M-Files
M-Files is a metadata-driven document management platform that organizes and secures your business information based on what it is rather than where it is stored across your organization.
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint is a collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft 365 to help your organization manage content, share knowledge, and build intranets that improve teamwork across every department.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | M-Files | Microsoft SharePoint |
|---|---|---|
| Website | m-files.com | sharepoint.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $5/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1987 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Tampere, Finland | Redmond, USA |
Overview
M-Files
M-Files changes how you interact with company data by ditching traditional folder structures for a metadata-driven approach. Instead of hunting through nested folders, you find documents based on what they are—like a specific client name, project ID, or expiration date. This unique system connects to your existing storage, whether that is SharePoint, network folders, or local drives, giving you a single point of truth without moving all your files.
You can automate complex business processes like invoice approvals, contract lifecycles, and compliance audits with built-in workflow tools. The platform automatically applies security permissions and retention policies based on the document type, ensuring your sensitive data stays protected. It is particularly effective for regulated industries like manufacturing, professional services, and financial firms where document control and audit trails are non-negotiable requirements.
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint serves as your organization's mobile, intelligent intranet. You can create secure sites to store, organize, share, and access information from any device. It simplifies how you manage documents by providing a central location where your team can collaborate on files in real-time. Whether you are working on a small project or managing a massive corporate library, you can use SharePoint to keep everyone synchronized and informed.
You can also build communication sites and portals to broadcast news and resources across your company. By integrating deeply with Microsoft 365, it allows you to move seamlessly between your email, calendar, and documents. It solves the problem of fragmented data by giving you a single source of truth for all your digital assets and internal communications.
Overview
M-Files Features
- Metadata-Driven Search Find any document instantly by searching for what it is—like a customer or date—instead of remembering where it was saved.
- Automated Workflows Streamline your business processes by automating document approvals, notifications, and task assignments to keep your team moving forward.
- External Repository Connectors Access and manage files stored in SharePoint, Google Drive, or network folders directly through one unified M-Files interface.
- Version Control Track every change made to a document and revert to previous versions easily, ensuring you always work on the latest draft.
- Dynamic Permissions Control access automatically based on metadata, so only the right people see sensitive documents without manual folder-level adjustments.
- Offline Access View and edit your critical documents even without an internet connection, with automatic syncing once you are back online.
Microsoft SharePoint Features
- Real-time Co-authoring. Work on the same document simultaneously with your teammates and see their changes as they happen in real-time.
- Intranet Site Builder. Create beautiful, mobile-ready communication sites to share news, reports, and resources with your entire organization or specific teams.
- Advanced Search. Find exactly what you need quickly with intelligent search that surfaces relevant documents, people, and site content across your network.
- Version History. Track every change made to your files and restore previous versions instantly if you need to revert an update.
- Automated Workflows. Connect with Power Automate to create custom approval processes and notifications that handle your repetitive administrative tasks automatically.
- Granular Permissions. Control exactly who can view or edit your sensitive information with flexible security settings at the site or folder level.
Pricing Comparison
M-Files Pricing
Microsoft SharePoint Pricing
- 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user
- Share files securely inside or outside your org
- Sync local copies of files for offline viewing
- Co-author documents in real-time
- Create team sites and communication sites
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Everything in Plan 1, plus:
- Fully installed desktop Office apps
- Business-class email and calendaring
- Microsoft Teams for chat and meetings
- Standard security and compliance tools
- Web versions of Outlook, Word, and Excel
Pros & Cons
M-Files
Pros
- Superior search capabilities compared to traditional folder systems
- Highly flexible metadata structure adapts to any business
- Excellent version history and audit trail for compliance
- Strong integration with Microsoft Office and Outlook
Cons
- Initial setup and configuration requires significant planning
- Steep learning curve for users used to folders
- Mobile app interface is less intuitive than desktop
- Pricing is high for very small businesses
Microsoft SharePoint
Pros
- Deep integration with the familiar Microsoft 365 ecosystem
- Highly customizable to fit specific organizational structures
- Robust document versioning and recovery capabilities
- Excellent mobile accessibility for remote team members
Cons
- Initial setup and configuration can be complex
- Interface feels overwhelming for non-technical users
- Requires significant time to master advanced features