Advanced file sharing

Instead of just dumping files into directories, Windows SharePoint Services supplies customer Web sites with a document storage and retrieval system that includes check-in and check-out functionality, version history, custom metadata, and flexible, customizable views.

Information management

SharePoint Web sites store event calendars, contacts, Web links, discussions, issues lists, announcements, and more. By using Windows SharePoint Services, you can create smart places that help your users share information and get work done, not just a place to save files.

Configurable user control

You can grant users the ability to create sites, allow them to control site membership, monitor site usage directly, and moderate content submissions. Users can create site templates and share them with one another, reusing customized, proven site solutions.

Tracking and quota management

In addition to the authority delegated to users, Windows SharePoint Services also enables you to track which sites are created, who owns them, and how long a site has gone unused. You can enforce quotas for sites, users, and storage; block users from adding specific file types to sites; and automatically delete sites that are unused for long periods of time.

Enterprise scalability

You can deploy Windows SharePoint Services in server farms that support tens of thousands of sites and can handle a typical load of hundreds of thousands of users. Windows SharePoint Services supports load balancing for Web servers and server clustering technology for all data—including configuration, documents, and list data.

Choice of management channels

You can manage and configure Windows SharePoint Services right out of the box by using a Web browser or command-line utilities. You can also manage server farms, servers, and sites by using the Microsoft .NET Framework-based object model and Web services, making possible a great many custom and third-party administration solution offerings.

Out-of-the-box business scenarios

You can use Windows Workflow Foundation and the Windows SharePoint Services application templates to enhance service offerings by adding prefabricated business logic to SharePoint sites.