GTconsult - Blog #SharePoint VitalsGTconsult - Blog #SharePoint Vitalshttps://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/tag/SharePoint-VitalsWed, 18 Feb 2026 07:36:32 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[What is SharePoint?]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/what-is-sharepointIn this blog, we delve into the world of SharePoint: What is SharePoint, The history of SharePoint, and key SharePoint concepts. The primary goal of this blog is to empower and inform you, providing valuable insights to optimize your utilization of SharePoint and extract its full potential]]>

What do I need to know?

In this blog, we delve into the world of SharePoint, what it is, its history, and key concepts. The primary goal of this blog is to empower and inform you, providing valuable insights to optimize your utilization of SharePoint and extract its full potential.


What is SharePoint?


You will never realize the full potential of something if you don't understand its power. Often, we miss out on something amazing, not because we lack access to it, but because we have no idea of its value in our hands. 

 

Over the past few months, we've been addressing frequently asked questions on our social media platforms, addressing common inquiries from both our existing and potential clients. While this has been going well, we've inadvertently overlooked something fundamental to our work: SharePoint! 

 

Could it be that you don't recognize the value of partnering with GTconsult because you don’t see the potential of SharePoint? Or perhaps you're on board with SharePoint but aren't sure how to maximize its capabilities? This blog is tailored just for you, and GT is the company you need in your corner! 


But before we dive into why GTconsult is your best choice, let's answer a crucial question: What is SharePoint? 

 

Microsoft SharePoint is a versatile platform designed to help organizations enhance collaboration, streamline business processes, and effectively manage their content and information. SharePoint offers a wide array of features and capabilities to assist businesses and teams in creating, organizing, sharing, and managing information and resources efficiently. 

The History of SharePoint

 Office Server Extensions (1999-2001) Office Server Extensions were the earliest version of Microsoft's server software for collaboration and document management. They provided basic web-based collaboration features and were part of Microsoft's Office suite.
 SharePoint Portal Server 2001 Released in 2001, SharePoint Portal Server 2001 was the first dedicated SharePoint product. It focused on document management and search capabilities, allowing organizations to create a centralized portal for information sharing and collaboration. It was eventually replaced by newer versions.
 SharePoint Team Services (2002-2003) SharePoint Team Services were a free add-on to Windows Server 2003. It offered basic collaboration features like document libraries, lists, and web-based project management. It was discontinued with the release of Windows SharePoint Services 2.0.
 Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 (2003) Also known as WSS 2.0, this free add-on to Windows Server 2003 provided improved collaboration features compared to SharePoint Team Services. It was the foundation for the next versions of SharePoint.
 SharePoint Portal Server 2003 Released in 2003, this version improved on its predecessor by enhancing document management, search, and portal capabilities. It served as a platform for information and document management.
 Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 (2007) WSS 3.0, introduced alongside SharePoint Server 2007, provided enhanced collaboration features and integration with Microsoft Office. It was available for free and laid the foundation for subsequent versions.
 Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) 2007 SharePoint Server 2007, also known as MOSS 2007, offered enterprise-level features for content management, business intelligence, and workflow automation. It marked a significant step forward in SharePoint's capabilities.
 SharePoint Foundation 2010, SharePoint Server 2010, and SharePoint Enterprise 2010 These versions were released in 2010. SharePoint Foundation was a free edition offering basic collaboration features. SharePoint Server 2010 added advanced functionality, and SharePoint Enterprise 2010 further extended it with features like business connectivity services, InfoPath Forms Services, and Excel Services.
 SharePoint Foundation 2013, SharePoint Server 2013, and SharePoint Enterprise 2013 Released in 2013, these versions continued the pattern established in 2010. SharePoint Foundation was free and provided basic features. SharePoint Server 2013 included advanced features, and SharePoint Enterprise 2013 added even more capabilities for large enterprises.
 SharePoint Online (Plan 1 and 2) SharePoint Online is part of Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and offers cloud-based collaboration and document management services. Plan 1 and Plan 2 provide different feature sets and are available through subscription plans.
 SharePoint Server 2016 and SharePoint Enterprise 2016Released in 2016, SharePoint Server 2016 brought hybrid cloud capabilities and improved performance. SharePoint Enterprise 2016 offered advanced features for organizations with specific needs.
 SharePoint Server 2019 and SharePoint Enterprise 2019 Released in 2019, these versions continued to improve on the previous offerings. SharePoint Server 2019 provided on-premises solutions with enhancements in security and user experience, while SharePoint Enterprise 2019 extended the feature set for enterprise customers.
 SharePoint SE 2021 SharePoint Server Subscription Edition marks the next phase in the evolution of SharePoint Server, designed specifically to address the requirements of on-premises customers. This release introduces a range of new features aimed at streamlining administration, bolstering security measures, and facilitating a smoother transition when upgrading from earlier versions of SharePoint Server.
 SharePoint Premium 2023 An advanced content management and experiences platform and the next evolution for Syntex. SharePoint Premium brings AI, automation, and added security to your content experiences, processing, and governance. With SharePoint Premium the services already released as part of Syntex, including SharePoint Advanced Management, will be transitioned to join the growing family of SharePoint services along with brand new content experiences.

Key SharePoint Concepts

To better grasp SharePoint's functionality, let's use the analogy of a home.

 

Think of SharePoint as a home with a family living in it, where the members of your organization represent the members of that family. 

You can edit text on your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box a settings menu will appear. your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box

Document Management

Just like in a home where we keep important and frequently used items such as birth certificates, passports, photo albums, pots, pans, and toothbrushes, SharePoint allows users to create, store, and manage documents in a centralized repository. It provides version control, document check-in/check-out, and co-authoring features to ensure that team members can collaborate on documents without conflicts.

        

Document Management in SharePoint        

SharePoint provides powerful tools for document management. Users can upload, organize, and collaborate on documents with features like version control, co-authoring, and check-in/check-out.

        


Version Control

SharePoint automatically tracks changes made to documents, allowing users to view and revert to previous versions if needed. This is crucial for maintaining document integrity.

        

Co-Authoring        

Multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, and SharePoint ensures that changes don't conflict, making collaboration more efficient.

        

Check-In/Check-Out        

This feature allows users to lock a document for editing, preventing others from making changes until it's checked back in. This is especially useful when you need to maintain document consistency.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Collaboration

Just as you can collaborate with other members in the household to get tasks done, teams can collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other content in real-time. SharePoint provides features like document sharing, comments, and task assignments to facilitate teamwork.
  
SharePoint is primarily known for its robust collaboration features, which facilitate teamwork and information sharing within an organization.
  
Discussion Boards

Discussion boards allow users to post and discuss topics or questions within a SharePoint site. They are useful for fostering communication and sharing ideas.


  

Announcements  

Announcements are a way to broadcast important news and updates to site members. They appear prominently on the site's homepage.

  

Calendars  

SharePoint offers shared calendars that can be used for scheduling events, meetings, and milestones. Users can easily view and add events to these calendars.

  

Shared Documents  

Document libraries, as discussed earlier, are a central place for storing and collaborating on documents. They enable users to work on the same document simultaneously, track changes, and maintain version history.


Task Lists

Task lists can be used for creating and assigning tasks to team members. They help in tracking progress and ensuring that responsibilities are clear.

Sites

Not everyone has access to your home, it’s a private space only accessible to the members of the family. Sometimes, you may have guests over or even chat to someone in the front yard without them entering your home. SharePoint can be used to create intranet sites, which are internal websites for an organization, and extranet sites, which are accessible to external partners or customers. These sites can be customized to include news, announcements, and various web parts.



    

SharePoint sites are the building blocks of your collaboration environment. Think of them as dedicated spaces for teams, projects, or departments to work together, share information, and collaborate effectively. Each site is unique and can be customized to meet the specific needs of its users.

    

SharePoint offers different types of sites, including:

    

Team Sites

Designed for collaboration within a specific team or group. They are excellent for managing projects, sharing documents, and collaborating on tasks.

    

Communication Sites

More suitable for sharing information and news with a broader audience. They often include announcements, news posts, and other content for general consumption.

    

Site Hierarchy 

SharePoint sites can be organized in a hierarchical structure, with top-level sites (usually used for the entire organization) and sub-sites (dedicated to specific teams or projects). This hierarchy helps manage and structure your SharePoint environment effectively.

Workflows

Much like the unique ways things are done in each home, SharePoint includes a workflow engine that allows organizations to automate and streamline business processes. Custom workflows can be created to automate tasks, approvals, and notifications.

  

SharePoint offers various tools for creating workflows:

  

Power Automate  

SharePoint can integrate with Power Automate (formerly known as Flow), a powerful workflow automation platform. Users can build custom workflows to automate tasks, notifications, and data integration between SharePoint and other apps in the Microsoft 365 suite.

  

Approval Workflows  

SharePoint allows you to create approval workflows, which can be used for tasks such as document approvals, leave requests, and expense reports. These workflows can send notifications to the relevant stakeholders and ensure that processes follow a predefined path.

  

Custom Workflows 

You can create custom workflows tailored to your organization's specific needs. These workflows can be designed to trigger actions based on certain conditions or events within SharePoint.

Search

Who do you call at home if you can’t find something, let’s all say it together, “MOOOOOOMMMMMMM!” SharePoint has a powerful search engine that, much like mom, helps users find documents, sites, and information quickly. It supports features like content search, people search, and customizable search results.

  

SharePoint provides robust search capabilities to help users quickly find the information they need.

  

Enterprise Search  

SharePoint's enterprise search feature enables users to search for documents, content, and data across the entire SharePoint environment. It uses advanced algorithms to deliver accurate search results.

  

Metadata and Tagging  

Effective search relies on the use of metadata and tagging. SharePoint allows users to add metadata to documents, making it easier to categorize and find content. Tagging content with relevant keywords enhances search results.

  

Search Refinements  

Users can refine their search results using filters, date ranges, and other criteria to pinpoint the exact information they're looking for.

Lists

Not every home had an organization board with cute sticky notes and the like. Maybe you are familiar with important tasks, to do lists or grocery lists being placed on the fridge. Well your lists in SharePoint are like that, but more organized…we hope.

                

Lists are collections of data organized in rows and columns, somewhat similar to spreadsheets. They help you manage various types of information and can be customized to suit your specific needs. Lists can be used for tasks, contacts, events, inventory, and more.

                

Common Types of Lists


Task Lists                

Used for tracking tasks and their status within a project or team.

                

Contact Lists                

Used for storing and managing contact information for team members, clients, or partners.

                

Calendar Lists                

Used to schedule and keep track of events and appointments.

Libraries

Think of the cupboards, drawers in your home; there's a place for everything and for everything there is a place. This helps you find things easily, you're not looking for a spoon in the cutlery drawer or finding toiletries in the pantry.

 

Libraries in SharePoint are repositories where you store and manage your documents and files. They are essential for document management, version control, and collaboration. A library can be thought of as a digital filing cabinet.

 

Document Libraries 

These are the most common types of libraries, used for storing documents such as Word files, PDFs, spreadsheets, and more.

 

List Libraries

Lists are used for managing data that isn't necessarily document-based, such as tasks, issues, contacts, or events.

 

Assets Libraries

These libraries are specialized for managing media files like images and videos.

Permissions

Not everyone can just waltz in and out of your home or different rooms in the home, sometimes you need access to enter someone’s room, maybe kids are not allowed in the office or perhaps access to the pantry is controlled. SharePoint offers robust security features, including role-based access control and permissions management. 


Administrators can control who has access to specific content and what actions they can perform. Some of these permissions include:

                                                                                                                                

User Permissions                                                                                                                                

SharePoint allows you to control who can access and interact with the content in your sites, libraries, and lists. It's essential to understand how permissions work to maintain data security and ensure that the right people have the right level of access.

                                                                                                                                

Permission Levels

SharePoint offers predefined permission levels like "Read," "Edit," and "Full Control." These define what users can and cannot do within a site or library.

                                                                                                                                

Groups  

You can group users with similar permission needs into security groups, making it easier to manage permissions at scale.

                                                                                                                                

Inheritance  

SharePoint's permission structure follows an inheritance model, where permissions cascade from parent sites to child sites, libraries, and lists. Understanding this concept is key to managing permissions effectively.                                                                                                                              

Integration                    

Just as you use different appliances and equipment for various purposes in your home, SharePoint can be integrated with other Microsoft products like Microsoft Office, Teams, and OneDrive. It also supports integration with third-party applications and services.

 

Some Microsoft products it integrates with include:

 

Microsoft Teams 

SharePoint integration with Microsoft Teams allows users to create Teams channels and access SharePoint content directly within the Teams interface. This promotes a unified collaboration experience.

 

OneDrive for Business 

Users can sync SharePoint libraries with OneDrive for Business, making it easier to access, edit, and share documents from their local devices.

 

Outlook 

SharePoint integration with Outlook enables users to access and share documents through email and calendar events.

 

Power BI 

SharePoint integration with Power BI allows for powerful business intelligence and data visualization. Users can embed Power BI reports and dashboards directly within SharePoint sites.

Customization

Every home is different and reflects the style of its residents. Statement pieces, plant life, antiques, marble countertops, accent walls, you name it. SharePoint can be customized to meet the specific needs of an organization. Custom web parts, templates, and themes can be created to match the organization's branding and requirements.  A landing page is one of our personal favourites which beautifully allows users to navigate your internet and company information from the very first SharePoint page.

 

SharePoint provides flexibility for tailoring sites to meet the unique needs of your organization.

 

Site Themes 

You can choose from a variety of site themes or create custom ones to match your organization's branding.

 

Web Parts 

SharePoint offers a range of web parts that can be added to site pages to display specific content or functionality. Examples include calendars, news feeds, and document libraries.

Site Templates 

You can create custom site templates that include preconfigured settings, layouts, and web parts for specific use cases.

 

Power Apps and Power Automate 

Advanced users can create custom apps and workflows using Power Apps and Power Automate to address unique business requirements.

Business Intelligence

Think of the smart features in a modern home. Just as these smart systems collect and analyze data on home temperature, security, and energy use to optimize comfort and efficiency, business intelligence tools collect and analyze data in a company to optimize operations, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions. SharePoint includes features for creating interactive dashboards and reports, making it a platform for business intelligence and data visualization.

  

SharePoint provides tools for data analysis and reporting, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions.

  

Power BI Integration  

SharePoint can host Power BI reports and dashboards, allowing users to create interactive data visualizations and share them with colleagues.

  

Excel Services  

SharePoint integrates with Excel Services, enabling users to publish Excel spreadsheets and workbooks to SharePoint for easy access and data analysis.


PerformancePoint Services  

This feature allows for creating business intelligence dashboards, scorecards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and measure business performance.

Mobile Accessibility

With this one, we would be reaching if we tried to link the analogy. So, I guess that’s the only difference. You can’t take your home with you everywhere you go, but SharePoint is accessible on various devices and platforms, ensuring that users can access their content and collaborate from anywhere.  And don’t forget to check out our Info Mailers that push the most relevant content to the right people in each department at the right time. 


SharePoint is designed to be accessible on mobile devices, making it convenient for users to collaborate on the go.

 

Mobile Apps

SharePoint offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing a user-friendly interface for accessing and interacting with SharePoint content on smartphones and tablets.

 

Responsive Design 

SharePoint sites are designed with responsive layouts, ensuring that they adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.

 

Offline Access 

Some SharePoint content can be made available offline, allowing users to continue working on documents even when they're not connected to the internet.


Security 

SharePoint's mobile apps are equipped with security features, including data encryption and access controls, to protect sensitive information on mobile devices.


So, there you have it – we've covered everything SharePoint in this blog….or have we? Because SharePoint has so many layers, not everything can be summed up in one blog. It is for this reason that we will have blogs that will follow, expanding more on the topic of SharePoint. Look out for blogs on:
  • How to use SharePoint
  • SharePoint intranets
  • SharePoint site examples
  • Knowledge base in SharePoint
  • Power Apps in SharePoint 

Until those blogs are available, ask yourself this question: How can your organization leverage SharePoint to improve productivity?

That's where GTconsult comes in. With over a decade of experience dedicated to learning, practicing, and perfecting all things SharePoint, GTconsult offers a wide range of services, including implementation, SharePoint migration, training, and support. GTconsult specializes in SharePoint! Rather than sticking to the basics or avoiding SharePoint altogether, let GTconsult empower your organization's productivity and reveal the powerful tool you have in your arsenal! 
Let's do this!

Sources: 


- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/get-started-with-sharepoint-909ec2f0-05c8-4e92-8ad3-3f8b0b6cf261#:~:text=When%20you%20sign%20in%20to,your%20entry%20points%20into%20SharePoint.

- https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-sharepoint-blog/sharepoint-20-years-young/ba-p/2238955

- https://www.incworx.com/blog/benefits-of-sharepoint

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SharePoint#:~:text=SharePoint%20evolved%20from%20projects%20codenamed,simple%2C%20bottom%2Dup%20collaboration.

- https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/sharepoint-premium-blog/introducing-sharepoint-premium-the-future-of-ai-powered-content/ba-p/3981076

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]]>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:20:47 +0000<![CDATA[Sujata Excels in MS 900 Exam!]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/sujata-excels-in-ms-900-examWith six years of experience in testing and quality control, Sujata has become highly skilled and knowledgeable in her field. Her tenure at GT for nea ]]>

Sujata Excels in MS 900 Exam! 

With six years of experience in testing and quality control, Sujata has become highly skilled and knowledgeable in her field. Her tenure at GT for nearly two years has demonstrated her immense value as an asset to the team. 

        

Driven by her desire to enhance her skills, Sujata recently embarked on a journey to improve herself further by taking the MS 900 Microsoft Fundamentals exam. 

        

The MS 900 exam is specifically designed for individuals seeking to demonstrate their foundational understanding of cloud-based solutions that enhance productivity and collaboration in various settings, including on-site, at home, or a combination of both. 

        

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/ms-900/        


You might be wondering how Sujata fared in this exam. Well, it would be rather awkward if we were to write about an exam she didn't pass, wouldn't it? Fortunately, not only did she pass, but she did so with flying colors! 

        

When asked about her motivation to pursue this certification, Sujata expressed her belief that it would enable her to better serve clients. 

        

“If a client asks me anything about SharePoint, I can answer them smartly and confidently. Previously, I was a little bit confused when it came to the differences and the functionalities under SharePoint. Now, I know it better.”     

        

She also emphasized how the certification has benefited her testing process, particularly in understanding requirements and finding improved ways to optimize SharePoint.    

        

Sujata's commitment to achieving her goal was evident in her rigorous exam preparation. She attributed her success to the comprehensive 500-page book "Microsoft 365 Fundamentals" by Craig Zacker, noting that studying this resource helped her gain a deeper understanding and ultimately pass the exam. 

        

“Because I’m a tester, I don’t work in the back end, so I don’t know the coding and other stuff. That’s why this book was really helpful.”     

        

Sujata also expressed gratitude towards her colleagues for their contributions to her success, including recommending study materials, offering study strategies, and providing encouragement.    

        

Upon learning of her results, Sujata described her elation, admitting to feeling a bit nervous before the exam, unsure of what to expect. 

        

“When I finished, I closed my eyes, opened them a little and saw, OK, I passed. I was literally dancing. And then I realized, OK, the camera is still on, they are still recording.”     

        

Sujata's unwavering dedication to her work and constant pursuit of self-improvement are truly commendable. It is no surprise that she already has her sights set on the next certification, which we will undoubtedly be eager to share here. 

        

Sujata, your hard work, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. Keep shining brightly! We eagerly anticipate witnessing your future accomplishments.    

]]>Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:06:48 +0000<![CDATA[5 Steps to Working Out SharePoint ROI with Web Analytics]]>https://www.gtconsult.com/blogs/post/sharepoint-roi

We always love when our CEO, Brad Geldenhuys, imparts his wisdom. Read on for some quick tips on SharePoint ROI from the man himself.

Understanding SharePoint ROI is a tricky area if you are put on the spot with specific questions like “How much did this SharePoint project cost us and how much are we saving?” or “We spent a lot of money on this SharePoint application, how can we tell if we are getting our money’s worth?”

To be brutally honest, back in the day when I was a freelance consultant before I knew how to answer those questions they were completely disarming. I knew I had put in a massive amount of effort into the project, I had spent time with everyone involved in the business process, I analyzed each step, created a technical spec master piece, and delivered a spectacular SharePoint application under budget and in time. It all means nothing, when someone asked me “How much money am I now saving because of this SharePoint?”

I missed a crucial step in the entire process. I never worked out how much the current business process cost the company without the SharePoint application, and then I never checked to see how much time the SharePoint solution now saved.

I had to go back to square one and do my due diligence, which included the following.

  1. Calculate how much time the current business process, or lack thereof, is spent before the SharePoint solution is put into place. Put this number into hours for later.
  2. Multiply that time by the average cost of the employees involved in the process to give you a $ value. For Example

So if an accountant costs the company $5000 per month (180 hours) and spends 2 hours a day (2×20 = 40 hours a month) on a process you will get $5000/180(hours in a month)*40(work hours) = $1,111 a month on that specific process.

  • Get a SharePoint Analytics tool to show SharePoint usage before and after the solution has been deployed. I have tried them all and SharePoint Vitals is the best and the standard version is also FREE.
  • Calculate the time spent and the employees used in the new SharePoint process and with that $ value you can compare the ROI from the value in Step 2.
    The accountant now spends 2 hours a week on the process which is $5000/180(hours in a month)*8(work hours) = $222 a month on the new process, which is a saving of $ 889 per month and $10 668 per year
  • Finally your ROI results for each SharePoint solution can be easily displayed with $ and Usage stats to give great high level and easy to understand results. Using SharePoint vitals, show how many users are actively participating in the solution and multiply that by the savings per year $10 668 and you will get a total ROI of the solution per year.

There you have it a great way to calculate SharePoint ROI with the usage of Web Analytics or Site usage stats.

]]>Wed, 20 Apr 2016 17:06:04 +0000