Difference Between WSS and MOSS

WSS and MOSS are two different versions of Microsoft SharePoint, which is a web-based collaboration and document management platform. WSS stands for Windows SharePoint Services, and MOSS means Microsoft Office SharePoint Server.

WSS is a free SharePoint version that comes with Windows Server and includes fundamental features like document libraries, lists, and basic workflow tools. MOSS is a paid version of SharePoint that includes advanced features like enterprise search, business intelligence, and web content management.

Read this article to find out more about WSS and MOSS and how they are different from each other.

What is WSS?

WSS is a free SharePoint version that comes with Windows Server and includes fundamental features like document libraries, lists, and basic workflow tools. Small teams or departments within an organisation frequently use WSS to collaborate on tasks and manage information.

WSS provides the basics for creating and maintaining team sites, document libraries, and lists. Document libraries can be used to keep, manage, and exchange documents, while team sites can be used to share information and collaborate with colleagues. Lists can be used to keep track of issues, tasks, and other types of information.

Some of the key features of WSS include the following −

Collaboration − WSS provides tools for creating team sites and sharing information with teammates. Users can collaborate on documents, exchange calendars, and interact via discussion boards.

Document Management − Within document libraries, WSS users can store, manage, and share documents. Documents can be signed in and out, versioned, and password-protected.

Lists − WSS contains a variety of lists, such as problem tracking, tasks, and calendars. Lists can be customized for particular requirements and integrated with Microsoft Excel for data analysis.

Security − WSS includes security features for data protection and controlling access to sites, lists, and documents. Specific permissions can be assigned to users and groups to restrict what they can see and do.

Web Parts − WSS includes a number of web parts that can be used to improve site functionality, such as calendars, task lists, and announcements.

WSS is a good choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need basic collaboration and document management abilities. Organisations with more advanced requirements may want to consider upgrading to the more advanced version of SharePoint, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS).

What is MOSS?

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) is an advanced version of Microsoft SharePoint designed for large organisations. It includes advanced features for corporate content management, business intelligence, and advanced search. MOSS is a collaboration, document management, and information sharing tool that is developed on top of Windows SharePoint Services (WSS).

Some of the key features of MOSS include the following −

Enterprise Content Management − MOSS includes tools for managing documents, records, and web content, such as version control, metadata management, and publishing workflows.

Personalization − MOSS contains a variety of personalization tools, such as user profiles, My Sites, and targeted content, to ensure that users receive the most relevant information.

Customization − MOSS can be customized using SharePoint Designer or Visual Studio, giving businesses the ability to tailor the platform to their particular requirements.

MOSS is a powerful corporate-level collaboration and document management tool with advanced features for enterprise content management, business intelligence, and advanced search. While it costs more than WSS, it is a more comprehensive solution that can be easily customized and integrated with other Microsoft applications.

Difference between WSS and MOSS

The following table highlights the major differences between WSS and MOSS −

Characteristics	WSS	MOSS
Stands for	Windows SharePoint Services	Microsoft Office SharePoint Server
Functionality	It is a free version of SharePoint that provides features such as document management, list creation, site management, and basic search.	It is a paid version of SharePoint that provides features such as enterprise search, business intelligence, advanced workflows, and social networking.
Scalability	It is suitable for small to medium- sized businesses that have limited collaboration requirements.	It is suitable for larger organizations.
Purpose	WSS are used to create simple collaboration solutions.	MOSS is used to create more complex applications.
Business Intelligence	It doesn't provide the features of business intelligence.	It provides features of business intelligence such as dashboards, scorecards, and data visualization tools.
Collaboration	WSS provides collaboration features such as document sharing, version control, and team sites.	MOSS provides advanced collaboration features like social networking, blogs, wikis, and discussion forums.
User Interface	It has a simple and basic user interface.	It has a more complex user interface.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WSS and MOSS are two different versions of Microsoft SharePoint, with WSS being the free, basic version that provides basic collaboration and document management functionality and MOSS being the more advanced, licensed version that provides additional enterprise content management, business intelligence, and advanced search capabilities.

The decision between WSS and MOSS depends on the organization's specific needs and requirements, as well as the licensing budget available.