Microsoft 365 is used by some of the best-known businesses in the world, so we take a look at what Microsoft 365 does that makes it so popular.
You’ve probably heard of Microsoft 365 but may be uncertain about what it is, what it does and whether your business could benefit from it.
We take a look at the key features of Microsoft 365 to help you understand how it could impact on your business.
Formally known as Office 365, the change in name to Microsoft 365 reflects the Microsoft’s desire to provide a single platform for its users that offers a complete suite of workplace productivity tools.
Not only does Microsoft 365 include Windows and the usual Office tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Microsoft 365 broadens its scope to include Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, with users having a choice of packages, each targeted at a difference business audience to reflect their needs.
The package a business chooses will depend on the tools they need, but all share the same purpose, according to Microsoft – to “connect employees to the people, information, and content they need to do their best work, from any device”.
To achieve this, Microsoft 365 is cloud-based, so that users can access it from anywhere and on any device, so long as they have access to the internet.
The range of tools within Microsoft 365 means it can enhance communication, productivity, connectivity, and security.
These are all important to a business wanting to create a smooth-running environment for its employees.
To achieve this, Microsoft 365 offers tools that provide many advantages:
· Remote access to working anywhere. With everything stored on the Cloud, you can access files and apps no matter where you are, with an internet connection. Working remotely, all updates are saved to one central location. Even when you don’t have an internet connection, if you download documents to work on, they can be synchronised once you get back online.
· Easier communications. With tools like Skype and Teams, it’s easy to organise video conferences with large numbers of participants, communicate via instant messaging and collaborate across groups. The range of communication tools means there’s a method to suit each circumstance to connect with people across the globe.
· More collaboration. Tools such as SharePoint make collaboration very easy for editing and managing documents and information. Calendars and e-mail inboxes can also be shared by teams, all in real-time, making collaboration through the various apps and tool very impactful.
· Works on multiple devices. Whether a Windows, Mac, or Android device, laptop, mobile phone tablet or PC, Microsoft 365 is accessible on multiple devices, particularly useful for businesses that operate a ‘bring your own device’ option or encourage WFH.
· Automatic updates. Updates no longer have to be bought, they happen automatically on Microsoft 365 so you can be sure you’re using the latest version with the up-to-date security software.
· Secure cloud storage. This offers safe storage for all your documents, with increased security measures, such as two-factor authentication. Managed by Microsoft, storage is protected by effective threat-detection and anti-malware support so you aren’t only reliant on your own security measures.
· Easy to budget. Each package is charged at a fixed price per user charged per month. This subscription approach lets businesses understand costs more easily and budget.
· Easy to scale. You are charged per user, so you only buy what you need and the number of licences you buy can be changed as the number of users changes.
· Business continuity. With everything stored safely in the Cloud it matters less what happens at your place of work, or if you can’t access the physically location. Everything remains backed up and accessible so that business can continue functioning or recover quickly after an incident.
· Easy to use. Many people are already familiar with the suite of Microsoft products so employees can quickly adapt to 365, with minimal training and little resistance.
The focus of Microsoft 365 to drive productivity and the efficiency and its success in achieving both means greater flexibility for businesses and, most likely, reduced costs.
Despite this, migrating to a new system is daunting and likely to cause some apprehension at the thought of the disruption it could cause.
Syn-Star has advised many businesses in their transition to Microsoft 365, with minimal disruption. We offer and support a range of Microsoft 365 packages from which businesses can select the best fit for their needs and budget.
If you’re interested in promoting a more flexible workforce, encourage collaboration and efficiency, yet still be confident that you have the right security measures in place, Microsoft 365 could be for you.
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