SharePoint Server Hosting Free – The Ultimate Guide for Devs

Hey Dev, if you are looking for a way to host your SharePoint server without spending a dime, you are in the right place. SharePoint is a powerful platform for team collaboration and content management, but it can be expensive to host. In this guide, we will explore the options you have for SharePoint server hosting for free.

What is SharePoint Server Hosting Free?

SharePoint Server Hosting Free is a hosting solution for SharePoint server that doesn’t require any payment. This means that you can use SharePoint without spending money on hosting services. There are several ways to host a SharePoint server for free, and we will explore each of them in this guide.

Why Would You Need SharePoint Server Hosting Free?

SharePoint is a platform that enables team collaboration and content management. It is used by businesses of all sizes to manage their documents, projects, and communication. Hosting a SharePoint server can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individuals. SharePoint Server Hosting Free is a cost-effective solution for hosting your SharePoint server.

Is SharePoint Server Hosting Free for Everyone?

Yes, SharePoint Server Hosting Free is available for everyone. However, there are some limitations to the free hosting services that may not meet the needs of larger businesses or organizations. If you have a large team or need more resources, you may need to consider paid hosting services.

Ways to Host SharePoint Server for Free

Option 1: SharePoint Online

SharePoint Online is a cloud-based service provided by Microsoft. It allows you to create and manage your SharePoint sites online. SharePoint Online offers a free trial for 30 days, which is a good option if you want to test the platform before committing to it. After the trial period, you can choose to continue using SharePoint Online for a fee or switch to another hosting service.

One advantage of using SharePoint Online is that it requires minimal setup and maintenance. The platform is managed by Microsoft, so you don’t have to worry about server maintenance or upgrades. Additionally, SharePoint Online integrates with other Microsoft services, such as Office 365, which makes collaboration easier.

Pros of SharePoint Online

Easy setup and management	Scalability
Integration with other Microsoft services	No server maintenance required

Cons of SharePoint Online

Monthly subscription fee

Less control over customization and configuration

Option 2: SharePoint Foundation

SharePoint Foundation is a free version of SharePoint that can be hosted on-premises. It provides basic features for team collaboration and content management, but it doesn’t include some of the advanced features of SharePoint Server. SharePoint Foundation is an excellent option if you are just getting started with SharePoint and don’t need all the features of the full version.

To host SharePoint Foundation, you need to have a server running Windows Server. You can download SharePoint Foundation from Microsoft’s website and install it on your server. Once installed, you can create and manage your SharePoint sites from the server.

Pros of SharePoint Foundation

Free	Basic features for team collaboration and content management
On-premises hosting	More control over customization and configuration

Cons of SharePoint Foundation

Requires a Windows Server	Server maintenance required
No advanced features	Limited scalability

Option 3: SharePoint Designer

SharePoint Designer is a free tool provided by Microsoft that allows you to customize your SharePoint sites. It is not a hosting service, but it can be used to customize your SharePoint sites hosted on SharePoint Online or SharePoint Foundation. With SharePoint Designer, you can create custom workflows, branding, and layouts for your SharePoint sites.

SharePoint Designer is a useful tool for developers and designers who want more control over the look and feel of their SharePoint sites. It is not recommended for non-technical users.

Pros of SharePoint Designer

Free	Customization of SharePoint sites
Advanced features for developers and designers	Integration with SharePoint Online and SharePoint Foundation

Cons of SharePoint Designer

Not recommended for non-technical users

No hosting services provided

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I host SharePoint on my own server for free?

Yes, you can host SharePoint Foundation on a server running Windows Server for free. However, you will need to pay for the server hardware and maintenance costs.

What is the difference between SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server?

SharePoint Online is a cloud-based service provided by Microsoft, while SharePoint Server is an on-premises solution that can be hosted on your own servers. SharePoint Online requires a monthly subscription fee, while SharePoint Server requires a one-time license fee.

Is SharePoint Designer a hosting service?

No, SharePoint Designer is a tool for customizing SharePoint sites. It does not provide hosting services for SharePoint.

What are the limitations of SharePoint Foundation?

SharePoint Foundation provides basic features for team collaboration and content management. It does not include some of the advanced features of SharePoint Server, such as search and social networking.

Can I use SharePoint Online after the free trial period?

Yes, you can continue to use SharePoint Online after the free trial period by paying a monthly subscription fee.

Conclusion

Hosting a SharePoint server can be expensive, but there are several options available for hosting SharePoint Server for free. SharePoint Online, SharePoint Foundation, and SharePoint Designer are all excellent options for hosting SharePoint without spending money on hosting services. However, each option has its own advantages and limitations, so you should choose the one that best fits your needs. We hope this guide has helped you in your quest for SharePoint Server Hosting Free.