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Understanding and Unlocking Microsoft 365 for Business Innovation

Carlos F Corvera | 15 November, 2023 | Modern Workplace

Introduction to Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a tool we’re going to explore today. It holds the potential to fuel your business growth. If you’re interested in how Microsoft 365 can help your business, you’re in the right place.

Microsoft 365 is not just a product, it’s a platform

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO Microsoft
Inspire 2021

We’re going to dissect Microsoft 365, shedding light on its features and the benefits it brings. We’ll also touch upon why it’s become a go-to tool for businesses, regardless of their size. So, let’s embark on this journey and learn the keys to flourishing with Microsoft 365!

Understanding Microsoft 365

Let’s start by defining what Microsoft 365 is and how it differs from Office 365.

What is Microsoft 365?

It’s a subscription service that gives you access to a suite of productivity tools. This includes familiar applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. But that’s not all. It also offers cloud storage, tools for teamwork, and features to keep your data safe.

What is the difference between Office 365 and Microsoft 365?

Office 365 is a service you pay for that lets you use tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Microsoft 365, is a broader subscription. It includes everything in Office 365, plus extra services. These include Windows Enterprise, Enterprise Mobility + Security, and AI capabilities. So, if you’re looking for more than productivity tools, Microsoft 365 might be the better choice.

Can I get Microsoft 365 for free?

No, Microsoft 365 isn’t free. It’s a service that you pay for. You need to subscribe and pay to use its features and services.

Let’s talk about Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

Options for Subscribing

Microsoft 365 has different ways to pay. You can pay every month, once a year, or every month for a year. This lets businesses pick a way to pay that fits their budget.

  • Month-to-Month Subscription: Pay each month. You can stop anytime. You can use the service until your next payment date.
  • Annual Subscription Billed Monthly: This is a one-year subscription. You pay in 12 parts.
  • Annual Subscription: You pay for a year at once at the start of your subscription.

Business Subscriptions for Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 has plans for small and medium businesses. They offer various plans with tools to make your work and collaboration easier.

  • Microsoft 365 Business Basic – Has basic cloud services like email and online meetings.
  • Microsoft 365 Business Standard – This adds Office apps that you can use on your desktop.
  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium – Adds features for security and managing devices.
  • Microsoft 365 Apps for Business – This is for users who use cloud services. It gives them access to Office apps.

Each subscription meets different business needs. They can fit businesses of all sizes.

woman pointing at monitor screen and selecting a microsoft subscription

Enterprise Subscriptions for Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 has special plans for big businesses. These are the E3, E5, and F3 plans.

  • Microsoft 365 E3 – This plan has extra security. It helps protect from threats and prevent data loss. It also has tools like Power Automate, Microsoft Teams, and Office apps to help you work.
  • Microsoft 365 E5 – This plan has even more features. It has better protection from threats and tools for compliance. It also has productivity tools like Power BI Pro.
  • Microsoft 365 F3 – This plan is for frontline workers. It has basic productivity tools and some cloud services.

Small businesses can upgrade to these enterprise subscriptions. This gives them better security, better compliance, and better teamwork.

You can use all these plans in your business. You can also add extra plans to fit your needs.

Growing your Business with Microsoft 365

To make the most of Microsoft 365, you need to know about its tools and how they can help. We’ll discuss various tools. These include Power Automate, Microsoft Purview Information Protection, and Intune. We’ll also discuss more tools. These include Power BI Pro, Power Virtual Agents, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.

Automating Tasks with Power Automate

Power Automate is a tool that can change your business. It can save time and money.

Power Automate can do tasks again and again. This lets your team work on more important things.

You can use Power Automate to do tasks like entering data, saying yes to documents, and sending emails. This means fewer mistakes and more work done.

Power Automate also works well with many apps and services. This makes it easy to do tasks on different platforms.

Using Intune and Microsoft Purview Information Protection for Better Data Security

Microsoft Intune is a tool that helps businesses. It protects their devices, apps, and all the business data they have on them.

Microsoft Purview Information Protection is another tool. It helps businesses put their data in order and give it labels.

When businesses use these tools, they can keep their data safe, do things right, and avoid a data breach.

Power BI Pro: A Great Tool for Working with Data

Power BI Pro is a data tool that gives small businesses useful information. It helps them make smart choices.

With Power BI Pro, businesses can connect to many data sources. These include spreadsheets, databases, and cloud services. They can turn raw data into clear reports and interactive dashboards.

Also, Power BI Pro lets teams collaborate on data projects in real-time. They can share reports in a protected manner with those who need to see them.

In short, Power BI Pro lets small businesses use their data to grow and get ahead in today’s data-driven world.

Using Power Virtual Agents in Microsoft Teams for Better Communication and Work

person at work on a laptop starting a conversation with a chat bot

Microsoft Teams is a place for chatting, video calls and sharing. It helps businesses talk better in a safe and quick way.

Power Virtual Agents for Teams is a tool that helps business owners and staff. With this tool, businesses can create helpers in Teams.

These helpers can help staff fast, answer questions, and show staff how to do tasks. This makes work fun.

With Power Virtual Agents for Teams, businesses can improve their work and services.

Using Cloud Storage with OneDrive and SharePoint

OneDrive is a tool that makes saving and sharing documents a breeze for businesses. It’s like having a personal storage box in the cloud.

You can also use OneDrive to keep a safe copy of your files from your Desktop, My Documents, and My Picture folders. This means your important files are safe in the cloud.

SharePoint is another tool that helps small businesses and their teams work together.

OneDrive is your storage box. SharePoint is a big room for everyone to store and share things.

Everyone in your team can use it to store, share, and find files. SharePoint helps your team work well together. It also keeps a record of all changes to your files.

SharePoint also lets you set up workflows, manage tasks, and use other Microsoft tools. This can help your business run better.

I tell my clients to have an external backup of their cloud files. This includes files from OneDrive, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365 environments.

Making Work Easier with Microsoft 365 Apps

Microsoft 365 Apps have lots of tools that can help businesses and their teams get more done. Some extra apps make work even easier.

  • To-Do – is an app that helps you keep track of your tasks.
  • Planner – is an app that helps teams work together on projects.
  • Viva Insights – is an app that gives you useful information about how your team is doing.
  • Bookings – is an app that makes it easy for external people to schedule appointments.
  • Whiteboard – is an app that helps teams share ideas and brainstorm together.
mac with microsoft365 apps webpage open showing all productivity apps

These apps give business owners all they need to do their work better and reach their goals.

Teaming Up with Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a great tool for businesses. It helps employees chat and work with Microsoft Teams, regardless of their location.

This makes teams stronger and businesses work well.

Microsoft 365 also lets you share and securely edit documents. This helps teams and people outside the company work together without any problems.

For small businesses, this means they can get more work done and everything runs smoothly.

We helped a small accounting firm use Microsoft 365 to change how they work. The firm could work on projects for clients in a better and safer way.

Microsoft 365 helped the firm do more work and make their clients happier.

Cool Microsoft 365 Tips

  • MS Teams: Use channels for neatness and better teamwork. Use @mentions to get attention. Try features like breakout rooms and live captions.
  • OneDrive: Use OneDrive to free up space. You can do this by making files smaller, using the ‘Free Up Space’ function, and deleting duplicates. Set up syncing to access your files from any device. Use version history to see old versions of files.
  • Word: Use keyboard shortcuts for speed. Use styles and formatting for consistent documents. Use track changes and comments for joint editing.
  • Excel: Learn functions and formulas for tough math problems. Make charts and graphs to display your data. Use tools like pivot tables and conditional formatting to analyse your data.
  • Outlook: Use focus profiles, folders, filters, or categories to organise your emails. Automate email management with rules. Schedule meetings and share calendars with ease. Use quick steps for tasks. Use online archive for storage.
  • Power Automate: Automate routine tasks with custom workflows. Connect apps for easy data transfer. Get alerts when certain events occur.
  • Viva Insights: use Viva Insights for improved work and wellbeing. It provides useful data and tips for time management, focus, and work-life balance.
  • Forms: Use Microsoft Forms for interactive surveys, quizzes, and polls. Get feedback from customers or staff. Customise your forms to reflect your brand. Use the responses to assist your business.
  • To Do: Use Microsoft To Do to stay organised. Assign tasks, set due dates, and create shared lists for teamwork. Use the smart algorithm to decide what to do first.
  • Lists: Use Microsoft Lists for easy project management. Create custom lists, track progress, assign tasks, and set reminders. Collaborate with your team to keep everyone updated.

These cool tips will help business owners and staff get the most out of Microsoft 365. This will make work more efficient and help businesses succeed.

This is a general outline of the tips and tricks for various Microsoft products there is plenty more and there’s much more to learn!

“Microsoft Teams in Q3 2023 is currently the most downloaded Microsoft app worldwide”

Statista

Benefits of Microsoft 365

  • Work Faster: Microsoft 365 has tools that make work quicker.
  • Teamwork: Work with your team and share files easily with Microsoft 365.
  • Anywhere Access: With Microsoft 365, you can get to your files and apps on any device, from anywhere.
  • Safe and Secure: Microsoft 365 keeps your business data safe from online threats.
  • Save Money: Microsoft 365 reduces IT costs. It removes the need for costly hardware and software.
  • Flexible: Microsoft 365 can change and grow with your business.
  • Easy IT: With Microsoft handling software updates, IT management is simpler. This lets your IT service provider focus on big tasks. This adds more value to your business.
  • Communicate: Use Outlook and Teams for easy communication with Microsoft 365.
  • Understand Your Data: Microsoft 365 has tools that make data easy to understand. This helps you make smart decisions.
  • Always New: Microsoft 365 is always adding new features. You’ll always have the latest tech.

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 has many tools that can help make businesses modern. One new tool, Microsoft 365 copilot, makes it easier to use and manage M365 and its tools.

Are you prepared to elevate your business with the robust tools of Microsoft 365? There’s no need to delay!

Connect with Panoceanic today. Start discovering the vast features of Microsoft 365. Your transition to a modern business begins right here!

What’s more, you have the opportunity to try out Microsoft 365 for an entire month, absolutely free! Simply complete the form below to get started. It’s as easy as that!

Experience Microsoft 365: Start Your Free Trial Today

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