Best SharePoint Client Components Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to SharePoint Client Components? In this comparison, we take a closer look at SharePoint Client Components alongside similar software solutions including SharePoint Client Components, Microsoft Web Platform Installer, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime and Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how SharePoint Client Components, Microsoft Web Platform Installer, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime and Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Primary Purpose
 SharePoint Client Components
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A framework and software package for accessing SharePoint data, building applications, custom web parts, and workflows primarily for large organizations and enterprises. |
 Microsoft Web Platform Installer
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A free tool providing a centralized management interface to install and manage multiple Microsoft and non-Microsoft web components, frameworks, and applications. |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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A set of reference assemblies for developing .NET applications targeting specific .NET Framework versions to ensure compatibility and leverage framework features. |
 Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
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A runtime environment that enables the deployment and execution of Microsoft Office add-ins developed with Visual Studio 2010 for Office applications. |
 Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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A development platform offering tools and runtime support for creating managed code add-ins and customizations for various Microsoft Office versions. |
Supported Platforms & Languages
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SharePoint Client Components
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Supports multiple programming languages including .NET, JavaScript, Cordova, Xamarin, TypeScript; targets SharePoint Server and Online on premises or cloud. |
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Microsoft Web Platform Installer
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Supports installation on Windows operating systems including Windows 7, Windows Server; facilitates deployment of technologies including PHP, MySQL, IIS. |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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.NET development with multiple languages such as C#, Visual Basic, C++; integrates with Microsoft Visual Studio; supports desktop and web applications. |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
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Supports multiple programming languages used in Visual Studio (including F#); targets Microsoft Office 2010 applications like Excel, Word, Outlook. |
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Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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Supports multiple languages (VB.NET, C++, etc.); designed for various Office versions from 2003 through 2016 including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook. |
Key Features & Capabilities
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SharePoint Client Components
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Provides APIs for centralized document management, collaboration, powerful search functionality, customization with workflows and custom web parts. |
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Microsoft Web Platform Installer
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Handles dependency checking and seamless deployment of selected web components; supports both Microsoft and popular non-Microsoft technologies like Drupal and Joomla. |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Offers consistent development environment with reference assemblies; enables building applications targeting specific .NET Framework versions with regular updates. |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
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Enables integration with Microsoft Office products through add-in support; simplifies deployment of Office-based solutions. |
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Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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Facilitates faster development time with robust support; allows creation of advanced add-ins with custom ribbons, task panes and enhanced user experience. |
Licensing & Cost
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SharePoint Client Components
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Commercial product by Microsoft with expensive licensing fees associated with full functionality and enterprise usage. |
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Microsoft Web Platform Installer
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Free tool provided by Microsoft for installing software components and managing dependencies. |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Typically included or provided free with Visual Studio installations; available as an optional component for developers. |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
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Free runtime environment distributed by Microsoft facilitating deployment of tools developed with Visual Studio. |
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Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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Free runtime support available; includes certification program that may involve costs but core tools are free for developers. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how SharePoint Client Components stacks up against SharePoint Client Components, Microsoft Web Platform Installer, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime and Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
License
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SharePoint Client Components
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Shareware |
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Microsoft Web Platform Installer
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Freeware |
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Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
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Freeware |
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Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime
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Shareware |
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Visual Studio Tools for the Office system Runtime
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Shareware |