Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Hosted Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 hosting are both part of the SharePoint family. However, Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007, both have different features and capabilities. This article enlists the difference between SharePoint 3.0 hosting and the SharePoint server 2007. This document might enable businesses and individuals to decide which SharePoint Services would suit the requirement.

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Windows SharePoint Services (WSS)

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Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 (WSS) is an add-on to Windows Server. WSS offers the base collaborative infrastructure, supporting HTTP- and HTTPS-based editing of documents, as well as document organization in document libraries. Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 also has version control capabilities. You can setup wikis, and blogs for a team. Windows SharePoint Services also includes end-user functionality such as workflows, to-do lists, alerts and discussion boards, which are exposed as web parts to be embedded into SharePoint pages. WSS 3.0 is built on top of ASP.NET 2.0. WSS was previously known as SharePoint Team Services. Out of the box, only one workflow is obtainable, which is the tri-state work flow for easy workflow organization. Additional workflows could be created through SharePoint designer or Visual Studio .NET.

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Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007

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Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 has additional functionalities when compared to WSS 3.0.;

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One of the most widely used functionalities with both the Microsoft SharePoint Hosting technologies is that you can create conference space, and use the workspace to issue the agenda; invite attendees and discuss points. You can use the same workspace to track the points and tasks that were mentioned during the meeting. You can view the calendar and decide the best time for you and the attendees before scheduling the meeting.

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Microsoft SharePoint server comes with solutions that are modified for specific businesses or tasks. You can convert the template with your own logo, forms, and create user alerts. Managers and CEOs can keep track of actions using these templates. Forums and discussion groups can be used to discuss important projects. This saves plenty of time in arranging meetings and co-ordination.

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Using Microsoft Sharepoint 2007 you can centrally store the documents which can be accessed by users. You can control which document is available to which user. Changes to the document can be tracked. These files can be accessed from any location in the world. Many documents like Word and Excel can be opened and edited in the browser itself.

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As we move towards a world, where time and boundaries no longer are barriers towards doing business; Microsoft SharePoint And hosted Exchange 2007 is becoming trait rich tools which will help us improve efficiency and increase effectiveness. Using a vendor to host these feature rich collaborative suites will significantly save your precious dollars and time.

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AUTHOR:

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Adrian Gates (Adrian@apps4rent.com) is a Business Manager with Apps4Rent (http://apps4rent.com/whysharepoint.html); which offers premium hosted Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint Hosting Services and Microsoft Exchange Hosted Services.