SharePoint 2019: Highly-integrated hybrid solutions.

Transcription

1 Technology SharePoint 2019: Highly-integrated hybrid solutions. Microsoft is true to its word: With the new version of SharePoint 2019, the software installed in the organization s own computer center still remains an important part of the productivity platform. Many well-known functions from Share- Point Online are now also available in the on-premises version, paving the way for highly-integrated hybrid scenarios.

2 2 SharePoint continues to represent the key component of Microsoft solutions for internal collaboration. Wherever the focus is on the direct exchange of information in departments and work groups via Microsoft Teams, cross-organizational networks using Yammer or direct communication by the required documents and data are stored in SharePoint. There are many new functions for improved collaboration, the provision of information as well as process automation with a modern and simplified user interface. Microsoft 365. Teamwork scenarios. Cloud and on-premises combined With the previous version of SharePoint 2016, Microsoft already took steps to create a close link between on-premises and the Cloud on the same code basis. SharePoint 2019 continues this trend: With its on-premises properties, it is an essential part of a hybrid Architecture: Together with the new multi-geo option of Office 365, in which a client can assign different global computer centers for data and users, SharePoint 2019 offers an added option for storing dedicated data. SharePoint Server On-premises as a component of Microsoft s toolkit for modern collaboration. In the middle of 2016, Microsoft announced numerous innovations for SharePoint, which have now been implemented in SharePoint Online with the Modern Experience. With Share- Point 2019, these innovations are also making their way into the on-premises world. The main features of the Modern Experience are: Modern and elegant design of the default pages combined with a completely new and easy-to-use edit mode. Increased usability due to clearly arranged user options and highlighting of key functions. Optimization for mobile devices through Responsive Design. This focus is also evident in the Microsoft categories Share & Work Together, Inform & Engage Employees, Transform Business Processes and IT & Developer Value for Share- Point 2019.

3 3 Modern lists and libraries. Elegant appearance without ribbon. Share & Work Together In the Share & Work Together segment, Microsoft relies on a streamlined user interface that is reduced to and highlights the important functions. In this way, it supports user-focused collaboration, integrated into a comprehensive platform. document library, lists and pages are available in a simple design which focuses on functionality - as in SharePoint Online. The previous typical ribbon was removed and replaced with the new App Launcher in a relaxed design. Working with modern lists is further simplified with the additional option of column formatting and expanded filtering of meta data. At the same time, long-standing SharePoint users can also change over to the classic view with the familiar functions. The new sharing function makes it easier to share documents. Links to documents can be sent directly from the menu bar. In addition, notification was also adapted to the modern design. With the next generation of the Sync Client for OneDrive for Business and Team Site Synchronisation, users can store files locally in the File Explorer and can work with these files without being connected to the SharePoint server. This is more practical compared to the document library of the SharePoint Sites. The files are automatically synchronized when the connection returns - without restricting the data volume and inclusive of push-notifications when there are changes to documents. SharePoint Server 2019 also supports Files-on-Demand, which frees up valuable storage space. Synchronization client. Easy to work with files locally.

4 4 Inform & Engage Employees Under the term Inform & Engage Employees, Microsoft offers an elegant appearance with a strong focus on usability and responsiveness. SharePoint Server 2019 delivers the required building block for the Microsoft tool kit for displaying information and news. SharePoint Home prepares information and news from relevant sites for the user - with a personalized overview. The starting point for Self-Service Site Creation can be activated by the administrator. In this context, sub-sites can also be created in other web applications with prior configuration. Similar to SharePoint Online, the on-premises version now also offers the so-called Communication and Team Sites. Together, they form a platform for collaboration and for sharing news in the organization. Communication Sites distribute information to a large audience. Team Sites are used to collaborate in the team through common lists and documents. The sites can also be connected with contents from other services such as Yammer. But in contrast to SharePoint Online, the on-premises version does not have integrated Hub Sites or Microsoft Teams. Create Communication and Team Sites with a few clicks, and use the available templates Customize the sites using Default Web Parts Communication Site and Team Site. Simple creation of dynamic sites. Transform Business Processes With its integrated platform, Microsoft wants to deliver optimum support for business processes. The apps, PowerApps and Flow, which are included in Office 365 Cloud, make it possible to automate processes. Microsoft PowerApps offers an environment for creating apps based on SharePoint lists. No coding knowledge is required for the basic creation process. Microsoft Flow supports the automation of routine tasks by creating workflows in lists and libraries with numerous options for connecting other Office 365 and third-party provider services. The apps can be connected to several data sources and made available to authorized SharePoint users once completed. The technical functions include connectors for PowerApps and Flow to SharePoint Server Direct integration into Share- Point libraries or lists is not possible, however. Create stand-alone apps out of PowerApps Service and connect these with Share- Point. Use several data sources and integrate Cloud Services. Share the app with colleagues at your company. Modern Business Apps. Microsoft PowerApps Connector.

5 5 IT & Developer Value In this category, Microsoft combines the improvements and new functions for developers and SharePoint administrators. The frame-work (SPFx) already familiar from the Cloud and the Feature Pack 2 for SharePoint Server 2016 is also available on SharePoint Server 2019, and ensures the modern delivery of applications. However, with the introduction of Office 2019, the option to use Cloud-based services for older Office versions will expire at the end of Hybrid Configuration Wizard and Hybrid Status Bar simplify configuration and the management of the hybrid environment in SharePoint The Hybrid Configuration Wizard can now be started directly on the central administration page. Administrators receive up-to-date reports on the hybrid configuration through the Hybrid Status Bar. The introduction of SMTP server authentication means that SharePoint can be used in extremely secure environments. Anonymous relays are no longer required, and only authenticated users can send messages on behalf of Share- Point. The log-in data can be set using PowerShell. There are also new admissible special characters for files and folders. The length of admissible URLs was increased to 400 characters. The waste bin now offers security trimming and allows users to restore deleted documents for which they have at minimum write access, regardless of who deleted the document. Conclusion With SharePoint 2019, Microsoft improves the user experience with an elegant and streamlined appearance and adaptation to the functions offered by SharePoint Online. As a result, the new on-premises version offers a continuous user experience in hybrid installations as part of the integrated Microsoft platform. Important migration issues The market introduction of SharePoint 2019 has been announced for the fourth quarter of Additional functions will be made available after that date in smaller updates. But companies should already prepare for a possible migration today. In this process, the current inventory in the old SharePoint systems must be analyzed, particularly with regard to the following three questions: What can remain? What should be migrated? What should be created? Each migration comes with a variety of challenges depending on the current SharePoint environment and the requested processes. Even if the option of transferring the databases of older SharePoint systems into the new version has always existed, a tool-based migration process nevertheless offers more flexibility and restructuring options. A variety of tools, such as those offered by Metalogix, are available for this purpose. A competent consulting company can assist with the selection and use of these tools. Campana & Schott Campana & Schott is an international management and technology consultancy with more than 300 employees at locations in Europe, the US and Canada. For more than 25 years, we have been passionately assisting companies in managing complex change processes - with proven methods, technologies or simply the right people. The passion for all facets of human collaboration in organizations and projects has driven us since the beginning. Further information: Campana & Schott GmbH Graefstr Frankfurt T info@campana-schott.com