During Ignite 2017, Microsoft announced that the new SharePoint 2019 will be released sometime this year. The technology giant also indicated that it will introduce a preview version of SharePoint 2019 in the second quarter of the year, which will be followed by a general release later in 2018.
A few years ago, prior to the release of SharePoint 2016, there was a lot of speculation and discussions on whether that version would be the final on-premises edition in SharePoint’s history. However, this time around, there is a lack of discussion revolving this topic, and SharePoint 2019 is very likely going to be rolled out as on-premises, with a hybrid platform allowing users to switch between the on-premises and the online version.
According to a Microsoft SharePoint Premier field engineer, Ron Grzywacza:
“SharePoint Server 2019 is a comprehensive solution for connected information work that preserves structured processes, compliance, IT investment optimized for the way people work through an easily-managed and integrated platform.”
Grzywacza, also provided hints that new features will be added to the new SharePoint edition; these include Next-Gen Sync Client support, Flow and Power Apps integration, Modern UX throughout the product and other SharePoint Online improvements.
Right now, there is actually very limited information to clearly indicate what the SharePoint 2019 on-premises version will be like. However, when users were asked about what features they are hoping to see in the new version, there was unanimous agreement on hopes for enhanced hybrid capabilities. According to founder and CEO of Collab Talk and Microsoft MVP Christian Buckley, previously Microsoft has not been able to fully grasp the widespread interest among users in a hybrid SharePoint. He also expressed his own hopes of the new version getting a boost in its hybrid capabilities.
He further explained that many organisations are in the process of managing or planning a move to hybrid solutions before they are ready for the big move to the cloud. He is also glad that Microsoft is not forcing all users to shift to the cloud right away; instead, the company is supporting a smooth transition by allowing users to continue to use existing infrastructure investments while still have access to the latest features.
However, the transition of organisations to the cloud is no longer a luxury but a necessary way forward. According to co-founder and CEO of Sharegate, Simon de Baene, the move to the cloud is vital for businesses to survive in the contemporary digital workplace and to meet ever-changing needs of customers. He predicts that a hybrid SharePoint 2019 will provide such a transition platform that will help bring users a step closer to the cloud. This can be achieve via a modern SharePoint interface which allows users to switch in between on-premises and Office 365 without major clashing issues between user interfaces.
By moving away from on-promises solutions, you can introduce much more flexibility and efficiency to your business. At WM Reply, we can offer a range of upgrades and migration services, ranging from hybrid to cloud solutions, all with minimal disruption to your operations. Feel free to get in touch with us to find out more.