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Writer's pictureSubir Hazra

WSS vs. MOSS: Understanding the Key Differences

SharePoint is a popular collaboration and content management platform developed by Microsoft. It comes in two main flavors: Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS). While both versions share some similarities, they differ in terms of features and capabilities. Let's explore the differences between WSS and MOSS.


Windows SharePoint Services (WSS)


WSS is the foundation of SharePoint and is available as a free add-on component for Windows Server. It provides essential collaboration features such as document libraries, lists, wikis, blogs, and basic site management. WSS is suitable for small to medium-sized organizations or teams looking for basic collaboration capabilities.


Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS)


MOSS, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive and feature-rich version of SharePoint. It builds upon the foundation of WSS and extends its capabilities. MOSS includes advanced features like enterprise search, business intelligence, workflows, forms services, web content management, and more. MOSS is designed for larger organizations with complex requirements and a need for advanced collaboration and content management capabilities.


What is MOSS

Key Differences:


  • Licensing: WSS is free and comes bundled with Windows Server, while MOSS requires a separate license and additional cost.

  • Feature Set: WSS provides core collaboration features, whereas MOSS offers additional enterprise-level features for search, business intelligence, and content management.

  • Scalability: WSS is suitable for smaller deployments and has limitations in terms of scalability and high availability. MOSS, with its advanced infrastructure, supports larger deployments and provides scalability options.

  • Customization: MOSS offers more extensive customization options through features like custom workflows, forms, and web parts. WSS has limited customization capabilities.

  • Integration: MOSS integrates more seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Office applications, SQL Server, and Active Directory, allowing for enhanced collaboration and integration possibilities.


In summary, while WSS serves as the foundation for SharePoint with basic collaboration features, MOSS takes it to the next level with advanced functionality for enterprise-level collaboration, search, and content management. The choice between WSS and MOSS depends on the specific needs and scale of your organization.

However, it's important to note that MOSS is an older version of SharePoint and has been replaced by newer versions like SharePoint 2010, 2013, 2016, and SharePoint Online (part of Office 365). These newer versions provide enhanced features, improved user experience, and better integration with other Microsoft tools and services.

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