Fuse is a Microsoft Partner, based in Northampton. We help organisations of all sizes to maximise IT efficiencies through the use of Microsoft cloud computing solutions.
Why Microsoft 365 Is the Most Successful Collaboration Solution for SMEs
As collaboration technology becomes more advanced, it’s important to make sure that your business doesn’t fall behind. This is why many SMEs are investing in cloud-based software subscriptions that don’t just provide you with a single product, but instead a suite of products that is continually updated. This is where Microsoft 365 comes in.
What Is Microsoft 365?
In essence, Microsoft 365 is an upgraded version of Microsoft Office, the locally-installed desktop publishing software suite that includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. However, Microsoft 365 takes the premise of the old Office Suite and takes it to a new level. Instead of each member of the team needing a locally installed version of office on their PC – sometimes with important documents stored in a shared drive – Microsoft 365 is cloud-based, with the software accessible for download on a range of devices, or through a browser-based interface. Files are stored collectively in the cloud (using Microsoft One Drive), and many people can collaborate on the same file simultaneously without creating duplicates, opening up exciting collaboration possibilities for remote teams.
Also, instead of paying a single fee to purchase a license, Microsoft 365 is run on a monthly subscription, making it more affordable for many businesses. By paying a monthly subscription, you get access to a suite of software that is routinely being updated. In addition to the core Microsoft Office mainstays, you also get access to artificial intelligence and other extras that can help your business run smoothly.
Optimise Your Efficiency
Core Microsoft Office applications such as Excel make managing data and creating charts and visualisations remarkably easy. Upgrades to the classic Office programs include tools that can autofill information based on previous trends and allow you to import PDFs directly into writable Word documents.
Microsoft 365 is also geared to working across multiple devices, so you can have a streamlined workflow that allows you to switch quickly from tablet to computer to phone in the middle of your workday.
Never Waste Time
Effective organisation is a key part of any SME. Microsoft 365 makes organisation incredibly intuitive with a single admin centre that allows you to work directly from the cloud without a lengthy installation process.
The cloud interaction also means that every file you create with Microsoft 365 will be automatically stored in the cloud, so you don’t have to waste time sifting through external hard drives to find a particular project. In addition to this, you can keep your entire team coordinated with online meetings that support HD video, notes and screen sharing – all while staying within the platform.
Always Stay Within Budget
One of the biggest benefits of Microsoft 365 is that you don’t have to pay for tools and applications you don’t need. Instead of purchasing a one-size-fits-all software license, you can focus on the software tools that will benefit your company.
For example, Microsoft 365 has multiple subscription tiers such as Business Basic, Business Standard and Business Premium. If you want the full package with advanced cyberthreat protection, you should consider Business Premium, but SMEs looking for just the basics will be more than satisfied with the Basic tier. By choosing the subscription plan that is right for your company, you can stay in your budget and still get the help that you need. With Microsoft 365 you also only pay per user, so you don’t have to buy a pricey subscription for the entire company if not everybody will use it.
Use Microsoft 365 to Your Advantage
If you want to make your SME run as smooth as possible, you should consider using the online Office 365 apps as an addition to your locally-installed versions of Office. Microsoft 365 also has unique security measures that help protect your data from leaks and other types of breaches – a key consideration for home-working teams.
Find out more
At Fuse, we specialise in bespoke IT management and collaboration solutions for small businesses. If you’re interested in finding out about IT support for Microsoft 365 and similar products, don’t hesitate to send us a message!
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