OneDrive vs Sharepoint - cloud services in comparison

OneDrive vs. SharePoint: With the help of both Microsoft products, you can save documents in the cloud. We explain to you how the services differ and which is the right one for you.

OneDrive briefly introduced

With OneDrive you use classic file storage. The data is stored in one of the Microsoft data centers available worldwide. They have no influence on the storage location.

• All you need to use OneDrive is a Microsoft account. This automatically gives you 5 GB of free storage space.
• After signing in to Microsoft, you can upload and manage documents in OneDrive from the website.
• The saved files are mostly private. Documents, photos and other data can be shared, but the handling is designed for only a few people.
• With the "Office Online" integrated in OneDrive, you can even use stripped-down online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, which you can use to fundamentally edit your documents. If you have shared files, several people can work on them at the same time.
• You can sync files with the cloud using the Windows OneDrive app. For this purpose, a local folder is defined once, which is automatically compared with the online storage space.

SharePoint briefly introduced

In contrast to OneDrive, SharePoint can also be installed on-premise in the corporate network. For example, the cloud service "SharePoint Online" is part of various Office 365 plans. The data can be stored in a German data center, with Deutsche Telekom acting as data trustee in the German Microsoft cloud.

• The introduction gives a hint: SharePoint is only intended for use in companies. The range of functions goes far beyond pure document filing.
• The basic principle of SharePoint is the creation of websites that are designed for different purposes. In this way, entire intranets can be set up with SharePoint. An essential aspect is the cooperation, for example in teams or projects, also across locations. For this purpose, team websites can be set up with their own calendar, task management and communication functions.
• Working together on documents is an important part of SharePoint. The possibilities are more diverse than with OneDrive. For example, documents can be checked out, edited offline and checked in again. There is also extensive version management.
• In contrast to OneDrive, the data in SharePoint is not private. Thanks to the team concept, documents are always made available to entire user groups.
• An administrator is required to manage the SharePoint environment. This is not necessary in OneDrive, the platform is also less complex.

OneDrive vs. SharePoint: what is the right solution for me?

Which solution you use depends on your requirements and your budget.

• As a home user, there is no question. OneDrive is sufficient for mere file management and simple editing. If the 5 GB of free storage space becomes scarce, you can book additional storage. 50 GB is currently available for 2 euros per month. If you need more, you can take out an Office 365 subscription. 1 TB then costs 7 euros per month and you can use the full versions of Word, Excel and Co.
• You have a choice in operational use. OneDrive is also available in Office 365 as a business variant with an expanded range of functions. If you want to use the team functions, you should use SharePoint. Office 365 Business Premium includes SharePoint in addition to the Office programs and OneDrive Business. The current cost is 10.50 euros per user per month plus VAT if you order directly from Microsoft.

SharePoint from the cloud is also available individually without the Office package. Find out what costs you will have to pay in the following article.