In this constantly changing world we live in, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cultural shifts that have succeeded it, companies and their leaders spend nearly every day learning to adapt…to new tools, new technology, and new expectations. Trends have come and gone, but one is here to stay: remote work. And cloud-based systems like Microsoft 365 are making the decision to go remote a much easier choice for business owners. With collaboration, real-time backups, and enhanced security, Microsoft 365 has changed an entire generation’s definition of “office.”

What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a productivity cloud tool for businesses, offering the latest edition of Office 365, OneDrive backups and storage, and enhanced security features. From writing and editing documents to collaborating on spreadsheets to hosting brainstorming sessions with your team, this suite allows you to create, collaborate, and connect securely and affordably.

Microsoft 365 includes access to:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Teams
  • Outlook
  • PowerPoint
  • Excel
  • Bookings
  • Forms
  • OneDrive
  • OneNote
  • SharePoint

The above programs are available in desktop and online versions, so you can access your work anytime, anywhere.

Plus, Microsoft also offers PowerApps. Need an app for invoicing, bookkeeping, or project management? PowerApps allows you to build custom, low-code applications that integrate into your Microsoft 365 suite. Automate redundant tasks to enhance efficiency and develop insightful reporting. With Microsoft’s built-in features and customization tools, you’ll have everything you need to run your business at your fingertips.

The Benefits of Microsoft 365

There are dozens of cloud-based productivity tools available. But why does Microsoft 365 stand out?

Flexibility

Microsoft 365 features desktop and online versions of all its programs. This allows you to take your office anywhere, update docs from the airport, review a spreadsheet on the train, or take a Teams call from the parking lot of your child’s school. This flexibility has made Microsoft 365 an attractive tool for remote employees and busy working parents. The programs are available for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android devices.

Collaboration

Allow SharePoint to act as your company’s intranet where employees can share information, files, and documents. With documents available in the cloud, co-authoring in real-time is made simple, and all edits are saved across your synced devices. Need to brainstorm? Or practice that new PowerPoint presentation? Teams allows video and audio conferencing on both desktop and mobile devices.

Storage & Sharing

Forgot your computer? Because all documents are synced to the cloud, you can access your work from any device. All you need is a login. Plus, files can be shared with external clients outside your organization for comments, edits, and feedback. With permissions control, you can define just how much edit access you’d like an outside party to have.

Security

Microsoft 365 features an Admin Center so you can monitor who is working in what application, when they’re working in it, and for how long. You can also use the Admin Center to control what data is shared and with whom, blacklisting or reporting certain email addresses. Microsoft features 1,000+ security and privacy controls to help your data stay protected and compliant.

Affordable

Microsoft offers three business-level plans, none of which will break the bank. The Basic or Standard plans, $6 /mo/user and $12.50/mo/user respectively, are great for small and medium-sized businesses. Meanwhile, the Premium plan for larger organizations is only $22/mo/user.

Supportive

Microsoft Partners are available to help you make the most of Microsoft 365’s features. At KDG, we’re a Microsoft Support & Implementation Partner. We can help you migrate your data to the cloud, set up your emails, configure your security, and even develop apps and integrations through PowerApps.

How Do I Make the Switch to Microsoft 365?

The first step? Reach out to KDG’s IT support team! Our IT team, made up of Microsoft Partners, will evaluate your current network environment. After everything is analyzed and we fully understand your business processes, we can begin the migration process.

During this process, all your documents and passwords are transferred over to Microsoft 365. You won’t have to worry about a thing! Afterward, we can provide training, tips, and tricks on the new tools you have available to help you feel more comfortable.

If you’re looking for enhanced efficiency, collaboration, automation, and security, switch to Microsoft 365 by contacting our award-winning team today.