Microsoft SharePoint Server Editor's Review

SharePoint 2010 is the latest iteration of the web application platform developed by Microsoft. SharePoint Server 2010 lets you implement SharePoint-based solutions via the Internet.

SharePoint Server 2010 significantly overhauls the previous iteration, SharePoint Server 2007. It's designed to make designing and implementing web-based applications almost as easy as producing a Word document. It retains some features introduced in the 07 version, such as the ribbon interface which is now a familiar signature element of Microsoft's products, but has made some important changes.

One major change is a move away from conventional programming and towards a more intuitive way of constructing web pages. You no longer have to wrestle with CSS to create user-friendly web pages and applications. 

The new version has upgraded community features such as user profiles, tagging and rating. Support for content management including blogs and wikis is also improved. Two search engines are available to help find what you need amid all this potential new data -- an improved standard search engine and the optional FAST engine. SharePoint Server 2010 comes in a variety of different flavours, so any organisation should be able to find a variation that fits its needs. 

The software doesn't support IE6. Of more concern is the fact that it's 64 bit only, so you may need to upgrade your servers. The generous 180-day trial period should let you iron out any kinks, however.

Pros: Versatile and full-featured, easy to use, fast and adaptable.

Cons: No 32-bit version.

Conclusion: A great web application platform that lets you implement SharePoint-based solutions via the Internet.