Want to request time off from work? Just log on the new Web-based TimeOff application created for SharePoint 2013 users. The application helps to extend SharePoint’s features and lets employees submit requests for days off all from the comfort of their computer or smartphone.

Microsoft (News - Alert) SharePoint is a Web application platform developed back in 2001 by Microsoft. It has been used by businesses as a content and document management system.

In the past 11 years, the service has evolved into a multi-purpose set of Web technologies, and has become fully integrated with Microsoft’s online version of Office 365.

Now, its latest upgrade will extend SharePoint’s capabilities to allow for employees to handle all aspects of leave requests.

According to a statement, the new application will allow employees to select specific types of days off, let an administrator assign days, have all requests electronically submitted to the head human resources person for approval, and even show a calendar of all pending requests.

The program will come in two forms – a Lite version and a Pro version. The Lite version, which comes at no cost, will have limited capabilities, but is a fitting platform for a small business with few employees. Then there’s the paid version, designed for larger companies and can be personalized to offer more features such as a graphical presentation of vacations, e-mail notifications, a printable version of requests, and more.

Andrzej Biesiekirski, CEO at Fild.net Sp. Z o.o, has been using the new application and found it has numerous benefits. "During the first few days of presence in the Office 365 Marketplace, our application has been installed in 46 different organizations around the world, gathering very positive reviews,” said Biesiekirski.

“We are currently working on new applications for SharePoint Online, designed for HR, Finance and Production departments."