The internet is making businesses work faster and more efficiently every day. Collaboration and communication are easy, storing data and sharing information is much safer.
By 2021, businesses will have moved almost 35% of their workforce to working virtually, thanks to the power of cloud computing boosting productivity and efficiency. Efficiency is about getting the most out of your resources, without spending more money, while increasing output.
Being empowered to create, collaborate, and communicate with ease makes any organization more efficient. Having the right tools is key, and many businesses are adopting Microsoft 365 to allow them to be agile and competitive in today’s digital world.
What is Microsoft 365?
If you’re familiar with Office 365, then you probably already know what Microsoft 365 is. In simple terms, Microsoft 365 is an evolution of Office, with all the familiar programs you know, like Word and Outlook, but with added extras. Microsoft 365 is subscription-based and is a simple, all-in-one solution that has innovative features designed to boost your business productivity.
The advantages of Microsoft 365 are many:
Work anywhere
Microsoft 365 is completely cloud-based, so emails, files, and Office programs can be accessed in real-time from any device in any location. This is particularly useful for companies who have embraced remote, or hybrid working models, or those who have employees based in different locations or must travel often.
Seamless interaction
You can log into Microsoft 365 at home, access your files or write an email, and then go back to it later on another device. Microsoft 365 works almost the same on all major smartphone platforms, Windows, Mac, and other computers - even if you’re using Microsoft software or a web browser. All the major business tools are designed to work together seamlessly, so your team can use all the productivity tools without worrying about there being problems sharing or collaborating.
Secure cloud storage
Microsoft 365 has robust built-in security measures, to keep your critical business data safe from malicious activity. Permissions and sharing options give the ability to communicate and collaborate more securely. Security tools such as multi-factor authentication, threat detection, and anti-malware mean your system is always protected. Managed service providers who specialize in Microsoft 365 consultation can oversee the setup of all security features to ensure your cloud security is optimized. With your files stored in the cloud and regularly backed up, your business keeps operating even if there’s a disaster at the office. Regardless of what happens to devices or hardware, your files, emails and data are all secure in the cloud. Data loss prevention even allows you to restore anything that is accidentally deleted.
Collaboration made easy
Whether your team is in the same office space or scattered around the country, the outstanding collaboration features of Microsoft 365 allow everyone to work together seamlessly. From documents to presentations, you can work on the same version with real-time changes and be assured there is only one version available. This eliminates the issue of multiple versions being emailed or shared, and you can go back and check previous versions if need be.
Automatic upgrades
With Microsoft 365 you have access to all the familiar and essential applications, like Word, Excel and Outlook, and they all work online without the need to install software. Upgrades happen automatically at set intervals, so users don’t have to worry about having the latest version. The expense of buying new software is also not an issue as updates are included in the subscription you purchase.
Scalability
All businesses go through periods of growth and change. Microsoft 365 is flexible and can scale your business rapidly and easily. You can mix and match plans to create your own custom solution to meet the exact needs of your business, each user, or team within the company. So, you don’t end up paying for what you don’t need (which will keep the finance department happy). If one team doesn’t need an app that another team does, it can be taken out of the plan to save on costs. Your business can invest that cost saving in other areas where it’s needed.
Predictable spend
One of the best features of Microsoft 365 is the cost. You can choose which plan suits your business needs and pay per user/month – like a subscription. How much you pay will depend on the level of functionality you need, and if your business needs change, you can scale your subscription up or down, so you’re only getting what you pay for. Pay per user per month provides you with a predictable expense to budget for in the future.
The time to get the most out of Microsoft’s powerful suite of productivity tools is now. Talk to the Microsoft-certified consultants at Technology Solutions and transform your business efficiency with the power and versatility of Microsoft 365.
I wanted a cloud-based solution that would merge well with our remote work system. This does just that while also adding the necessary security layers.
The constant security updates were the best selling point for me. We’re constantly using Microsoft tools in our day to day activities so this was a logical decision.
Excellent pricing point and the perfect solution when you work on multiple devices, you have access to everything, no need to carry around a flash drive or to email various documents back and forth, which could be a huge security issue later on.
Having to buy license after license was trying, to say the least. Microsoft’s own automatic updates keep things worry free, everything being updated at the same time without me having to enter a bunch of keys.