Apple pioneered mobile apps as early as 2008; since then a huge number of web and enterprise platform have adopted them. Apps are widely regarded as a great way of providing content to a mobile device and using the specific features of that device to optimize the user experience. They are also easy for users to download and keep up-to-date.
Microsoft has never released any official SharePoint apps. Instead they have focused more on what they call a “standards based approach,” which codifies commonly used actions and commands across the application. With the launch of SharePoint 2013, extensive use of HTML5 works across different browsers. Individual mobile devices can now also be targeted, with different master pages and stylesheets giving a different look for each. Touch devices have also been considered in the 2013 release, with bigger buttons, context menus, and gesture support. Microsoft has tried to build a single product that works across all platforms, but they have only really been partly successful.
A lack of official apps has resulted in third parties stepping in; our own SharePlus being just one example. In addition to optimizing users’ mobile access and use of SharePoint, Version 3.5 includes a host of useful new features, including WiFi sharing that allows users to share files from a secure webpage, whilst Power Favorites allow users to find content faster.
One of the issues often cited with taking company data on the road is security. We have thought long and hard about how SharePlus can help in this area. We think our approach - multi-factor authentication, remote wipe, and passcode lock - gives our users peace of mind.
Check all SharePlus for iOS, Android, Mac, and Playbok here.