SharePoint stores the document. BoldDocServer edits it.
BoldDocServer connects to SharePoint Server through WOPI, the documented protocol Office Online Server also used. SharePoint keeps the files, permissions and versions. BoldDocServer gives your users the editor.
What happens when someone opens a file
Seven steps between a click in SharePoint and a saved change. Your user sees two of them: the file opening and the file saving.
Done: SharePoint stores the new version
SharePoint and BoldDocServer each keep their own job
Nothing about how SharePoint stores and protects documents changes. BoldDocServer only takes over the editing that Office Online Server used to do.
| Responsibility | SharePoint Server | BoldDocServer |
|---|---|---|
| Stores the documents | Yes, in your document libraries | No. It reads and writes the file through WOPI while it is open |
| Decides who can view or edit | Yes, with SharePoint permissions | Follows what SharePoint allows for each user and file |
| Keeps version history | Yes, according to library settings | Not involved |
| Shows the document in the browser | Not involved | Yes: Document Editor, Spreadsheet Editor and PDF Viewer |
| Saves changes | Stores the updated file | Sends the changes back through WOPI |
| Runs on | Your SharePoint farm | A Docker container on a host you manage |
Point SharePoint at BoldDocServer
Because both use WOPI, switching is a change of binding, not a migration. Your libraries and documents stay where they are.
- Deploy and test. Run BoldDocServer and open your own documents through a test farm or site.
- Plan the change. Pick a maintenance window and keep a way back.
- Change the binding. Remove the Office Online Server binding and add one for BoldDocServer.
- Check it. Open a Word, Excel and PDF file from a library.
# Remove the existing Office Online Server binding
Remove-SPWOPIBinding -All:$true
# Bind SharePoint to BoldDocServer
New-SPWOPIBinding -ServerName "bolddocserver.yourcompany.local"
# Use HTTPS for the internal zone
Set-SPWOPIZone -zone "internal-https"For illustration. Follow the documentation for the exact steps for your farm.
Works with SharePoint Server 2016, 2019 and Subscription Edition.
Office Online Server alternatives compared
Your three options when Office Online Server support ends, compared on what matters to a SharePoint Server team.
| Keep Office Online Server | Move to Microsoft 365 | RecommendedBoldDocServer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported after 2026 | No | Yes, by Microsoft | Yes, by Syncfusion |
| Keeps your SharePoint Server farm | Yes | No | Yes |
| Documents stay in your network | Yes | No | Yes |
| Browser editing from SharePoint | Until December 31, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Windows Server | Microsoft’s cloud | Docker, in your network |
| Start free trial |
Frequently asked questions
What is WOPI?
WOPI (Web Application Open Platform Interface) is a documented protocol that lets a document host, such as SharePoint Server, work with a separate browser-based editor, such as BoldDocServer. Office Online Server used the same protocol.
Does BoldDocServer replace SharePoint?
No. SharePoint remains your document repository and continues to handle libraries, storage, permissions and versioning. BoldDocServer provides the viewing and editing experience on top of it.
Do users sign in to BoldDocServer separately?
No. Users sign in to SharePoint as usual. SharePoint passes BoldDocServer an access token for the user and the file they opened.
Does BoldDocServer change SharePoint permissions?
No. SharePoint decides who can view or edit each file. BoldDocServer receives what each user is allowed to do and follows it.
Can we switch back to Office Online Server?
Yes, while your Office Online Server farm is still in place you can bind SharePoint back to it. Remember that Microsoft ends support for Office Online Server on December 31, 2026.
When does Office Online Server support end?
Microsoft has announced that Office Online Server support ends on December 31, 2026. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Office Online Server.
Explore more features
Word, Excel and PDF
What each format can do, in the Document Editor, Spreadsheet Editor and PDF Viewer.
Learn more →Browser editing and collaboration
Edit, comment and track changes in the browser, saved straight back to SharePoint.
Learn more →Security and data control
Follow a document through BoldDocServer and see who controls each part.
Learn more →Deployment
Run a versioned Docker image, configure it and connect SharePoint.
Learn more →Try BoldDocServer free for 30 days
Keep SharePoint, give your users browser editing back, and be ready before Office Online Server support ends on December 31, 2026.