Microsoft released SharePoint in 2001 as a browser-based collaboration tool primarily used to store and manage documents. It features versioning, co-authoring, and security controls. The suite includes Microsoft Search Server for searching for information across Microsoft applications, Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) for creating and managing documents, and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) for building applications and portals in Windows Server environments. These web-based tools come together to create an easy-to-understand, infinitely customizable, and massively scalable platform.

SharePoint is a web-based space where users can collaborate as long as they have an internet connection. The software aims to empower teamwork, help users quickly find information, and seamlessly cooperate even across very large organizations. The content management system is easy to use, customizable, and integrates all shared work environments into a single platform. Examples of using SharePoint include sharing regular announcements, alerting employees to updated human resources guidelines, and sending other company-wide memos across the internal platform.

Most users of SharePoint will be employees of large, successful businesses that prefer licensing Microsoft products. The development of custom SharePoint portals may require niche roles such as SharePoint developer, SharePoint systems application analyst, SharePoint architect, or SharePoint administrator. The end users of a SharePoint platform could include everyone in the organization from top C-level executives to entry-level interns and everyone in-between as the software is often used to distribute company-wide information and updates.