Most small businesses are using Office 365 (which includes SharePoint Online). It contains Microsoft tools that we all know and love, and have been using for years. Now programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access are cloud-based. These are as functional and usable as the desktop-based programs that we are all familiar with.
But is it the same case when it comes to document management? In order to assess whether using SharePoint Online is good for your small business, take a look at its pros and cons.
PROS
* Affordability
Small businesses require more affordable solutions since their resources are often limited. It could be very costly for them to maintain an onsite infrastructure and IT personnel for maintain and supporting document management. Using SharePoint Online and other cloud-based tools is definitely more affordable, since it only requires a small monthly subscription fee.
* Convenience
We have been using Microsoft tools for practically forever so it only makes perfect sense to stick to using SharePoint Online for document management. There's no need to look for other solutions if are already used to Word and PowerPoint for your daily office needs.
* Accessibility
Imagine having access to your documents 24/7. This means you can work anytime and anywhere and can use your mobile devices for it. This allows you to monitor your business even when you're away on conferences and tradeshows. Your sales personnel can also attend to customer concerns without having to go to the office and their personal computers.
CONS
* Internet-dependent
Nothing less than a reliable internet connection is needed to make your workplace function impeccably. This is a primary concern for all cloud-based operations. If troubles arise due to internet connection, you can't hold Microsoft accountable since they don't have control on your connectivity.
* Limiting payment model
A recurring monthly fee can become restricting for some small businesses. You need to make sure that you pay continuously or you run the risk of losing access to your data. You also have to pay for SharePoint Online licenses on a regular basis whether they release updates or not.