Today, many businesses are choosing to use Microsoft 365. It’s a beneficial service that many people find useful, no matter what size their business happens to be. Are you already a user, or are you considering Microsoft 365 but are hesitant about diving in? If so, this article’s for you! 

There’s no question that cloud services have had a positive impact on businesses all over the world, especially in recent years. They provide powerful communication and collaboration tools, even for businesses that have remote employees. Microsoft goes the extra mile to ensure its apps provide the same functionality found on a desktop or across mobile devices. A subscription cloud service is a cost-effective tool to use across your entire business. 

When it comes to Microsoft 365, your team will find it easier to create reports, documents, and more for stakeholders and partners. Everything is quicker and easier with Microsoft 365. What’s more, all documents created with the service can be securely stored in the cloud, given access privileges, and more. You won’t have to worry about sensitive data being stored in the cloud. 

The service also ensures there’s no confusion about the latest version of the document, with emails flying back and forth between colleagues on who’s doing what and more. 

Before we get started with how Microsoft 365 can help your company, let’s take a look at what this service is. 

What is Microsoft 365? 

You may be more familiar with the former name of this Microsoft product; it used to be called Office 365, which was rebranded to Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that’s offered at various prices, so you can choose the package that’s right for your business. However, there’s also a free trial of the service that can be a great way to get Office for free (however, the web apps don’t have all the functionality as the paid apps). The free service online works directly in the browser. 

The subscription offers access to the Microsoft Office application, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows PCs, iPads, Macs, and other platforms. The service also provides 1TB of storage space in OneDrive per person, along with 60 Skype minutes for calling landline and mobile phone numbers from Skype. 

If you’ve already been subscribing to Office 365, then you were automatically switched over the Microsoft 365 (as of April 2020). 

What New Features Were Added to Microsoft 365? 

When Microsoft made the switch to Microsoft 365, the company also included some new features. Many of these seem like the same features offered by Office 365; however, the company offered new tools to improve writing on the web, managing finances, and connecting with family and friends. In other words, Microsoft 365 is meant to help you with work, school, and life! 

Some of the new features added to Microsoft 365 include: 

Microsoft Editor for Writing

You can now use Microsoft Editor to help correct the grammar and style in the documents you create. You might consider this Microsoft’s form of Grammarly. Microsoft Editor is a powerful tool that works across 20 languages, and it uses AI to check your writing. 

This tool works in both Word & Outlook.com; however, it also works in a browser extension you can find for Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. The tool even provides help with inserting citations in Word documents.  

Use Microsoft Teams with Family & Friends

Microsoft Teams isn’t just for business anymore! Now, you can use Microsoft Teams to connect with family and friends. The service is a bit like Slack; however, Microsoft has added some new features that go with your personal life. You can create Teams groups with families and friends. Then use the app to plan trips, organise gatherings, and stay connected with everyone. The app includes tools such as chats, video calls, and shared to-do lists and calendars. 

Protect Your Mobile Device with Microsoft Defender

Another great benefit of choosing Microsoft 365 is that you can use Microsoft Defender to protect your mobile devices, too. The app works with iPhone, iPad, macOS, Android, and Windows. The features offered depend on your operating system; however, it can protect your devices with the following features: 

• Anti-malware
• Anti-phishing
• And offers a dashboard to monitor each device that runs Windows Defender. 

Enhance Automation & Productivity

Microsoft 365 also includes tools to help your team automate certain processes and increase productivity. What is so great about automation? Automation of processes simplifies work, reduces the time needed for the production cycle, and decreases a team’s time on work. 

One of the automation tools is Microsoft Dynamics. This app uses artificial intelligence to automate multiple business processes. The tools are important for reducing the time spent on routine and repetitive tasks. Instead, employees have more time to focus on more challenging issues and meaningful tasks. As a result, your team may become happier with the job and satisfied with their work, too. 

Adjust to Changes in Customer Demand

Microsoft 365 also provides your business with a way to keep up with and adapt to new customer preferences and demands. It’s essential to understand and act quickly to customer feedback. When customers have a great experience, your brand reputation, and credibility increase, and you’ll have loyal customers and the ability to draw in new customers. 

Microsoft Azure is the tool used for this purpose. It can be used with a broad range of mobile apps and respond quickly to customer needs while also improving customer experiences. 

Boost Security 

Finally, a valuable service provided by Microsoft 365 is a boost to your company’s security. You don’t have to worry about your business systems being at risk of cyber attacks due to vulnerabilities within the system. 

Microsoft 365 provides enhanced security through: 

• Microsoft Authenticator
• Microsoft Cloud App Security
• Microsoft Defender 

Concluding Thoughts

If you’re thinking about migrating your company to cloud services, then we highly recommend Microsoft 365. Microsoft’s cloud service provides everything your business needs, even if you have remote team members or work with third-party vendors. 

What’s more, the service is available in different packages, so you’re sure to find one that works for you!