Very Basic Question

[BroncoBella]

Hi all.

I'm doing research on Micrsoft SharePoint for my office as to whethere it's worth investing it. There's one thing that I am extremly confused about however...

do you need Microsoft Sharepoint PORTAL as well as a seperate Micro. Sharepoint? I signed up for a 30-day trial and found it really easy to use and create. Just wondering if I'm going to need to purchase additional software as we don't have any Microsoft server software.

 

[meastaugh1]

I'm in the same position and am so far impressed with what I've seen. There's WSS (Windows Sharepoint Services) which you're licensed to use if you a Windows Server license.

SPS (Sharepoint Portal Server) is a product that you'll have to license additionally. You need licenses for both the server and CAL (client access licenses).

As I understand it, the portal version offers a unique view for each user (my site) and allows audience targetting. I think you'll also need portal to integrate products such as Exchange.

There's a Microsoft comparison here.

 

[enwhysee]

Also to add, Windows SharePoint Services (I think this is the one that's shown in the 30 day trial) is free. The only prerequisite you need is Windows Server 2003, after which you could download WSS from the Microsoft site.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...8D-806A-427B-A4C5-AB0F1AA0F7F9&displaylang=en

 

[BroncoBella]

Thanks for the help guys. It all makes sense now!