by The Computing Australia Group | Benefits of Microsoft 365 for Business
Here we list some of the benefits of Microsoft 365, which make it a must-have for any business.1. Work Anywhere
One of the key advantages of Microsoft 365 is that it allows users to work from anywhere as long as there’s internet access and a compatible device. With OneDrive, you’ll be able to access synced files from any device, whether it’s a PC or a mobile phone. Emails, files and Office programs can be opened and edited from any location, making remote working less time-consuming. Amidst a global pandemic, the significance of this particular attribute of Microsoft 365 has no bounds.2. Subscription-based payment model
Microsoft 365 offers you financial flexibility. The service works on a per-user, per month subscription model. This means that businesses don’t have to pay a huge amount upfront to access the service but rather need to pay a monthly fee which can be cancelled anytime.3. Secure and reliable storage
- Microsoft 365 has built-in security features that ensure the safety of data..
- Multi-factor authentication ensures restricted access to sensitive data. Users are encouraged to use at least one authentication method (a verification code or call) for sign-in.
- Microsoft’s data loss prevention policy allows you to keep sensitive information protected by disabling editing, printing and syncing options outside the company environment.
- Mobile device management (MDM) allows the company’s IT team to safeguard Office in employee’s mobile devices.
4. Virtual communication
Microsoft 365 is designed in a way that makes remote communication simpler. Through Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, Yammer, Outlook Groups and SharePoint, the distance between remote employees have been reduced to nothing. Real-time changes can be observed while using Excel spreadsheets or Word documents leading to less confusion during collaborative works. You can also share mailboxes and calendars, which is advantageous in scheduling Team meetings and events.
5. Mix and Match plans
Applying security at the application level is important as it has vulnerabilities that can be entry points to cybercriminals to your network systems. Interaction with these applications hence requires stringent security measures. Some forms of application-level security are:6. Free of cost upgrades
Microsoft 365 comes with an automatic upgrade feature that ensures you’ll always be working with the latest version of applications. The upgrades run automatically, and you won’t have to pay extra to access what’s new.7. Data analytics and 24/7 support
The analytics of apps used by your employees can be easily gathered. This would help you realise the strengths and weaknesses of your team, which in turn would help run a smoother business. The service also comes with guaranteed 24/7 support from Microsoft over both phone and mail.Microsoft 365 Plans for Business
Let’s see an overview of the various Microsoft 365 Plans for Business.
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic (formerly Office 365 Business Essentials)
This plan is the least costly of the Microsoft 365 subscription tiers. You can access web-based and mobile versions of Microsoft apps and services, but it doesn’t have desktop versions of Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Ideal for very small businesses with access to internet connectivity.
Cost – $5 a month per user (annual commitment)
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Business (formerly Office 365 Business)
You can access web-based and downloadable Microsoft desktop apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as access to OneDrive. This plan doesn’t include other Microsoft services such as Exchange, SharePoint, Skype for Business, Business email and Microsoft Teams. Ideal for businesses that need Office apps across devices and cloud file storage.
Cost – $8.25 per user per month (annual commitment)
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard (formerly Office 365 Business Premium)
This plan allows you to enjoy almost all the Office apps and web services by Microsoft. It allows you to use one license to access Office apps on five mobile devices, five tablets, and five PCs or Macs per user. Similar to other plans, this version also supports 300 users. This plan suits slightly larger companies that need complete remote work and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Teams, business email, cloud storage etc.
Cost – $12.50 per user per month (annual commitment)
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium (formerly Microsoft 365 Business)
Formerly Microsoft 365 Business is the most expensive Microsoft 365 plan for SMEs. In addition to all the Office apps and cloud services, this plan offers comprehensive security that defends your business from advanced cyber threats like ransomware and malware. It also has advanced features like remote data deletion on company devices.
Cost – $20.00 per user per month (annual commitment)
Microsoft 365 is unparalleled in the quality and quantity of services offered. Want to shift to Microsoft 365 suite? Confused about which plan to choose for your business? Our Office 365 consulting can efficiently help you choose the best plans for your business. Contact us or email us at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group. Our SME & SMB IT support team is available 24/7 to help you with your business’s IT-related concerns.
Jargon Buster
App– Application – is a computer program or software created to run on a mobile device like a phone, tablet or smartwatch.
OS– Operating System – system software that manages computer’s memory and processes as well as hardware and software resources.
