Whether it is for marketing or internal communication, there is a massive amount of content created by organizations, and managing the same is challenging for them. To seamlessly manage the content Microsoft 365 suite launched its latest addition SharePoint Premium in 2023.
It is an advanced content management solution that is designed to improve overall enterprise content management capabilities, streamline workflow, and provide advanced security and AI-powered insights to make instant decisions. Leveraging SharePoint Premium, allows businesses to optimize document lifecycle management, improve collaboration, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
An upgrade from SharePoint Online with so many advanced features, isn’t it? But what do you suggest? Is it worth the upgrade and should organizations consider it? Well, here is a blog with depth details about its latest features, comparison with the previous version, and a lot more.
A Quick Brief History of SharePoint
SharePoint was launched in 2001, and was initially with a Windows Server as Windows SharePoint Server, and was further renamed to Microsoft Office SharePoint, then finally SharePoint.
One of the world’s largest and most flexible cloud content management platforms. It powers the entire Microsoft 365- OneDrive, Teams, Syntex, Viva, Loop, Stream, and the newly launched Copilot. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) were brought up by Syntex for understanding documents and processing content.
What is New in SharePoint Premium?
One of the critical changes we all are aware of is the integration of AI technologies to the latest version that helps deliver personalized experiences. Let’s discuss what’s more in the premium version.
1. Improved Security and Compliance
SharePoint Premium has a much higher grip on protecting data as it is powered by AI. From content classification to governance and other compliance tools, AI integration helps meet the standards and protect sensitive data.
A few key enhancements here include:
- AI-Driven Classification of Content
- Granular Access Control
- Microsoft Purview Integration
For organizations looking for more privacy and security, custom SharePoint development services can further enhance security features to align with specific organizational goals.
2. AI-Powered Analytics and Automation (Simpler Authoring)
SharePoint Premium leverages Copilot AI which helps transform document management, automates the workflow, and offers content insights. Copilot AI offers prompts that manage SharePoint sites.
Analytics helps users get and extract accurate information and boost productivity for the organizations.
A few key enhancements here include:
- AI-Powered Content Summarization & Metadata Extraction
- Smart Workflow Automation
- Real-Time Collaboration Insights
For businesses looking forward to getting rid of manual data handling, it becomes vital for them to leverage SharePoint development services to streamline operations and improve decision-making.
3. Customization & Integration Enhancements
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SharePoint Premium offers improved flexibility, as it can be integrated with third-party applications that enable businesses to customize it as per their own needs. With no-code, lo-code tools, and deep Power Platform integration, businesses can have more personalized workspace.
A few key enhancements here include:
- No-Code & Low-Code Development
- Power Platform Integration
- Dynamic Branding & Customization
If organizations are looking for a highly personalized experience, Microsoft SharePoint developer consultants can help them offer such services and ultimately build personalized, scalable, and future-ready digital workspace.
4. Compelling content creation
A compelling and updated user interface offered by SharePoint Premium is surely to improve the experience and boost its usability. Creators and designers can create more engaging, visually compelling, and captivating experiences.
It has new image as well as video capabilities and is known to boost knowledge sharing.
A few key enhancements here include:
- Intuitive UI & Improved Usability
- Enhanced Image & Video Features
- Responsive & Accessible Design
For organizations who wish to improve their content strategy, Microsoft SharePoint developer consultants can surely help offer an engaging digital workspace.
Comparing SharePoint Premium with Other Plans
| Feature | SharePoint Standard | SharePoint Premium |
| Security & Compliance | Basic security controls | AI-powered compliance & governance |
| Analytics | Standard reporting | Advanced AI-driven insights |
| Customization | Limited branding options | Extensive customization & integrations |
| Automation | Manual workflows | AI-driven automation & recommendations |
| Storage & Performance | Standard | Optimized for large-scale enterprises |
Best-fit Scenarios to Leverage Premium SharePoint
1. Large Enterprises with Complex Compliance Needs
If your organization operates in highly regulated industries (finance, healthcare, legal), Premium’s advanced compliance tools can be invaluable.
2. Companies Managing Large Content Repositories
AI-driven content classification, metadata tagging, and search enhancements make it easier for large organizations to manage vast amounts of data.
3. Businesses Prioritizing AI & Automation
If improving workflow automation and content intelligence is a key goal, SharePoint Premium’s AI-powered features can significantly enhance efficiency.
4. Organizations Seeking Customization & Deep Integrations
Companies that need a more tailored experience with Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and third-party apps will benefit from the extensive integration capabilities.
Why It’s Hot: A Strategic Push Towards SharePoint Premium
More and more organizations and willing to invest in SharePoint Premium due to its advanced features including AI, advanced security, customization capabilities, and more. Without any second thought, upgrading to the Premium version is a win-win deal for larger organizations, but for smaller organizations, the standard plan may suffice.
ROI Considerations
- Although the upfront cost is higher, it offers long-term savings via automation and accuracy.
- Improved security and compliance reduce risks of data breaches and regulatory fines.
Is SharePoint Premium Worth It?
Well, as already mentioned above the benefits, there are a plethora of benefits that SharePoint Premium offers. But here the answer completely depends on the needs of organizations, size, scalability, and other features.
Though AI is needed for every organization, as they require advanced security, AI-driven automation, seamless collaboration, and deep customization capabilities, migrating is surely a good idea.
To make an informed decision, consider consulting a Microsoft SharePoint developer or IT consultant to assess how SharePoint Premium aligns with your business goals. You can reach out to us for more information on the same.
