Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365, is a subscription-based service that provides access to various Microsoft applications and services, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, among others. Here are some reasons why a company might find Microsoft 365 beneficial:
- Collaboration: Microsoft 365 offers a range of tools that make collaboration easy. With Microsoft Teams, employees can chat, video conference, and share files all in one place. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint allow for real-time co-authoring and editing of documents.
- Cloud Storage: Each user gets 1TB of OneDrive storage, ensuring that employees can access their files from any device, anywhere, as long as they have internet access. This is especially useful for remote teams and mobile work.
- Integrated Tools: Microsoft 365 includes an extensive set of tools that are integrated with each other, meaning they work together seamlessly. This can greatly improve productivity, as employees don’t need to switch between different platforms for different tasks.
- Scalability: As a subscription service, Microsoft 365 is scalable. This means companies can easily add or remove user licenses as needed, which is beneficial for growing or fluctuating businesses.
- Security: Microsoft 365 has robust security measures in place, including data loss prevention, multi-factor authentication, and advanced threat protection. This is vital for companies that handle sensitive data.
- Continuous Updates: Unlike one-time purchase software, Microsoft 365 subscribers receive regular updates, including the latest features, improvements, and security updates, at no additional cost.
- Business Intelligence: Tools like Power BI, which is part of the higher-level Microsoft 365 plans, allow businesses to analyze data and share insights, aiding in informed decision-making.
- Cost-effective: By bundling several essential productivity and collaboration tools into one package, Microsoft 365 can be more cost-effective than purchasing or subscribing to these tools individually.
It’s important to note that the value of Microsoft 365 will vary depending on the specific needs and circumstances of a company. For instance, a company with a mobile, collaborative workforce might find more value in Microsoft 365 than a company where employees work independently and onsite.