software:squirrel:getting_started []

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===== 🚀 Getting Started with Squirrel =====

Welcome to [[https://www.smikar.com/squirrel/|Squirrel]], the ultimate automated document archiving solution built specifically for **SharePoint Online**. Whether you're an IT administrator or an end user, this guide will help you get up and running quickly.

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==== 🐿️ What is Squirrel? ====

**Squirrel** is a smart, automated archiving platform that integrates seamlessly with SharePoint Online. It helps you manage document lifecycle policies, reduce storage costs, and meet compliance requirements—all while keeping documents easily accessible to your users.

From fully automated background archiving to user-driven file restoration, Squirrel brings powerful functionality to your SharePoint environment with minimal effort.

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==== 🌟 Key Features ====

- **✅ Automated Archiving**  
  Automatically identify and archive documents from SharePoint Online to **Azure Blob Storage** based on your defined lifecycle policies. This reduces manual overhead and ensures consistency across your environment.

- **💸 Cost-Effective Storage**  
  Lower your Microsoft 365 storage usage by offloading rarely accessed files to Azure Blob, a significantly more economical storage option.

- **📤 User-Initiated Archiving**  
  Give users the flexibility to archive files manually from within SharePoint—no need to wait for policy-based triggers.

- **🔁 One-Click Restore (Self-Service Rehydration)**  
  Every archived file leaves behind a **stub file** in SharePoint with a **Restore** button. Users can rehydrate documents themselves instantly, with no admin intervention required.

- **📋 Compliance-Ready**  
  Support your organization's data retention and audit requirements. Squirrel helps ensure your SharePoint data management aligns with regulatory and governance standards.

- **🔐 Enterprise-Grade Security**  
  Squirrel protects all file transfers with strong encryption and keeps your data safe using secure, up-to-date protocols. We prioritize security to safeguard your sensitive content.

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==== 🧰 Prerequisites ====

Before you begin using Squirrel, make sure you have the following:

- **A supported web browser:**  
  Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge

- **An active internet connection**  
  For accessing the Squirrel platform and services

- **Permissions**  
  You’ll need appropriate Microsoft 365 admin or SharePoint permissions depending on your role (admin or end user). See the [[software:squirrel:Admin Guides|Admin Guides]] for more details.

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Ready to dive in? Start with the [[software:squirrel:user_guides|User Guides]] to explore specific features for administrators and end users.

For more details on the platform itself, visit:  
👉 **[Squirrel Product Page](https://www.smikar.com/squirrel/)**