Every successful business founds itself on productivity and collaboration. When teams can be based all over the world, it’s more crucial than ever that your business employs solutions that aids collaboration and performance.
The leading software, by far, is Microsoft 365. Equipped with the latest technology and applications from the Microsoft technology stack, it allows you to connect with teams and employees across your business.
When the coronavirus pandemic first happened, Microsoft invested billions in accelerating Microsoft 365 so it suited the rapidly changing needs of businesses.
The success stories of organisations who implemented M365 for Business over the period has been unrivalled. Many experienced an increase in productivity, security and collaboration using tools such Microsoft Teams, Outlook and SharePoint.
A Forrester consulting study commissioned by Microsoft on a number of SMBs revealed that organisations with M365 had a 50% improvement in the execution of go-to market strategies. ROI increased by about 163%. Business user productivity also improved by 1 hour per week, equating to over 3,500 person-hours of productivity for a company of 70 employees. We delve further into the benefits of Microsoft 365 for your business, and what it can help you achieve.
An overview of Microsoft 365 for Business_
Formerly known as Office 365 for Business, Microsoft 365 for Business is a dynamic suite of applications. It equips you with intelligent tools for continuous productivity.
The set of applications within M365 brings together apps including Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word and PowerPoint to support small and medium-sized entities.
By using M365, businesses can solve the key challenges facing their operations and work better together.
Microsoft 365 benefits for your business
We explore the key Microsoft 365 benefits you can expect for your business.
Experience the Modern Workplace_
Microsoft focuses on the concept of the Modern Workplace has been around for some time. It aims to address the modern obstacles facing businesses, enabling them to excel.
M365 is a core part of the Modern Workplace. Consisting of a suite of productivity and collaboration tools, it provides a platform for remote teams to achieve efficiency and seamless communication.
It empowers employees to collaborate via instant messaging, presenting and video sharing platforms, meaning teams are connected wherever they are.
World-class security as standard_
Another Microsoft 365 benefit is its outstanding security measures. Microsoft have invested significant sums into ensuring data and devices are secure and compliant across businesses.
Within M365, there are several licensing types that come with varying degrees of security controls and applications. For example, within the M365 Business Premium license, there is the addition of Windows Defender for Business, Azure Information Protection and Intune for Device Management.
Essentially, M365 protects and secures all your sensitive data from external attacks. By safeguarding vital information across devices and email accounts, it keeps organisational data protected and free from harmful invasions, such as phishing and malware. It defends databases with customer information against any sudden leakages.
Laptops, smartphones, and remote devices are updated with the latest technologies, including multi-factor authentication for maximum security.
Enhanced cloud collaboration_
M365 has a range of collaborative features to enhance teamwork across all departments. It relies on the cloud, meaning members can work and communicate at any time, anywhere.
Group meetings and chats online are made easier through apps such as Microsoft Teams. You’ll have access to tools such as interactive documents, calendars and AI predictive messaging using Microsoft Outlook. Mailboxes can also be shared within your organisation for teammates to work more effectively.
Centralised file storage with SharePoint Online_
M365 for Business utilises SharePoint to enhance document collaboration.
Within SharePoint, your team can access important files and documents in one central place, saving valuable time.
Plus, with version control, governance can be applied to all centralised documentation. It acts an integral tool for users to work on documents in real time. Teammates can therefore co-author and effect changes without any hassle.
Increased productivity_
M365 fuels productivity across all working environments by reducing the time spent on everyday tasks.
Simple things like removing the need for physical meetings that take up valuable productive time and transitioning them to Microsoft Teams have significantly helped people be more productive. Teams provides a platform for quick interactions, as well as the ability to host engaging meetings, with purpose.
With tools such as Power Platform natively integrating with M365, you can also help your end users make smarter decisions faster. With custom apps created in Power Apps, you can embrace the low-code/no-code culture and empower your teams to create applications that make their working lives easier.
And by utilising tools like Intune, you can automate system updates across your technology estate, freeing up valuable time for your IT teams. This helps to reduce your IT management costs by up to 40%.
Embraces remote working across your organisation_
In the era of remote working, fast and effective tools are required to maintain seamless work and productivity.
M365 enables companies to operate effective flexible and hybrid working spaces. Smart apps such as Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, Office and Excel all come together to build a solid remote working environment. You can work from anywhere in the world while producing optimal results.
Reduced software costs and IT expenditure_
M365 gives you the opportunity to cut down on pricey software costs. As a subscription-based service, you’ll only have to pay for the software once, so you don’t have to worry about any subsequent payments.
Tailored to individual organisational needs, The Basic, Standard and Premium packages are made to be affordable across board, regardless of your budget.
This reduced technology costs will allow you to invest in other areas requiring more financial commitment. It’ll also prevent costs associated with ineffective legacy applications.
Microsoft 365 for Business Licensing options_
The below licensing packages have been designed by Microsoft to cater to organisations of various sizes.
Deciding on the right plan is dependent on your organisation’s bespoke needs and requirements. Every plan operates as an annual subscription, and will automatically renew so you’re never caught without the tools you need.
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: Gives users access to Web and mobile apps and services (£4.90 user/month*)
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Users have access to desktop applications in addition to web and mobile apps and services (£10.30 user/month*)
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Similar to Business Standard, users are given access to desktop, web, mobile apps and services
Other add-ons include device management and cyber threat protection (£18.10 user/month).
Transform your business operations with Microsoft 365_
By making the move to Microsoft 365, your users will be equipped with modern applications that enable them to work where and how they want. With a flexible range of licensing subscriptions for SMEs and the Enterprise, M365 is a cost-effective solution.
And thanks deep integrations into the wider Microsoft ecosystem – Dynamics 365 and Azure – you can seamlessly integrate your data across all the applications that matter to your organisation.
If you are looking for support with your Microsoft 365 project or need some advice on how to make best use of your M365 investment, contact us today and speak to one of our dedicated Modern Workplace consultants.
We’ll put you on the path of business success by supporting the optimisation of your technology.
