Microsoft 365 SharePoint Migration/Modernization

<?xml encoding="utf-8" ?><h1 style="text-align:center">SharePoint vs OneDrive vs Teams – How Microsoft 365 works for small businesses</h1><h2>Are SharePoint and OneDrive the same thing, or do small businesses need both?</h2>Short Answer: No — they serve different purposes, and SMBs benefit from using both.In simple terms:<ul> <li>OneDrive = Personal storage (your own files and drafts)</li> <li>SharePoint = Team and company storage (shared documents, team collaboration)</li> </ul>Small business example: A 20-user construction company stores personal estimates in OneDrive, but project drawings, contracts, and client files go into SharePoint so everyone can access them securely.<a href="https://adaptsoftware365.com/sharepoint-vs-onedrive-vs-teams-for-small-business/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank" rel=" noopener">SharePoint vs OneDrive for Business</a><h2> Is Microsoft SharePoint the same as Microsoft Teams?</h2>Short Answer: No — but they are deeply connected.<ul> <li>Teams is for communication (chat, meetings, calls)</li> <li>SharePoint is for storing and managing documents that Teams uses behind the scenes</li> </ul>Every time you create a new Team, Microsoft automatically creates a SharePoint site to store that Team’s files.Small business example: A marketing agency chats and collaborates in Teams, but all campaign files, images, and proposals are stored inside the SharePoint site created for that Team.<h3 style="text-align:start"> Are SharePoint and OneDrive linked inside Microsoft 365?</h3>Absolutely. Microsoft designed them to work together.<ul> <li>You save personal work in OneDrive.</li> <li>You save shared documents in SharePoint.</li> <li>Both appear together in the OneDrive web interface under ‘Shared Libraries’.</li> </ul>Example: A small accounting firm sees both personal folders and department folders inside OneDrive, even though department folders physically live in SharePoint.<h2> Are SharePoint documents stored in OneDrive?</h2>Technically no, but Microsoft surfaces SharePoint files inside OneDrive for convenience.<ul> <li>Actual storage = SharePoint</li> <li>Display for quick access = OneDrive web (Shared Libraries section)</li> </ul>This prevents confusion for employees who don’t know the difference.<a href="https://adaptsoftware365.com/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank" rel=" noopener">SharePoint Document Management System (DMS)</a><h2 style="text-align:start"> Does Microsoft back up SharePoint files?</h2>Yes — Microsoft 365 automatically protects your SharePoint data.Protection includes:<ul> <li>Version history for each file</li> <li>Recycle Bin + Site Collection Recycle Bin</li> <li>Geo-redundant storage</li> <li>Optional retention policies</li> </ul>Small business example: A retail store accidentally deletes its “Inventory Master.xlsx.” They restore it from version history in 10 seconds—no IT help needed.<h2 style="text-align:start"> Are SharePoint files stored locally on my computer?</h2>By default, SharePoint files live in the cloud. However, you can sync libraries using OneDrive Sync, allowing:<ul> <li>Local offline access</li> <li>Auto-sync when internet is back</li> <li>“Files on Demand” to save storage space</li> </ul>Example: A field-service technician syncs his SharePoint library to his laptop to access manuals during site visits without internet.   <a href="https://adaptsoftware365.com/sharepoint-vs-onedrive-vs-teams-for-small-business/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank" rel=" noopener">Microsoft 365 SharePoint Migration/Modernization</a><h2 style="text-align:start">Can anyone on the internet see my SharePoint site?</h2>No — SharePoint sites are private by default. Only people you specifically grant access can see your files or pages.External sharing must be manually enabled and controlled by admin settings.Example: A small legal firm ensures client files are accessible only to assigned attorneys.<h2>Are SharePoint documents securely backed up and restorable?</h2>Yes. SharePoint protects documents through:<ul> <li>Version history (restore older versions)</li> <li>Recycle Bin (recover deleted files)</li> <li>Retention policies via Microsoft Purview</li> <li>Microsoft’s built-in backup and disaster recovery</li> </ul>For many SMBs, this eliminates the need for third-party backup tools.<h2 style="text-align:start">Does Microsoft back up entire SharePoint sites?</h2>Yes. SharePoint Online is protected at the site level with Microsoft’s enterprise-grade backups.<ul> <li>Deleted sites can be recovered within 93 days</li> <li>Microsoft maintains multiple redundant backups in different data centers</li> </ul>Example: A small engineering consultancy accidentally deletes a project site. The admin restores it from the site recycle bin within minutes.<h2 style="text-align:start">Is SharePoint Online free to use for small companies?</h2>No. SharePoint Online comes with Microsoft 365 business plans, such as:<ul> <li>Microsoft 365 Business Basic</li> <li>Microsoft 365 Business Standard</li> <li>Microsoft 365 E3/E5</li> </ul>There is no standalone free SharePoint Online edition.However, for many small businesses already paying for email, SharePoint is included at no additional cost.<h2 style="text-align:start">Are SharePoint Communication Sites public for everyone?</h2>No. Communication Sites are private unless an admin chooses to enable external sharing.They are ideal for:<ul> <li>Company news</li> <li>Announcements</li> <li>Policies</li> <li>Training content</li> </ul>But still restricted to internal users unless changed.<h2 style="text-align:start">Final Thoughts</h2>Why SMBs in North America Choose Adapt Software 365 for SharePoint ModernizationMost small and mid-sized companies struggle with:<ul> <li>File chaos</li> <li>Poor folder structures</li> <li>Confusing permission settings</li> <li>Shadow IT (Google Drive, Dropbox, USB drives)</li> <li>Limited SharePoint training</li> </ul>Adapt Software 365 helps SMBs set up SharePoint the right way, using Microsoft best practices for:<ul> <li>Document management</li> <li>Permission governance</li> <li>Team collaboration</li> <li>SharePoint–Teams integration</li> <li>Compliance + retention</li> <li>Structure + lifecycle management</li> </ul>If you need SharePoint made simple, secure, and organized — Adapt can help.