Microsoft 365, previously called Office 365, is a cloud-based way of working that aims to give businesses the tools to be productive from anywhere.
Fortunately, gone are the days of paper documents, external hard drives and heavy laptops. Microsoft 365 has come up with a way for you to access all your Office software tools and documents from any device, anywhere.
It is a subscription-based service that gives you the ability to use Microsoft’s popular software programs for your everyday work. The common programmes you would have heard of include Outlook, Word and Excel. It also includes Teams which is essential for modern-day remote working and is a great alternative to Zoom.
Paid monthly or yearly subscriptions are available. The prices depend on which apps you need, how much storage space you require, etc. Prices for the business plans range from £4.50 a month to £16.60 a month. Whether a sole trader or large business, there will be a plan that fits in with how you work and what you need. If you need help deciding which plan best suits you, get in touch.
So what are the benefits of using Microsoft 365?
1) 24/7 access to Office tools
Office 365 means you can have access to power tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications, on a 24/7 basis, from any machine. All you need are your logins. As a result you will no longer be limited by office hours if your business is still using systems installed locally on the office hardware.
2) Security for your files
With Microsoft 365 you can protect your documents from being read by other people and even from making unsanctioned changes to them. Each file is assigned a “sharing identifier” that allows you to determine who will be able to access the file.
3) Compatibility
Microsoft 365 is designed to run on a range of different operating systems including the most popular two, Windows and Mac OS X. This makes it easier for you to make the switch for example from an old PC to a new Mac with a Microsoft 365 account.
4) Mobile applications
Microsoft 365 makes it possible for you to work on your documents from any mobile device too, be it a phone or tablet. The mobile applications can be downloaded they are compatible with all Android phones on version 4.0 or higher, Apple phones on version 5.0 or higher, and iPhones on version iOS 8.0 or higher.
5) Ease of use
The software itself is very easy to use, especially if you are a regular user of Microsoft Office products. You can easily transition from your old software to Microsoft 365 with minimal hassle as the interface will be familiar to you and the navigation will be just as easy.
If you are a regular user of Google’s versions of these applications (eg Docs, Sheets) the transition should be easier.
7) Continuity
Microsoft 365 is continuously updated to provide you with a secure and seamless experience when using the software itself. The software is designed to notify you of any updates as they come out. As a result you do not miss anything important.
8) Ease of administration
Microsoft 365 allows you to configure the software in a way that allows all users on the same account to have their own set of documents and preferences. However, all information can be interlinked through shared folders if needed.
9) Ability to edit docs in real-time with co-workers
With Microsoft 365 you can set up a SharePoint site and use it as a place for you to store your documents. With this setup, you can access your documents from anywhere and co-workers can edit them as well. Therefore another great point for remote teams.
10) Cloud-based storage
With a subscription to Microsoft 365, you will have 20 GB of storage space immediately to start with. You can increase this amount by 5GB at a time as it is needed. This enables you to bring all your documents onto one, cloud-based platform and access them from anywhere.
11) Integration of email functionality
Microsoft 365 includes Microsoft’s email platform, Outlook. So you won’t have to worry about having separate accounts for your email as well as your office software. The two will be linked together making for an easier and more productive workflow.
Microsoft 365 is a great platform for people who use their office software daily. The benefits go beyond just the use of the software itself. They extend to the simple fact that you can work from anywhere, with the added advantage of not being restricted by an employer’s office hours or computer systems. It is one of the best ways to increase your productivity. At the same time it helps cut down on office costs and increase security and accessibility.
If you need help with Microsoft 365, get in touch. We can help chose and set up the best plan for your business. All Your Computers is a Microsoft Partner.
