4 Ways Microsoft 365 Gives SMBs a Competitive Advantage

The applications you use every day - redesigned from the top down. As of April 21st, Office 365 will be rebranded as Microsoft 365 - combining applications, cloud services, device management, and advanced security tools for a safer, more intelligent workplace experience. This strategic move allows Office 365 users to directly benefit from Microsoft's 365 robust cloud infrastructure, cross-functional integrations, automatic security updates, and more. And with no change to price structure, your employees have access to enterprise tools that will grow alongside your business.

Here Are the Top IT Business Benefits Your Company Can Look Forward to, with Microsoft 365:

1. Streamline Mobile Device Management

Microsoft 365 brings newfound application security to employees. Integrations with Windows 10 enforce malware protection and shield key system folders from corrupting ransomware. Malware threats are stopped at the perimeter with email analysis, link and document scans, and ongoing monitoring services. Microsoft 365 also makes it easier to bring your security tools together in a layered and managed way. Enable Bring-Your-Own-Device scenarios with Azure Information Protection, modernize policies with Azure AD and InTune, and maintain regulatory standards with Compliance Manager. 

2. Set Custom Security Rules for BYOD Network Environments

Flexible device policies support a workforce on the move. Enable employee access by device, application, time of day, or location. You can set controls for the use of data, with restrictions such as "Do Not Copy", "Do Not Forward", and remote wipe - while ensuring it never leaves approved Office apps. Set policies to encrypt data on mobile devices, and require PINs or fingerprints for additional authentication on iOS and Android devices. If you've deployed Windows 10, you can easily manage the OS in Microsoft 365, setting automatic updates, encryption, and control policies.

Microsoft 365 helps you follow industry best practices for the treatment of sensitive data. You can use auto-detection to prevent PII, such as social security numbers and credit cards, from leaking. Email encryption provides secure communication within and outside your organization. Cloud-archiving provides long-term retention for business correspondence.

3. Vendor Agnostic Integrations

Microsoft 365 provides a vendor-agnostic approach to employee tools. Applications are available via Windows, macOS, iOS, and Google's Android OS, with support on iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and Microsoft Products. Microsoft 365 also now integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, providing users an extended collection of royalty-free content including templates, stock photos, icons, fonts, etc. Other new application integrations include Headspace, Blinkist, Experian, Plaid, and more. 

4. Synchronized Productivity Tools

Keep track of all your moving parts with Microsoft 365. The platform syncs email, calendar, and contact information across devices. Enterprise archiving and eDiscovery make it easy to track down digital assets, while SharePoint and Teams support custom intranet sites for your employees. Enjoy a streamlined authoring experience - as real-time updates let you and coworkers work on the same content with version control. Microsoft is also rolling out new personal and professional accounts in Teams, allowing you to manage different sets of priorities.

Microsoft 365 makes it easier to leverage your company's big data. PowerApps allows your organization to deploy custom applications with the help of pre-built templates, programmed AI components, and integrations between proprietary and on-premise systems. Power Automate lets employees create automatic workflows for redundant tasks, freeing employees to engage in other tasks. For retail or service employees, Bookings is an intuitive appointment experience, with customer notifications, confirmations, and reminders. For information about optimizing your Microsoft 365 experience, reach out to iCorps for a free consultation.