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SharePoint, an essential component of Microsoft 365, serves as a collaborative web-based platform for storing, managing, and sharing documents. With millions of users across the globe, it provides services for file hosting, custom web applications, intranet, and social networking. The anticipation surrounding what people should expect from the SharePoint 2019 version led to extensive discussions Microsoft has introduced numerous novel features in this iteration, differentiating it from the previous SharePoint 2016 version.
This blog is intended to explain SharePoint 2016 vs SharePoint 2019 comparison based on the features and security updates. Well, before discussing the comparison, let us learn about the discontinued features of SharePoint 2016 and latest updates introduced in SharePoint 2019.
Features discontinued from SharePoint Server 2016
SharePoint always aims to deliver effective collaboration and premium experience to its users. It consistently improves its platform and strives to introduce upgrades to make it better. Well, along with the launch of new features, it also regularly discontinues some outdated and obsolete functionalities. Following features have been deprecated from SharePoint 2016:
- SharePoint 2016 no longer support or host Excel services.
- My Tasks and associated Exchange Task Sync features are removed as the Work Management Service Application is already removed.
- There will be no SharePoint 2016 free version.
- Access Services 2010 and 2013 are deprecated.
- There is no SharePoint App Catalog in SharePoint 2019.
- No multi-tenancy feature will be available in SharePoint 2019.
New updates in SharePoint 2019
- Introduction of Modern Communication Sites
- Introduction of Modern Sites and Page Layouts
- Support to large files, improvement in file/folder name conventions, and character restrictions
The above improvements or changes do not give a larger picture of the actual differences between the two. Check out the following SharePoint 2016 vs. SharePoint 2019 comparison table to understand how SharePoint 2019 is better than SharePoint 2016 and the additional features that the former one provides.
Comparing: SharePoint 2016 vs. SharePoint 2019
| Features/Factors | SharePoint 2019 | SharePoint 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $375 per month | $8 per month |
| Free Trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| File storage limit within doc libraries | 15 GB | 10 GB |
| File path limit (max.) | 400 characters | 260 characters |
| Communication Sites enhancements | Available | Not Available |
| Files sync with OneDrive sync client | Available | Not Available |
| SharePoint App Catalog | Not Available | Available |
| SMTP Authentication for emails | Yes | No |
| Quick Site Creation | Yes | No |
| Modern homepage UI experience | Available | Not Available |
| Modern Teams Sites & Sites Pages | Available | Not Available |
| Simple sharing UI | Available | Not Available |
| Enhanced hybrid environment | Yes | No |
| Telemetry privacy | Available | Not Available |
| Files sync with OneDrive sync client | Available | Not Available |
| Access services 2010, 2013, Infopath services, SharePoint Designer | Obsolete | Supported |
| Wiki pages | Not Available | Available |
| Microsoft Flow | Available | Not Available |
| Enhanced Search Experience | Yes | No |
Some examples of modern experience in SharePoint 2019
The comparison above unquestionably highlights the improvements in features and user interface (UI) experience found in SharePoint 2019. Furthermore, there are additional aspects to explore regarding the newfound capabilities within SharePoint 2019.
Enhanced Central Administration Site: It is now easy for SharePoint Farm administrators to reach the sites. Also, the home page of the Central Administration site has links to administration documentation and public updates.
New pages – Modern pages provide quick ways to develop or create new pages through web parts with less structure and coding.
Team site, Communication site home pages – These pages deliver optimized mobile experiences, followed by a modern interface, including convenient shortcuts for site activities, news, document libraries, and more. Creating Communication sites has become a clear-cut process.
Lists and Libraries – Optimized lists and libraries in SharePoint 2019 with features like file copy and from the command bar, adding files as links, column formatting, document pinning, easy filtering and sorting, and more.
Search – Support modern search experience with advanced search results, integration of modern search boxes, a good overview of search results based on type, and more.
Modern Experience: In SharePoint 2019, the SharePoint start page allows easy finding/accessing SharePoint sites, creating sites, and finding news and portals related to followed and suggested sites.
Power Automate: MS Power Automate and SharePoint workflows help in automating business operations even without developer resources. You can find the feature in SharePoint 2019.
Ready to Migrate to SharePoint 2019?
SharePoint is a significant platform irrespective of its version and helps businesses strengthen their collaboration. An additional incentive for the move is because SharePoint 2016 has reached its mainstream support end on July 13, 2021. To access extended support, invest in Microsoft’s extended support services for SharePoint 2016.
The SharePoint version selection depends upon a range of factors, including scalability, cost, security, and personalization requirements, each coming with its pros and cons. For a rapid and efficient migration from the migration of SharePoint 2016 to SharePoint 2019 or between various SharePoint Server versions, the most reliable solution available is the Kernel Migration for SharePoint.
Exclusive capabilities supported by this SharePoint migration tool include:
- Migrate site content effortlessly between any SharePoint versions.
- Migrate user permissions and document versions along with the sites, lists, and libraries.
- Pre migration analysis allows detecting and mitigating risks before the migration.
- The tool supports migrating your MS Teams chat to SharePoint.
- Maintains complete integrity of data during the transfer.
- Supports bulk migration of file system, public folder, or SharePoint site/list/library.
Conclusion
With the detailed SharePoint 2016 vs SharePoint 2019 comparison provided in the article, deciding between the two platforms is straightforward. Migrating from SharePoint 2016 to SharePoint 2019 is now easy with the availability of professional automated tools. Kernel Migration for SharePoint is an ideal solution for swift and secure data transfer. Our SharePoint migration tool includes an intuitive interface to configure source and destination SharePoint Servers effortlessly. Use available filters and features to customize migration and migrate necessary data only. The entire migration process gives a seamless and user-friendly experience.
FAQs related to SharePoint 2016 vs SharePoint 2019
A. A Communication Site is useful for a page for a company event, intranet landing page, etc. Basically, it is a site for internal use, with no publishing features.
A. In the latest SharePoint 2019 version, the maximum allowed file storage is 15 GB (in place of 10 GB of SharePoint 2016).
A. SharePoint 2019 has several feature updates that were not present in the earlier versions. It includes but not limited to:
- Power Apps
- Power BI
- Power Automate
- Modern Lists and Libraries
- Modern Team and Communication Sites
A. SharePoint 2019 has several new features added to it while many of the functionalities that were in SharePoint 2016 are now not available in the recent versions. It includes:
- Recent version does not have Tags and Notes & PDF Viewer.
- You’ll not find the App Catalog in the 2019 version.
- Code-based sandbox solutions are not in 2019 iteration.
- The multi-tenancy feature is eliminated from SP 2019 due to its high cost and complexity.
A. SharePoint 2019 is revamped to deliver optimum performance, quick load time, and enhanced support for huge lists and libraries. The recent version is more collaborative and has larger storage space than its previous iteration.
