Windows SharePoint Services vs. SharePoint Portal Server Refresher
A little refresher in the differences between Windows SharePoint Services and SharePoint Portal Server.
Need a central location to manage your intranet site or internal documents?
Having trouble tracking edits to important documents?
Do you need to share documents or collaborate with other users on projects?
You need a content management solution. There are 2 SharePoint technologies that can help you solve these problems.
Before you run off and install SharePoint, lets take a look at Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) and SharePoint Portal Server (SPS). Both of these products have the potential to solve your content management problems at different granularities.
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Take a peek at Microsoft's quick comparison of features between WSS & SPS. By checking off which features you need for your solution, you can determine which technology to use. For a more detailed analysis between these 2 products, Microsoft also offers a white paper on implementing SharePoint solutions.
Additionally, fill out this extensive questionnaire from Heather Soloman, before installing, to determine which product is right for your situation.
If you're like me, you want the quick Cliff Notes synopsis:
Think of Windows SharePoint Services as the base for SharePoint Portal Server. SPS is built upon WSS, which is required for installation of SPS. All features from WSS are found in SPS, with SPS adding additional functionality on top of that.
Think of WSS as the content management brain, which powers the functionality of both products. SPS represents the body, which uses that brain power to move its arms and legs, creating additional functionality and mobility. Both services allow you to share information, collaborate with other users and develop webpages. Additionally, SPS offers a way to aggregate your WSS services into internet/intranet portals that can be targeted toward different users, groups, or organizations.
With this information in mind, you can now begin installing and using the SharePoint product that is right for you. |
WSS powers SPS |