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Top 3 sharepoint alternatives for enterprises

by Casey Schmidt  |  November 11, 2019

3 min. read
An illustrated laptop.

Sharepoint set the standard for collaborative management software. However, over time other companies created their own versions. With all these new options available, it’s irresponsible to not consider some Sharepoint alternatives when looking for collaborative tools. Furthermore, it’s imperative to learn which systems are a good fit to replace Sharepoint for your company.

Why should i consider an alternative to Sharepoint?

Sharepoint is a comprehensive tool that has many enterprise features. It conveniently integrates with other tools in the Microsoft Suite. It’s collaborative properties simplify daily work functions and improve projects. For companies already using Microsoft tools extensively, Sharepoint seems like a perfect fit.

However, its complexity often frustrates organizations and forces them to look for systems specific to their needs. It’s becoming clearer and clearer that modern enterprises need more focused collaborative management software. Since this is the case, here are three Sharepoint alternatives to improve your collaborative file management:

1. Google Drive

Using Google Drive as your main form of collaborative and storage software is a much less intrusive decision than implementing Sharepoint. This is because it’s a free system that offers the same collaborative potential as Sharepoint. Also, with Drive users can share files with one another quickly. They can also cooperate with team members in real time.

A screenshot of the Google Drive interface.
Google Drive is a strong candidate to replace Sharepoint.

Like Sharepoint, Drive isn’t perfect for everyone. For example, creating a workflow in Drive is very difficult, especially compared to Sharepoint. There are some makeshift ways to slap together a workflow using some of the tools in Google Drive but it’s not ideal. If workflows are a necessity for your file storage management, Drive comes up a little short.

2. Box

Box has an easy-to-use interface and is a strong cloud file management system for businesses. It’s a cheap alternative to Sharepoint and is favorable for its strength as a cloud storage with numerous ways to access your database, including mobile. It’s extensive accessibility and seamless interface navigation make it a great choice for a company with specific requirements.

A screenshot of the Box software interface.
Box has a lot of features to consider.

When it comes to collaboration, Box has decent collaborative features that unfortunately don’t quite match the level of collaboration available using Sharepoint. Though this might be a deal breaker for some, Box should still be considered as one of the strongest Sharepoint alternatives because of its other incredibly unique tools.

3. Canto DAM

Canto digital asset management (DAM) is an enterprise-based system with the functionality of Sharepoint in a cloud collaborative storage setting. It has extensive storage features including metadata management, search functionality and quick retrieval. DAM also helps users connect and share files through the editing stages of a project. Overall, DAM is the most comprehensive alternative to Sharepoint.

A screenshot of the Canto DAM interface.
Canto DAM is a collaborative tool that excels at asset storage.

Where Canto DAM separates itself from the other candidates is its intuitive interface, comprehensive storage function and central location for files. By maintaining media and documents in a single location, teams move efficiently through projects with maximum communication capability. If you need extensive collaborative tools, DAM should be your first choice.

Remember that choosing an alternative system is going to have both positives and negatives. Each tool you switch to is going to have deficiencies in certain areas. Therefore, it’s crucial you find one that is strong in areas you specifically require.