Benefits Of Microsoft 365 For Business

When it comes to a productivity suite that can improve your business workflow, communication and efficiency, Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is one of the best options available out there. The recent name change from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 reflects the company’s efforts to make this suite an integrated set of apps and services, including AI and other cutting-edge innovations. According to Microsoft, the name change is intended to be more reflective of the range of features and benefits in the subscription to meet the unique needs of individuals and businesses. So, what makes it so popular among businesses? Let’s find out.

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

Instead of the ‘Pay and Use’ motto followed by most productivity suites, Microsoft 365 has a ‘Pay per use’ principle. This means that if a team in your company doesn’t need a particular application, say Power BI; you have the option to create a package that omits Power BI for that team. In simple terms, you pay for what you need.

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.