Microsoft 365 For Small Businesses: What You Should Know
Business and Enterprise Microsoft editions have advanced features to Personal and Home versions, with administration elements and collaborative software tailored to meet organizational compliance and safety issues. Business and Enterprise Microsoft editions have monthly or yearly subscriptions.
Microsoft Office has been in the industry for almost thirty years. However, the previous Microsoft Office editions consisted of Excel, Access, and Word apps. In 2011, Office 365 was renamed to Microsoft 365 after several adjustments and improvements.
Microsoft 365 and Office
Microsoft 365 is different from Microsoft Office since its license needs subscription after a certain period and not a perpetual permit. Microsoft 365 combines virtual services like space storage, protected communication resources, desktop programs, and business-class emails.
Installation of a new package updates the traditional desktop applications automatically since Microsoft 365 is a paid product. Business leaders should update their systems regularly to receive the latest apps and protect their networks.
Family and Personal are some of the available versions of Microsoft 365 designed for individual users and non-commercial utilization. Each Microsoft 365 package has specific features and apps.
Here is everything small business owner ought to know about Microsoft 365 package from available versions, desktop applications, and app securing strategies:
What Services Does Microsoft 365 Offer?
Exchange Online
Microsoft 365 user gets a business-class email with 50 GB. These subscribers can read their email through windows or web browsers and access spam and virus filtering feature.
Business OneDrive
After subscribing to Microsoft 365, you receive 1 TB OneDrive storage with sync clients for each desktop. Windows 10 handlers store data using this sync client option. Users can monitor cloud storage using the Files-On-Demand application. Office administrators can opt to get unlimited storage, particularly if they handle large files.
Online SharePoint
Previously, the SharePoint interface was clunky, but Microsoft 365 has made it sleek. Teams can sync details and share data with a similar desktop client. The Exchange Online and SharePoint tools allow IT leaders to confine users from leaking confidential details to a third party.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft teams offer unified communications, prompt messaging, and teleconferencing for Microsoft 365 subscribers. This free communication software replaced Skype.
More Services
Most of the Microsoft 365 packages have services targeting particular audiences. Small businesses should use standard and premium tools like Microsoft Bookings that allow guests to book appointments.
Are there Desktop Apps in Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 plans that access desktop applications have Office 2019 apps for Windows 7 and MacOS like Word, OneNote, and Excel. Publisher and Access applications are available on Windows PCs. The applications are updated to up-to-date versions, with security and feature updates.
Paid Microsoft 365 suite can be used in up to five computers, tablets, or smartphones simultaneously. After subscribing to a plan, no activation or product keys are needed. On the contrary, perpetual-permit editions can only be used on one gadget, and users cannot transfer the Office version.
Fortunately, virtual-based versions of PowerPoint and Word have robust elements that support the editing of business documents in OneDrive. The features are compatible with all desktop browsers ad no special software is needed.
PowerPoint and Word options are available on Android and iOS systems on mobile gadgets, and users can edit files when using an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Mobile apps support Microsoft 365 suite, such as Microsoft Teams and OneDrive.
Clearly, not all Office plans changed as some software packages retained their Office 365 features. Here are plans that have not changed whatsoever:
Office 365 for Business
Office 365 for Education
Office 365 for First-line workers
Office 365 for Government
Microsoft 365 Basic
Microsoft 365 Business Basic plans are designed for organizations that need basic services and cloud applications. A Microsoft 365 Business Basic involves:
Mobile and web versions of Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Email for cross-device usage.
Cloud storage of 1TB.
Microsoft Teams for business communications.
In-built privacy and security protection.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Businesses that need more support applications should plan to get Microsoft 365 Business Standard option. Most of the small entities prefer this Office plan as the costs are reasonable. In addition to what a basic plan offers, a business standard suite provides:
Desktop programs of Office applications where users can access installed Microsoft versions and share with up to 5 devices.
Internal business functions depend on Microsoft Team for planning.
Use MileIQ to track your teams’ performance.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Small businesses working with sensitive data should get Microsoft 365 Business Premium package. The Microsoft 365 top-tier plan allows users to work remotely via smartphones.
Business Premium gives what a basic and standard suite offers, plus:
Office 365 provides improved security through threat protection software to keep your network safe from advanced malware and ransomware.
Wipe data remotely from user computers.
How Small Businesses Manage Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 has an administration dashboard that IT leaders use to monitor organization security, subscriptions, and operational licenses. Small entities should have an experienced administrator to manage Office365 users and implement security measures properly. Outsourcing Microsoft 365 management to managed service providers is vital, especially if your in-house team lacks expertise skills.
Why Engage a Managed IT Service Provider?
Outsourced IT experts understand the trending events in the technology industry. The tech experts will update your apps to ensure the company is secured and complies with the current industry demands. They are conversant with Microsoft 365 portal to make sure your employees access internet services. MSPs have access to administrator centers for particular services like business OneDrive and Exchange Online.
Safeguarding Apps and Content
Microsoft 365 suite is safe by default, and changes can be made to strike a balance between convenience and security. Managed service providers install advanced applications to secure a business network.
Final Verdict
As you can see, Microsoft 365 suite is productive for small businesses. However, a business leader should choose a cost-effective Microsoft 365 plan for their firm. Identify how a Microsoft 365 package will boost operations in your company.
Finally, knowledge is essential when choosing Microsoft 365 plan to ensure you get the right package. Outline online services your small outlet needs before you progress with the selection process.