Sharepoint vs file server

Question

I am coming from a traditional file server setup. I need to migrate to the cloud so that we can share all the files and folders from the old server. I plan on getting rid of the server and going to a peer-to-peer setup.

I do not fully understand if I can setup SharePoint to function in the same manner as the file server. How would public folders be setup so that the entire office would have access to them but keep control of the folders away from any single user, other than the Administrator.

Is it wrong to think of SharePoint as a file server with folders? How would OneDrive play a part in this conversion?

Answer 1

Dear respected PatrickCampbell1477,

Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

As per your description, migrating from a traditional file server setup to the cloud (using SharePoint and OneDrive), can provide a more flexible and collaborative environment for sharing files and folders.

SharePoint is designed for collaborative document management and team collaboration. It uses document libraries, lists, and sites to organize and share content. In SharePoint, you can create document libraries to organize and share files and set permissions to control who can access, edit, or manage them. To replicate the functionality of public folders where the entire office has access, but control is with the Administrator. For example, creating a document library, apply unique permissions, and grant read or edit access to the entire office group.

SharePoint doesn't typically function in a true peer-to-peer manner like a traditional file server. It's more of a centralized platform that facilitates collaboration among users and allowing you to set up public folders and manage access while providing a range of collaboration features.

OneDrive for Business is closely integrated with SharePoint and can be used as a personal workspace for individual users. It allows users to store, sync, and share files within their own personal area, which can also be synced with the SharePoint libraries.

Appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 2

Waqas

Thanks for the response.

So libraries are like folders? And what are lists and sites as compared to the old file server?

An Administrator would create the libraries and then share them with the rest of the office?

Can OneDrive locally on the workstation have a library which users would drop files in to so they automatically would be shared with the rest of the office?

What is the easiest way to migrate the old server to the cloud?

Answer 3

Hi respected PatrickCampbell1477,

Thanks for your valuable feedback and sharing updates with us and I really appreciate your effort and your precious time doing. 

And I appreciate your kind words.

In SharePoint, a library is a container for documents, similar to a folder on a file server. However, libraries offer additional features such as versioning, and custom views. Each library can contain multiple files and folders, and you can organize your content within them.

Yes, an administrator can create libraries and set up permissions to share them with the rest of the office. You can control who has access to the libraries and what level of access they have (read, edit, contribute, etc.). Libraries can be shared with individual users or groups, allowing you to manage access effectively.

SharePoint site is a collection of web pages, lists, libraries, and other resources. It's a collaborative space where users can work together. Sites can be used to create team sites, department sites, project sites, or any other type of collaborative workspace.

OneDrive for Business user's OneDrive is a personal space for storing and managing their own files. While OneDrive can be used to share files with others, it's not the primary method for sharing files with the entire office. For sharing with the entire office, you would typically use SharePoint libraries on a site.

To migrate you can use Microsoft's SharePoint Migration Tool, or third-party migration solutions.

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. I hope that you are keeping safe and well!

Sincerely,

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 4

Waqas

Thanks for the info.

With the migration tool, can it be used on an older server such as Server 2012?

Thank you

Answer 5

Hi respected PatrickCampbell1477,

Thanks for your valuable feedback and sharing updates with us and I really appreciate your effort and your precious time doing. 

And I appreciate your kind words.

SharePoint migration tool (SPMT) supports SharePoint Server 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019.

For your reference: Overview of the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)

Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. I hope that you are keeping safe and well!

Sincerely,

Waqas Muhammad