Microsoft 365, also formerly known as Office 365, is a cloud computing software that is designed to help individuals and organisations collaborate, communicate and work efficiently using a set of integrated cloud services and applications. In the market of cloud-based computing software solutions such as Google Workspace, Apple iCloud, Zoho Workplace and others, Microsoft 365 remains to be one of the best. Here is an overview of the reasons why.
What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that provides access to a suite of productivity tools and cloud services offered by Microsoft. It contains the core Office Applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote and more. But Microsoft 365 goes beyond that – there are now more applications that will be useful not only to individuals but also to businesses.
For example, there are cloud services such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams and Exchange that allows multiple users to collaborate and manage documents and files at one time. As these applications are cloud-based, everything is automatically saved on the cloud and can be accessed through any device at any time of the day.
Furthermore, Microsoft 365 also comes with enterprise-level security and compliance tools such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), data encryption and threat protection so that businesses that decide to use the platform do not need to outsource external security software or personnel to maintain their system. Compliant features such as data loss prevention (DLP), eDiscovery and auditing tools are all built into the software, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements. Microsoft Azure, for example, has one of the broadest compliance portfolios in the industry, with certifications for various regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, IDO 27001, SOC 1/2/3. FedRAMP, and more.
Benefits of Microsoft 365
As you can see, the benefits of Microsoft 365 are endless, making it one of the most preferred platforms for businesses. Here is an in-depth review of what makes Microsoft 365 stand out from its competitors:
Familiarity and user adoption
One of the biggest advantages of using Microsoft 365 is the fact that many people are already familiar with Microsoft Office applications, which have been staples of the business world for decades. Hence, the integration of the cloud-based Microsoft 365 will not need learning an entirely new set of tools or workflows. This will significantly reduce the timeline needed for integration and minimise any operational disruption.
Comprehensive cloud-based productivity suite
A cloud-based productivity suite provides cloud integration across all tools. This means that there is a centralised cloud storage where users can store files, access them from any device, and collaborate in real-time. OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service, ensures that your files are always synced and accessible from multiple devices. Microsoft Teams is also more than just a messaging app, it is an integrated collaboration platform that is also linked with other Microsoft 365 apps so you can edit documents from within the Teams interface, share files with teammates and hold video meetings with screen sharing.
All of the above makes Microsoft 365 a highly beneficial comprehensive cloud-based productivity suite that will enhance productivity and collaboration in your organisation.
Cost-effectiveness
The cost-effectiveness of Microsoft 365 is undeniably one of its standout benefits. As it operates on a subscription basis, businesses and individuals can predict expenses compared to traditional software that comes with high upfront costs, additional upgrade fees, and hidden maintenance charges.
Additionally, there is no need for hardware or server maintenance, as the software is completely cloud-based. Businesses do not have to maintain their own servers or worry about the costs of purchasing, maintaining or upgrading IT infrastructure. Microsoft hosts everything on its secure cloud servers and this means that your organisation does not need to hire specialised IT staff to manage those systems.
Conclusion
All you need to integrate Microsoft 365 into your organisation’s existing infrastructure is an external IT support team as they play a crucial role in providing expert assistance in various areas, from initial deployment and configuration to ongoing maintenance, security, troubleshooting and user support. Your business is also able to save costs that are usually needed to hire an IT team that ensures Microsoft 365 is implemented and managed efficiently and securely.
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