Free SharePoint Server Hosting: Everything Dev Needs to Know

As a developer, you know how important it is to have a reliable SharePoint server hosting service. Unfortunately, many hosting providers charge exorbitant fees for their services, making it difficult for small development teams or startups to get their projects off the ground.

But don’t worry, there are still options available to you. In this article, we will take a closer look at free SharePoint server hosting and explore some of the best options available.

What is SharePoint Server Hosting?

SharePoint is a web-based collaboration and document management platform developed by Microsoft. It allows users to create sites, manage content, and collaborate with others in real-time.

SharePoint server hosting refers to the process of hosting the SharePoint platform on a server that is accessible via the internet. This allows users to access the platform from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection.

How Does SharePoint Server Hosting Work?

When you host SharePoint on a server, you are essentially renting space on that server to run the platform. The server itself will need to meet certain requirements in order to run SharePoint effectively.

These requirements include:

Requirement	Description
Windows Server	SharePoint requires Windows Server to run.
SQL Server	SharePoint requires SQL Server to store its data.
.NET Framework	SharePoint requires the .NET Framework to run.
RAM	The server will need a minimum of 16 GB of RAM to run SharePoint effectively.

Once the server is set up and configured to meet these requirements, you can install SharePoint and start using it to collaborate with others and manage content.

Free SharePoint Server Hosting Options

Now that we have a better understanding of what SharePoint server hosting is, let’s take a look at some of the best free options available.

1. Microsoft SharePoint Online

Microsoft offers a free version of SharePoint called SharePoint Online. This version is included with certain Office 365 plans and allows users to create and manage sites and content.

While SharePoint Online is not as robust as the paid version, it is still a great option for small development teams or startups that need to collaborate and manage content.

Features of SharePoint Online

Some of the features included with SharePoint Online include:

• Document management
• Real-time collaboration
• Site creation and management
• Basic workflows
• Mobile accessibility

Limitations of SharePoint Online

While SharePoint Online is free, it does come with certain limitations. Some of these limitations include:

• Limited storage space (only 1 TB)
• Basic workflows (no custom workflows)
• Basic features (no custom branding or web parts)

2. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a free tier of their hosting services that includes a virtual private cloud (VPC) and Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances. This can be used to host SharePoint and other web applications for free.

While this option may require more technical expertise to set up and configure, it is a great option for developers who want more control over their hosting environment.

Features of AWS

Some of the features included with AWS include:

• Virtual private cloud
• Elastic Compute Cloud instances
• Load balancing
• Auto scaling
• Developer tools

Limitations of AWS

While the free tier of AWS is powerful, it does come with certain limitations. Some of these limitations include:

• Limited resources (only 750 hours of EC2 usage per month)
• Limited storage (only 30 GB of Elastic Block Storage)
• Only available for new AWS users

3. Heroku

Heroku is a cloud platform that allows developers to deploy, manage, and scale their applications. While Heroku is not specifically designed for SharePoint hosting, it can be used to host SharePoint and other web applications for free.

Heroku offers a free tier of their platform that includes limited resources, but is still a great option for developers who want to test their applications or host small projects.

Features of Heroku

Some of the features included with Heroku include:

• Ability to deploy web applications
• Real-time collaboration
• Basic workflows
• Mobile accessibility

Limitations of Heroku

While Heroku is free, it does come with certain limitations. Some of these limitations include:

• Limited resources (only 550 hours of usage per month)
• Only supports certain programming languages
• Only includes basic features

FAQ

What is the difference between free and paid SharePoint hosting?

The main difference between free and paid SharePoint hosting is the level of features and resources that are available. Paid hosting plans typically include more resources, features, and support options than free plans.

Is free SharePoint hosting reliable?

While free SharePoint hosting can be reliable, it is important to choose a reputable hosting provider or platform. It is also important to keep in mind that free hosting options may have limitations or restrictions that can impact performance.

What are some of the best free SharePoint hosting options?

Some of the best free SharePoint hosting options include Microsoft SharePoint Online, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Heroku.

Conclusion

Free SharePoint server hosting is a great option for developers who want to collaborate, manage content, and host web applications without breaking the bank. Whether you choose Microsoft SharePoint Online, AWS, or Heroku, there are plenty of options available that are both reliable and cost-effective.