What SharePoint does
SharePoint provides a framework for creating dedicated online workspaces. These workspaces, known as sites, allow users to share files, collaborate on projects, and build internal intranets. Site types include Team sites for group collaboration, Communication sites for broadcasting information, and Hub sites for connecting related sites. The ‘modern’ experience offers a streamlined interface, while the ‘classic’ experience retains older features. Crucially, every Microsoft 365 Group is underpinned by a Team site, making SharePoint a foundational element of Microsoft 365 itself.
SharePoint in Australian tenants today
AU mid-market organisations frequently grapple with SharePoint sprawl, often seeing multiple sites created per Microsoft 365 Group, leading to a lack of visibility and control. This presents governance challenges, particularly regarding data residency and compliance with the Privacy Act 2024. The application of Microsoft Purview labels, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, and sensitivity labels is essential for classifying and protecting data within SharePoint containers. A common question arises regarding which sites are accessible to Microsoft Copilot, highlighting the need for well-managed sensitivity labels to ensure compliance and data security.