SharePoint vs Syncthing: What are the differences?

Key Differences between SharePoint and Syncthing

SharePoint and Syncthing are two different systems with different purposes and functionalities. Below are the key differences between SharePoint and Syncthing:

1. Architecture: SharePoint is a centralized content management system developed by Microsoft. It relies on a server-client architecture, where documents and data are stored and managed on a central server. On the other hand, Syncthing is a decentralized file synchronization system that works peer-to-peer. It allows multiple devices to synchronize files directly with each other, without the need for a central server.

2. Collaboration Features: SharePoint is designed with collaboration in mind and provides a wide range of collaborative features. It offers features like document co-authoring, version control, document workflows, real-time collaboration, and integration with other Microsoft products like Teams and Office 365. Syncthing, however, is primarily focused on file synchronization between devices and lacks the extensive collaboration features found in SharePoint.

3. Security and Access Control: SharePoint provides robust security features and allows administrators to define access control policies at various levels, including site, library, and document level. It supports authentication mechanisms like Active Directory integration and allows granular control over user permissions. On the other hand, Syncthing lacks the same level of sophisticated security features found in SharePoint. While Syncthing does offer basic access control options, they are not as comprehensive or customizable as SharePoint.

4. Integration with Third-Party Systems: SharePoint integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services, such as Office 365, OneDrive, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams. It also supports integration with external systems through APIs and connectors. In contrast, Syncthing is mainly focused on file synchronization and does not offer the same level of integration options as SharePoint.

5. Deployment and Scalability: SharePoint is a complex system that requires dedicated servers and infrastructure for deployment, making it more suitable for large organizations. It allows for horizontal scalability by adding additional servers to handle increased workloads. Syncthing, on the other hand, is a lightweight and flexible file synchronization tool that can easily be deployed on individual devices or small networks, making it suitable for personal or small-scale use.

6. Cost: SharePoint is a commercial product that requires licensing and often involves significant costs for deployment, maintenance, and user subscriptions. In contrast, Syncthing is an open-source project available under the GNU General Public License, meaning it is free to use, modify, and redistribute without any licensing fees.

In Summary, SharePoint is a centralized content management system designed for collaboration, providing extensive features and integration options but comes with a cost. Syncthing, on the other hand, is a decentralized file synchronization tool focused on simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.