Microsoft’s Office 365 is a cloud suite of applications and services tailored for businesses of all sizes. Using resources made available on demand via the internet from a cloud computing provider’s server, Office 365 is a state-of-the-art, enterprise IT environment that has revolutionized how today’s businesses run.
A reluctance to change technology systems — particularly if that business or organization is dependent on IT services — is natural.
What if your current system works just fine? What if migration is long and difficult, or results in a broken system? How big is the learning curve for business owners and employees who will need to learn it?
When you weigh the pros and cons of Office 365’s cloud suite of services and applications against the legacy platform you’re currently using, you might be surprised by the number of benefits you can gain from migrating.
Here are seven compelling reasons why migrating to Office 365 might be of great benefit to your business.
1. Applications and Tools
One of the best features of Office 365 is the ability to choose which tools you want from the vast collection of business apps available and regularly released in Windows Store. Many are free. Simply add them your personal Office 365 for easy access from one central location.
Office 365 users also gain access to new applications and tools, like OneDrive, that aren’t available anywhere else or to those using earlier Microsoft Suite versions. You’ll have access to the latest version of Skype for Business to help improve video conferencing and real-time discussions, plus many more tools that will help take your business to the next level.
2. Cloud is Better
Since Office 365 runs solely in the cloud, the sky’s the limit when it comes to potential advantages. Eliminate the need for IT specialists to manage email servers or network drives. The risk of disruptions to your business is reduced, there are no more hardware costs, and kiss upgrade fees or delays goodbye once and for all. Since Microsoft automatically handles all updates, this is one of many ways you save money and time.
3. Easy Access to Secure Data
Don’t let fear of data loss keep you from considering Office 365. The backup services and data protection provided by Office 365 are reliable and consistent. Your information is backed up regularly and globally duplicated so that any outages won’t result in data loss or affect your users. Using the latest anti-malware and anti-spam protection, your information is guarded against any security threats, hackers, and online attacks.
4. It Grows with You
As your business grows and expands, the Office 365 services you use can be easily scaled to match that growth. Since Office 365 uses a simple system where you pay for what you get, acquiring the additional services and storage you need is quick, doesn’t require additional servers or networking equipment, and is surprisingly affordable. You simply adjust your subscription plan to accommodate all your users and the services they need, and you’re done.
5. Migration and Updates Made Easy
No matter what storage utilities you use now, migration to Office 365 is easy and Microsoft’s consultants are here to help with any questions you have. New features and updates roll out to all Office 365 users as soon as they’re released, then automatically updated and applied. Security updates are also taken care of for you with only minimal interruptions (if any).
6. Work Anywhere From Any Device
Supported on most available computers, tablets, and mobile devices (Windows and Mac computer systems, Android and iPhone mobile devices, etc.), you and your staff are no longer chained to a desk to get your work done. Work from almost any location on any device. This allows for greater flexibility and enhanced productivity. Even better, it’s all backed up using thorough security measures.
7. Yammer
In 2012, Microsoft purchased the Enterprise Social Network (ESN) Yammer. ESNs like Yammer provide a faster, smarter way to collaborate and connect across your business operations. Gone are the days of huge email chains and other outdated methods. With the ability to comment, like, and collaborate on files, Yammer enhances communication and increases productivity, all while seamlessly blending all your other Office 365 services.
While this isn’t a complete list of the benefits that Office 365 provides your business, it features a few of the top reasons to consider the migration. If saving time and money while having your data available in a safe environment that’s easy to access isn’t enough to convince you, then we don’t know what is. Stay ahead of your competition, and give your staff the advantage of flexibility and productivity, with Office 365.