Understanding SharePoint 2013 Licensing: Free vs. Paid Options

Microsoft SharePoint has been a cornerstone of productivity and collaboration among teams for many years. As your organization grows and data expands, deciding on the right license for SharePoint 2013 becomes crucial. This article will explore the differences between the free and paid options available for SharePoint 2013, helping you make an informed decision.

What Is SharePoint 2013?

SharePoint 2013 is a comprehensive collaboration and information management software from Microsoft that allows teams to work together on documents, projects, and information management. It provides a secure, scalable, and reliable platform for a variety of business needs. For many organizations, the initial setup and usage of SharePoint 2013 can be free, but scalability and expanded functionality often come at a cost.

SharePoint 2013 Foundation and Its Limitations

SharePoint Foundation 2013 is a free version of the software, primarily aimed at small organizations or individuals. It offers a wide range of features such as document management, online editing, forms, and publishing. However, it has certain limitations when used in a domain environment:

It is not designed for integrated Active Directory (AD) environments. The free version limits the number of users served and the number of concurrent users. There are limitations on content types and site collections. It lacks advanced security features, such as integration with AD and third-party authentication.

These limitations mean that as your organization grows or if you need to integrate SharePoint with your existing AD infrastructure, it may not be the most cost-effective or feasible option.

SharePoint 2013 Designer

On the other hand, SharePoint 2013 Designer is a client application that is entirely free, even if you have not purchased a license for SharePoint 2013. It allows you to quickly and easily design and customize SharePoint sites without requiring any server-side licensing. Some key features of SharePoint Designer include:

Drop-and-drag site building. Customization of web pages and page layouts. Adding web parts and features to web pages. Editing CSS and XML markup to improve look and functionality.

Although SharePoint Designer is a powerful tool, it is important to note that it is best suited for basic customization tasks. For more complex applications and integration needs, it may be necessary to consider purchasing a more comprehensive license.

Key Features of SharePoint 2013 Editions

To truly harness the full potential of SharePoint 2013, it is important to understand the different editions available. Here is a brief overview of the key features of different editions:

SharePoint Server 2013

Enterprise-level security. Support for Active Directory integration. Scalability for large organizations. Advanced document management and versioning. Enhanced data visualization and reporting tools. Integration with Microsoft Office and other enterprise applications.

SharePoint Online (Office 365)

Hosted solution, no need for on-premises servers. Automatic updates and maintenance. Fully scalable with cloud-based storage. Remote collaboration and access. Compliance and data loss prevention tools.

SharePoint Server 2016

Compatible with existing SharePoint 2013 investments. Enhanced features for hybrid environments. Improved security and compliance. Scalability and performance improvements. Integration with data analytics tools.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while SharePoint 2013 Foundation and SharePoint Designer are both free options, they serve different purposes and have their own limitations. For an organization that requires more robust features and scalability, it may be necessary to invest in a paid SharePoint 2013 license. By understanding the differences between the free and paid options, you can determine the best solution for your specific needs.

Related Keywords

Keyword 1: SharePoint 2013

Keyword 2: Licensing

Keyword 3: Free Options

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