Advances in technology mean that employees today have access to some of the cleverest software, created to make aspects of their jobs quicker and easier than ever before.
One huge part of a business's operations is its data — how it's stored, accessed and used is vital to a company's security and day-to-day functioning.
SoGlos chats to Sarah Smith of Cheltenham-based ReformIT, to find out about Microsoft's data storage software, SharePoint, and how it works for businesses.
In a nutshell, what is SharePoint?
SharePoint is a platform from Microsoft that helps businesses organise, share and manage their documents and information in one central place.
It’s great for teamwork, as it makes collaborating on projects much easier and ensures everyone has access to what they need, when they need it.
How does it work for a business?
SharePoint works as a kind of digital hub where businesses can create custom sites to store documents, manage tasks and collaborate on projects.
It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, Word and Excel, so you can co-author files, set up automated workflows and keep everything running smoothly.
Basically, it’s a productivity booster that helps keep everyone on the same page.
Is SharePoint secure for storing sensitive data?
Yes, SharePoint is very secure for storing sensitive information, as long as it’s set up properly.
Microsoft uses top-tier security measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication and strict access controls. Plus, it’s compliant with regulations like GDPR.
That said, it’s always a good idea to double-check your settings and ensure your permissions and policies are rock solid.
Can you give us some examples of how different businesses might use SharePoint effectively?
Yes! Law firms might store legal documents and contracts securely, while simultaneously controlling who can access them. Whereas healthcare providers, for example, might manage patient records and comply with strict data privacy rules.
And then for retailers, SharePoint can create a hub for training materials, product info and staff resources across all locations.
IT companies, like ReformIT, can use it to keep all client documentation, project updates and team collaboration in one place. Basically, SharePoint is flexible enough to suit almost any business need.
What advantages does SharePoint have over other similar data storage software?
The most obvious one is that it works seamlessly with tools like Teams, Outlook and OneDrive, as it was built for Microsoft 365.
But it's also very customisable, so you can tweak it to suit your business needs, from workflows to dashboards and whatever else you might use on a daily basis.
It's scalable — whether you’re a small business or a global corporation, SharePoint can handle it. And it's compliance-ready — it’s cleverly designed to help businesses meet regulatory requirements.
As mentioned earlier, it's collaboration-friendly; this means it can be used for real-time editing and it has great tools for teamwork. It’s not just a storage solution — it’s a full collaboration and productivity suite.
Is there anyone who can’t use SharePoint, for example, on certain devices?
SharePoint works on pretty much all modern devices — desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. It’s available on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
The only catch is that older devices or outdated browsers might not be able to access some of the fancier features. But as long as you’re up-to-date, you’re good to go!
It’s International Love Data Week 2025 this February! What is this and why is it important?
International Love Data Week is all about highlighting how important good data practices are.
It’s a time to focus on how we manage, share and protect data — and why that matters. For businesses like ours, it’s a great reminder of how crucial organised, secure and accessible data is.
After all, good data means better decisions, stronger security and a big boost to productivity. We think it’s definitely something worth celebrating!
