5 Common Concerns About Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Projects (and How to Overcome Them)

Modernising your Microsoft 365 environment - whether it’s intranets, workflows, or collaboration tools - can feel complex. We've helped over 170 organisations navigate that process and we've heard every concern: cost, change fatigue, leadership hesitation and more.

Here's how Sope helps address them - clearly and practically.
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Concern 1: Is Microsoft 365 or SharePoint Modernisation Expensive?

Many organisations worry that digital workplace projects - especially those involving SharePoint - will become expensive, complicated, or full of hidden costs.

That concern is often based on past experiences with providers who weren’t upfront about scope or relied heavily on out-of-the-box SharePoint, only to add large customisation fees later. This leads to frustration about technical debt, upgrade issues and delayed launches.

At Sope, we’ve addressed this head-on with Sprocket 365 - a suite of ready-made tools that extend SharePoint’s native functionality at a fraction of the cost of custom builds. You can easily achieve customisation in SharePoint with advanced features like:

• Knowledge base wikis
• Document management
• Compliance tracking
• People directories
• Custom branding
• Enhanced web parts

- All without the risk of spiralling scope or mystery costs.

‍Why this matters:

We don’t build just for launch - we build for lasting value:

• Lower IT admin and support load
  
• Less shadow IT
  
• Higher user adoption
  
• Improved productivity, compliance, and collaboration

Sope’s Intelligent Intranets are designed for long-term return, using Microsoft technologies to align people and process, without overengineering.

Learn more about Sope’s SharePoint Consulting & Intranet Design approach

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Key takeaway: You can achieve deep SharePoint customisation without blowing your budget.

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Concern 2: Do You Need a Large Internal Team to Implement Microsoft 365 or SharePoint?

One of the most common concerns organisations raise is whether they have enough internal resources to successfully deliver a Microsoft 365 or SharePoint project.

The reality? You don’t need a big team - you need the right partner.

At Sope, our delivery model is designed specifically for organisations with limited capacity. We lead the implementation while your team guides the outcomes.

Here’s how it works:

• Phased delivery: We use a five-stage framework - Design, Build, Refine, Train & Launch, and Hypercare - designed to reduce project complexity and move from planning to go-live in weeks, not months.
  
• Minimal disruption: Our migration and implementation processes are built to keep your day-to-day operations running smoothly, with low-touch demands on internal staff.
  
• Specialised support: Our Professional Services team handles the technical heavy lifting, bringing experience from 170+ rollouts across industries.
  
  

Key takeaway: You don’t need a large internal project team. You need the right partner. Sope’s phased approach and experienced consultants keep your workload light and your outcomes strong.

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Concern 3: How to Manage Change When Implementing Microsoft 365 or SharePoint.

Change fatigue is a real concern, especially in organisations already juggling legacy systems, siloed teams, or competing digital priorities. Many worry that a modern workplace transformation - whether driven by Microsoft 365 or SharePoint - will be disruptive and overwhelming for staff.

At Sope, we take a phased, human-first approach to implementation. Our process is built to reduce change fatigue and support long-term adoption.

Here’s how we manage change effectively:

• Tailored solutions: We design purpose-built digital workplaces - not generic templates - so that changes are relevant, intuitive and easier for users to absorb.
  
• Training that sticks: We provide in-depth SharePoint training and practical support that builds internal capability and confidence over time.
  
• Staged rollouts: We implement in waves, allowing teams to adjust and adapt gradually - no “big bang” transitions or overnight overhauls.
  
  

Key takeaway: Microsoft modernisation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Sope, change is paced, supported and designed around how your team actually works.

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Concern 4: How to get leadership buy-in for SharePoint Intranet

Leadership hesitation is one of the most common blockers in digital workplace initiatives. Even when teams are ready to move forward, a lack of executive buy-in can delay or stall decision-making.

At Sope, we help internal champions build the business case for modernisation by aligning project goals with leadership priorities.

Here’s how we support leadership alignment:

• Strategic framing: We link digital workplace initiatives to clear outcomes like improved compliance, governance, security posture and employee experience.
  
• Exec-friendly demos: We offer concise, non-technical demonstrations designed specifically for time-poor decision-makers.
  
• Proof through case studies: We share relevant success stories and measurable results from similar organisations to build credibility and reduce perceived risk.
  
• Clear, practical responses: If leadership raises specific objections, we work with you to unpack them and respond with real-world experience, not generic sales talk.
  
  

Key takeaway: Executive hesitation is normal. Sope helps you secure buy-in by aligning the project to leadership priorities and providing the tools to support your internal case.

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Concern 5: How Does Sope Compare to Other Microsoft 365 or SharePoint Consultancies?

It’s smart to review multiple vendors when considering a Microsoft 365 or SharePoint project. In fact, we encourage it.

Choosing the right partner isn’t just about features or pricing - it’s about capability, approach and cultural fit.

Here’s how Sope stands out when compared to other providers:

What sets Sope apart:

• Consultative approach: We lead with questions, not pitches. Our focus is understanding your goals and tailoring the solution around them - no jargon, no pressure.
  
• Proven experience: With decades of project delivery under our belt - including enterprise clients like Webjet - we’ve helped organisations of all sizes solve complex collaboration, compliance and content challenges.
  
• Social proof: Need a reference? We’ll connect you with a real customer from your industry who’s faced similar challenges and successfully modernised with Sope.
  
  

Key takeaway: We’re not just another vendor. Sope combines deep Microsoft expertise with a genuinely human, customer-first approach - so you can compare with confidence.

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Ready to Talk?

Maybe you’re not ready to say yes. That’s okay.

But if you want to explore, ask questions, or pressure-test your concerns with people who’ve been there before - we’re always up for a conversation.

Let’s chat about where you are, where you want to be and whether Sope can help you get there.

Book a time with us or explore our Customer Stories below to see how others have made the leap.

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