Whether you run a small business or a large corporation, choosing the right software and apps, also known as the right office suite, will have a significant impact on the efficacy of your company as well as the productivity of your workforce. However, each company is unique, which means that the tools required for success will differ from one to the next.
Because you started with Gmail as your primary email service, does your company now use Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite? Do you use Apple’s iWork software because your company runs on a Mac operating system? Despite the fact that Microsoft 365 (now rebranded as Office 365) is the most popular option, are you unsure whether it is the best option for your company?
Know that you are not alone if you are feeling overwhelmed right now. Consider speaking with a managed service provider who can walk you through the process of selecting the best office suite for your company.
Continue reading to learn why choosing Microsoft 365 as your company’s office suite is a wise decision, whether you’re considering switching to Microsoft 365, are already using it and want to make a stronger case for it to the board, or are a small business startup looking for its first office suite. Continue reading if any of these apply to you.
But first, let’s define Microsoft 365 and the various functions it serves.
What is the new Microsoft 365, formerly known as Office 365?
First and foremost, let us state the obvious: Office 365 and Microsoft 365 are essentially the same thing with the exception of the name.
Individuals and businesses alike can benefit from Microsoft 365’s comprehensive productivity solution, which is an office suite software package. Because it is now a cloud-based subscription service, you can easily share files from any location as long as you have Internet access.
When you subscribe to Microsoft 365 for your office needs, you get a suite of productivity and collaboration apps and tools, such as the ones listed below:
- Word is a type of word processor
- An Excel spreadsheet editor (Excel)
- A presentation app (PowerPoint) and cloud file storage (OneDrive).
- Mailbox (Outlook) (Outlook)
- Calendaring, voice, and video call software (Microsoft Teams, Skype)
- Flowchart and diagram creation software (Visio)
Switching from a one-time purchase to a subscription service (invoiced monthly or annually) ensures that you have access to the most recent version of Microsoft 365, which includes all of the latest improvements to its features and security. Furthermore, by moving operations to the cloud, the company has integrated all of its online services, such as email, cloud file storage, communication, and collaboration tools, with the rest of its Office applications.
What Are Some Advantages of Using Microsoft Office 365?
Microsoft 365 is primarily used for productivity and teamwork. The primary benefit of Microsoft 365 is its ability to provide organisations with world-class security, powerful Microsoft cloud services, device control, and a seamless and connected experience for their employees. Because of features embedded directly into the software, users can work from any location while also facilitating easy collaboration and providing enhanced information technology security.
It’s easy to see why it’s the most popular office productivity software suite in the world. According to Statista, 91,780 enterprises in Australia were using Microsoft 365 as of June 2022; this figure represents a portion of the more than one million businesses that use the software globally.
There is no difference in the utility of Microsoft 365 for small businesses versus large corporations. Here are six reasons for this.
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Solution at a Low Cost
Because Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service, you can select a licence and its associated fee based on the size of your organisation and the level of functionality you require.
Microsoft provides a wide range of subscription plans, all of which can be tailored to the needs of any size business, from sole proprietorships to multinational corporations.
Because the cost is predictable on a monthly and per-user basis, you can better plan your IT budget in advance. Furthermore, if you choose to make annual payments rather than monthly payments, you will receive a price reduction.
Is there a free Microsoft 365 version available?
No, but you can try out any of the programmes for free for one month.
What are the costs of buying Microsoft 365 for business in Australia?
In 2022, the most affordable business plan is AU$8.20 per user per month, while the most expensive business plan, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, is AU$30.20 per user per month.
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On a Global Scale, Security
Microsoft 365 includes advanced information technology security features. Built-in antivirus and spam filtering, disaster recovery, a strict privacy policy, and two-factor authentication for Microsoft’s secure cloud storage are among the features. Furthermore, Microsoft 365 has numerous other security measures in place.
Because no organisation can have too much security in this day and age, one of the most significant benefits of Microsoft 365 for businesses is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their productivity and collaboration platforms are extremely well protected.
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Enhancements to Collaboration and Communication Effectiveness
Users of Microsoft 365 can access their files anytime and anywhere (online and offline) through Microsoft’s central cloud location, making real-time collaboration simple and accessible. This greatly increases the likelihood of real-time collaboration.
Furthermore, Microsoft offers a plethora of communication tools, all of which make it incredibly simple to communicate regardless of where a person is located (users can easily work on the go). There are numerous examples, but two stand out: Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Teams Calling Voice and Video. Visio, a tool that allows users to communicate using flowcharts and diagrams, is another example of a free addition to Microsoft 365 Business.
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Business Resilience and Continuity
Because of its automatic upgrades, privacy settings, support for the most recent technologies, and compatibility with mobile devices, Microsoft 365 is at the forefront of improving business continuity, agility, and resilience. Furthermore, the company’s dominance in the compliance space is something that businesses can be proud of.
Data loss prevention (DLP) is especially important for commercial enterprise security. If an email contains confidential information, Microsoft 365 will prevent it from being sent.
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Simple to Implement
When it comes to using the tools and apps that come with Microsoft 365, there is essentially no learning curve because the software has been used extensively over the years and has been fine-tuned as a result.
New employees quickly feel at ease in their roles, and managers report spending significantly less time on training as a result.
Invest in Microsoft 365 for Your Company Today
At Softvire, we guide our customers through the process of selecting the most appropriate technology for their companies, regardless of the size of the organization. This includes both small and large enterprises. Due to its adaptability, security, software upgrades, and overall resilience, Microsoft 365 is one of our top recommendations for both small businesses and large corporations, and we do so without reservation.
For discounted Microsft software for business here in Sydney, call us at Softvire today. We will assist you in selecting the appropriate Microsoft 365 plan for your company or organization. We are one of the leading software stores in Australia, so get in touch with us right away to receive a free consultation.
