SharePoint Online Features Rolling Out

SharePoint Online is gaining several features that are in preview or already available to some users, focusing on improved team sites, mobile experience, and integration with Office 365. While these changes could improve user productivity and help allay concerns over data security in a hosted service, some features could lead to future worries over administrative control and required service plans.

Improved User Interface, Security, Mobility

When Microsoft discussed the SharePoint Online roadmap in May 2016, it hinted at major features that would be introduced through the end of the year. More recent announcements at the Microsoft Ignite conference in Sept. 2016 have revealed some of the updates and improvements.

Modern team sites, SharePoint-hosted pages that are designed around the Office 365 Groups model, let work groups share documents, lists, and other content. Creation of team sites will become more efficient in SharePoint Online with a wizard, available from the SharePoint home page, which will create an associated Office 365 Group and add appropriate members at the same time.