SharePoint Online is a cloud-based service provided by Microsoft as part of the Office 365 suite or Microsoft 365 subscription plans. It allows organizations to create, store, share, and collaborate on documents, lists, and other content within a web-based environment. When it comes to SharePoint Online subscription, here's a simple explanation:
SharePoint Online Plan 1:
This subscription plan provides essential SharePoint features for organizations. It includes features such as document libraries, lists, team sites, and basic content collaboration capabilities. It is suitable for businesses that require basic document management and collaboration functionality.
SharePoint Online Plan 2:
This subscription plan offers advanced features and capabilities on top of what's included in SharePoint Online Plan 1. It includes features such as enterprise search, business intelligence, advanced customization options, and enterprise-level content management capabilities. SharePoint Online Plan 2 is suitable for organizations with more complex requirements, such as extensive customization needs or enterprise-wide content management scenarios.
Office 365 Business Premium:
This subscription plan combines SharePoint Online with other Office 365 services, such as Exchange Online for email and Microsoft Teams for collaboration and communication. It is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that require a comprehensive suite of productivity tools, including SharePoint Online, as part of their subscription.
Microsoft 365 E3 and E5:
These enterprise-grade subscription plans provide a comprehensive set of productivity and security features, including SharePoint Online. They include advanced capabilities such as data loss prevention, information protection, advanced threat protection, and advanced analytics. Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 are suitable for larger organizations with advanced security and compliance requirements.
SharePoint Online Standalone Storage:
Apart from the specific plans mentioned above, SharePoint Online also offers standalone storage options that can be added to existing plans. These options allow organizations to increase their storage capacity beyond the allocated limit included in their subscription.
It's important to note that the availability and specific features included in each subscription plan may vary over time as Microsoft updates its offerings. Organizations should consult Microsoft's official documentation or contact Microsoft directly to get the most up-to-date and detailed information on SharePoint Online subscription options.
Here's a comparison of the SharePoint Online subscription plans:
SharePoint Online Plan 1:
Features: Basic document management, document libraries, lists, team sites, content collaboration.
Targeted Users: Small to medium-sized businesses with basic collaboration needs.
Pricing: Lower-cost option compared to other plans.
SharePoint Online Plan 2:
Features: Advanced features on top of SharePoint Online Plan 1, including enterprise search, business intelligence, advanced customization options, and enterprise-level content management capabilities.
Targeted Users: Organizations with more complex collaboration requirements or extensive customization needs.
Pricing: Higher cost due to additional advanced features.
Office 365 Business Premium:
Features: Combines SharePoint Online with other Office 365 services like Exchange Online for email and Microsoft Teams for collaboration and communication.
Targeted Users: Small to medium-sized businesses requiring a comprehensive suite of productivity tools.
Pricing: Mid-range cost, providing a bundle of services for business needs.
Microsoft 365 E3:
Features: Comprehensive set of productivity and security features, including SharePoint Online. Includes advanced capabilities like data loss prevention, information protection, advanced threat protection, and advanced analytics.
Targeted Users: Larger organizations with advanced security and compliance requirements.
Pricing: Higher cost due to the extensive feature set.
Microsoft 365 E5:
Features: Includes all the features of Microsoft 365 E3 with additional advanced security and compliance features.
Targeted Users: Enterprises with stringent security and compliance needs.
Pricing: Highest cost due to the comprehensive feature set.
It's important to carefully evaluate your organization's specific requirements and consider factors such as collaboration needs, customization requirements, security, compliance, and budget when selecting a SharePoint Online subscription plan. Microsoft's official documentation or consulting with a Microsoft representative can provide detailed information on the features, pricing, and suitability of each plan for your organization's needs.