Microsoft has launched a free iOS client for its SharePoint enterprise collaboration suite, making it easier for businesses to consolidate inter-office communication and collaboration on the go.
The official Microsoft SharePoint app connects to Microsoft's SharePoint Online, and SharePoint Server 2013 and 2016, and hybrid environments. Originally launched in 2001, SharePoint requires an Office 365 subscription that includes SharePoint Online, or an on-premises SharePoint Server.
Microsoft's Office 365 implemented SharePoint as a service for ease of configuration for smaller teams. On-site deployments are common in larger businesses, with implementation requiring a significant investment in hardware and support.
The current version of the app isn't as full featured as the desktop client version, and instead implements the most popular features of Microsoft's suite of tools.
Within the app, a "Sites" tab takes the user to frequently visited sites and site assets, and allows the user to share the site with other users. The "Links" feature presents admin-curated sites and portals, with the "People" tab giving insight to other company users of the system. Currently, very little administrative management can be performed in the app.
Later this year, Microsoft plans on adding support for cross-company news and announcements.
The Microsoft SharePoint app requires 32.6MB of storage on an iOS device running iOS 8 or later.