Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based productivity suite that includes a range of tools and services designed to help businesses and organizations streamline their work processes and enhance collaboration. Included in a Miscrosoft 365 subscription are dozens of apps, ranging from familiar standards (such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and so on) to more niche, lesser-known apps like Power Automate, Planner, and more.

Here are a few reasons why Microsoft 365 is a good service for businesses:

1. Flexible Subscription Plans: Microsoft 365 offers a range of subscription plans to fit the needs and budget of any business, from small startups to large enterprises. These plans include a range of features and services such as access to Microsoft Office applications, Exchange Online email, SharePoint, OneDrive, and more.
2. Cloud-Based Productivity: With Microsoft 365, your business can take advantage of cloud-based productivity, which means your team can work from anywhere, on any device, with access to the latest tools and applications. This allows your team to collaborate in real-time, share files and data securely, and stay connected no matter where they are.
3. Enhanced Security: Microsoft 365 is built with enterprise-level security features that help protect your business data from cyber threats, including advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and encryption.
4. Easy Collaboration: With Microsoft 365, your team can collaborate seamlessly in real-time, with tools like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. These tools make it easy to share files, co-author documents, and communicate with your team in one centralized location.
5. Access to the Latest Features: With a Microsoft 365 subscription, your business always has access to the latest updates and features for all the included applications and services. This means you never have to worry about being left behind by outdated software or tools.

Microsoft 365 is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes, offering a range of productivity and collaboration tools that can help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security.

How does Microsoft 365 differ from the traditional Microsoft Office suite?

Microsoft 365 and standalone Office (also knows as “perpetual” or “perpetual licenses”) are both productivity software suites, but there are some key differences between the two.

Firstly, Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service, while Office perpetual is a one-time purchase software package. This means that with Microsoft 365, you pay a monthly or annual fee to use the software, and you get regular updates and new features automatically for as long as you maintain your subscription. With the traditional Office option, you pay a one-time fee to purchase the software, and you receive any updates or new features through separate purchases or upgrades for the lifetime of the software (usually five to ten years).

Secondly, Microsoft 365 offers more applications and services than the traditional Office suite. In addition to the core Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Microsoft 365 includes additional services like Exchange Online email, SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive. These services provide additional functionality for businesses, such as improved collaboration, communication, and data storage capabilities.

Additionally, Microsoft 365 is designed to be used across multiple devices and platforms, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This makes it easier for users to work from anywhere and collaborate with colleagues who may be using different devices.

Finally, Microsoft 365 also includes advanced security features, such as threat protection, data loss prevention, and encryption. These features help protect businesses from cyber threats and keep sensitive data secure.

Overall, Microsoft 365 is a more comprehensive and flexible solution than Office perpetual, offering more applications and services, better collaboration and communication tools, and improved security features. While both options have their pros and cons, CDS recommends Microsoft 365 for our business partners for most situations!