined, they may well find a hole at some point in your company’s security – even if you have a well maintained firewall. However, those organizations who have developed ‘defense in depth’ will always be able to limit the impact of such attacks. Even if a hacker ‘gets in’ with a valid user name they’ve acquired, they’ll only ever be able to see what that user had access to. If your company doesn’t have a well maintained internal security policy and allows anyone to look at any document, you may as well fling the doors wide open. 

Compliance

You might still not be convinced that any of the above reasons are enough to make you improve your SharePoint security strategy. However, you never really had much of a choice anyway. There are a range of regulations around the world which, to some degree or another, will force you to treat and manage the data your company collects in a secure manner. 

The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be coming into force over the next couple of years. It will basically affect any company that ever treats the Personably Identifiable Information (PII) of individuals from the EU – whether they’re customers, clients or employees. The rule will force companies to implement strict data management policies to reduce the chances of private data getting into the wrong hands. And if you don’t comply, expect a hefty fine – either 100 million Euros or 5% of annual turnover – whichever is greater. 

Get smart

SharePoint security needn’t be too hard, though. Fortunately, there is software out there, such as Sharegate, that makes SharePoint security management very simple. If you properly manage SharePoint’s security, you’ll massively reduce your chances of losing vital information, secrets and being fined by international organizations. Secure SharePoint management doesn’t require a HUGE effort, just a little planning and preparation. If you make up one of the two thirds of companies that don’t have a comprehensive strategy, ask yourself “why not?”.