SharePoint’s evolution from underdog to MVP.
Let’s be honest – SharePoint hasn’t always had the best reputation. Once seen as clunky, confusing, and cosmetically uninspiring, it was relegated to the “just a document dump” pile or a simply as an intranet or knowledge-base platform by many organisations, long ago.
But here’s the thing: that perception is seriously outdated. If you’re searching for a document management system (DMS) with main character energy, SharePoint really deserves another look.
Myth busting SharePoint
A few lingering misconceptions have stopped organisations from making the most of what SharePoint can really do. Let’s clear the air:
Myth 1: “It’s just a document repository.”
Not even close. SharePoint offers version control, metadata tagging, structured content types, workflow automation, and approval processes. With the right configuration, it becomes a fully-fledged document management solution.
Myth 2: “It’s hard to use.”
A well-configured SharePoint site is intuitive, especially with its familiar Office-style interface. Add some targeted user training and it becomes second nature.
Myth 3: “It always looks the same.”
Modern SharePoint is highly customisable. Layouts, branding, navigation, apps – all can be tailored to suit your teams and processes.
Myth 4: “It needs loads of IT support.”
Initial setup does take some expertise, but it’s entirely possible for day-to-day management to be handled by users – especially with proper training and the right governance and guardrails in place.
From underdog to all-star
Back in the day, SharePoint often struggled to keep up with dedicated DMS platforms. It was functional, but not exactly flexible or intuitive, which led many organisations to invest in slicker third-party alternatives.
But times have changed. Modern SharePoint has come a long way. Whether you’re fully in the cloud or running a hybrid environment, today’s SharePoint offers the scalability, security, and customisability needed to support enterprise-grade document management – with the added bonus of deep integration across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
And that integration is a big deal. Content stored in SharePoint is automatically governed by the same compliance, security, and identity controls already in place across your M365 estate (including sensitivity labels, conditional access, retention policies, audit logs and more). No bolt-ons. No duplication. No added risk.
And with Microsoft Copilot now in the mix, the case gets even stronger. Storing your content in SharePoint enables intelligent search, summarisation and insights across your documents, chats, meetings and emails – a serious productivity win for project-driven teams.
Why pay twice?
The reality is: if you’re still using a third-party document management system, there’s a good chance you’re duplicating capabilities, creating integration headaches, and missing out on native AI readiness – all while paying handsomely for the “privilege”.
SharePoint is already included in your Microsoft 365 licence. The only added cost is its initial configuration. And that’s a one-time investment with long-term payoff.
A smarter way to work with what you’ve got
It’s easy to overlook what’s right in front of you – especially when you’ve been hearing the same old myths for years. But modern SharePoint is a different beast: flexible, feature-rich, and fully embedded in the Microsoft tools your teams already use.
Whether you’re rethinking your setup, reducing third-party overheads, or laying the groundwork for Copilot and AI, it’s well worth taking a second look at SharePoint before adding yet another platform to your tech stack.
Cloud Essentials: SharePoint done right
At Cloud Essentials, we help organisations be clever with content – migrating it, securing it, governing it, and turning it into a strategic asset. With deep expertise across SharePoint, Microsoft 365, and Copilot readiness, we tailor every solution to your unique structure, scale, and goals.
Whether you’re replacing a legacy system, rethinking permissions and governance, or prepping for AI-powered productivity, we’ll make sure your content isn’t just stored – it’s working for you.
Need a hand exploring what’s possible with SharePoint and Microsoft 365? We’re here to help you make the most of what you’ve already got, and guide you through whatever comes next. Let’s chat.