The Covid-19 pandemic has forced a new way of working and to stay productive, SMBs have had to adapt quickly and offer their employees the tools to work and collaborate remotely. As we begin to emerge from this pandemic, it’s becoming clear that fully or partially remote work is here to stay.

Some companies have adjusted better than others and many continue to use solutions that are no longer adapted to this new reality. However, to ensure their sustainability, SMBs must see these changes as an opportunity to review the way they work together and increase the performance of their employees. Fortunately, with cloud solutions, they can accelerate this transformation cost-effectively and securely.

How can Microsoft 365 Business facilitate this transition?

With Microsoft 365, the productivity and collaboration tools used by large enterprises are within the reach of small businesses. Employees can work as in the office but still be mobile. In addition, what makes their work easier and more productive is the fact that all these tools are integrated allowing to switch from one task to another quickly and easily.

Work anytime, anywhere, on any device

Messaging:

Many small businesses use the email included in their web hosting. These mailboxes are generally limited in terms of storage.

Others use the messaging offered with their Internet subscription (e.g. jean@videotron.ca). People who receive emails always look at the sender’s name and address. Creating a professional email address (e.g. jean@mycompany.ca) is necessary for the company’s image.

In both cases, these emails use either POP3 or IMAP and are not performing well in terms of device synchronization, collaboration, and security.

Nowadays, your customers need a professional email that is efficient, collaborative, and secure.

Exchange Online allows small businesses to take advantage of this messaging without having to invest in on-premises infrastructure and only pay for what they use. Employees have access to their inbox from anywhere and from any device. They work faster and more efficiently, thanks to a smart inbox that personalizes and organizes their messages. A cybersecurity solution is integrated to protect their data from malware and spam.

Collaboration and document sharing:

In many SMBs, some employees do not wait for professional tools. They go ahead and use their own consumer-oriented software or applications that do not guarantee data protection and security. These employees sometimes then share confidential documents via these solutions without being aware of the risks they are taking.

With Microsoft 365, your customers benefit from a powerful and secure platform for collaboration. Their employees can:

• Store, access, co-edit, and share their data in the cloud with OneDrive for Business.
• Work collaboratively with SharePoint Online. This application allows them to quickly create a corporate website to share and manage content, data, news, and resources.
• Have a shared workspace thanks to Teams where they can chat, create and share as a team and in complete safety. Microsoft Teams has been widely used during the Covid-19 pandemic and has allowed thousands of users to stay connected remotely with online meetings and events.

Office Suite

Microsoft 365 Business contains the same familiar Microsoft Office applications that have been used for years, but additionally with the benefits of the cloud. It is no longer the office suite that is installed on a single computer.

• On all devices. Depending on the plan, Office apps can be installed on up to five PCs or Macs and or tablets (iPad, Windows, or Android). It’s also possible to view and edit files on Apple and Android devices with Microsoft 365 Mobile apps.
• Always up to date. The applications are now always up to date so that users can always work with the latest features.
• Work smart. Microsoft 365 Business apps include smart features that help users work better. Intelligent services are integrated into applications, such as Researcher and Editor in Word, Designer in PowerPoint, and Insight Services to analyze data.

This is just an overview of the many applications and services included in Microsoft 365 Business. We haven’t told you about OneNote, Microsoft Bookings, Microsoft Planner, MileIQ, ToDo, Stream, Sway, Forms, and more.

According to a recent study by Forrester, Microsoft 365 Business enables SMBs to:

• Improve user productivity by 1 hour/week per employee.
• Avoid $29 per employee per month on technology costs
• Reduce travel costs by $900 per year per employee on the move

Microsoft 365 Business will help your customers work better, improve communication, and save time !

At ITCloud.ca, we’re here to help you deliver the best solution for you and your customers. Do you need help or more information?