Benefits of Microsoft 365 for Small Businesses
Microsoft 365 is a fantastic tool which allows users to collaborate on projects, work remotely and increase productivity. Here are some key benefits.As a small business owner, you’re always looking for ways to improve operations and save time on everyday tasks. If you’ve been looking into tools and software, you’ve probably already considered Microsoft 365 and wondered if it’s the right solution for your company.
The answer is yes; Microsoft 365 is a great tool to help your employees work together more efficiently. But if you’re still on the fence, this post covers the benefits of migrating your small business to Microsoft 365.
Safer storage and no downtime
If you experienced a flood or fire, are your files properly backed up and protected? The Institute for Business and Home Safety showed that a quarter of small businesses don’t reopen after a disaster, and a large contributor is data loss. By using the cloud-based server of Microsoft 365, your important files and data are protected. What’s more, your email and applications will always be available, no matter what happens.
Better data security and control
Data security isn’t an issue when using the cloud. Microsoft 365 for business has built-in security protocols and continuous compliance, so you don’t have to worry about data breaches or privacy issues. You can remotely wipe data, store all data safely in the cloud, and have total control over who has access to any files.
Work anywhere at anytime
Working remotely is becoming increasingly popular, especially since the pandemic, and regulations are being introduced to give staff the right to work from home, if possible. Before Microsoft 365, that could mean issues for your workflow and meant using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), but with 365 you are able to access data on a variety of devices from any internet connection, without the need for a VPN. With Microsoft 365, all employees will have access to the same data, be able to share work easily, and keep up to date with projects, whether they’re working remotely or in the office.
Better organisation
Meetings and email conversations are hugely important for all small businesses, but time can be wasted with needless back-and-forths trying to make arrangements and share information. Microsoft 365 allows you to synchronise emails, calendars, and contact details, making your business much more organised. If you update a contact on your mobile, it will automatically update across all synced devices, and calendars will all have the same meetings, times, and dates blocked out. This is one of the most useful features for small businesses and saves countless hours on meetings, scheduling conflicts, and email conversations.
An affordable, flexible monthly cost
Keeping costs low is another important factor for small business owners, which is why Microsoft 365 has flexible monthly billing options. You can customise the number of users and add on the features your business needs. You can change the number of users at any time, and you’re not locked into a contract. This makes cloud-based software a scalable solution that will grow with your business. Plus, with no upfront fees, it’s an affordable solution for any size business, including start-ups.
Large mailbox storage
Emails tend to pile up in our inboxes until we get that dreaded alert that our storage is full. Many emails are too important to discard, so no matter how much you clean your inbox, you’ll often face storage issues. When using Microsoft 365, you get 50GB of email storage, which is more than enough for a small business. Never again will you see red alerts telling you it’s time to clean up your full inbox. Even in the rare occasion that you exceed the 50Gb storage limit, subscription add-ons means it is possible to bolt on additional storage space and retain the existing email structure.
Zero licensing issues
Software licenses have always been a headache for business owners. If you have employees using different versions of the same software, you need different licenses, and getting everyone upgraded is difficult. Microsoft 365 includes all the licenses you need and can be deployed company-wide. This means all your staff will be using the same version of the software and get the same updates at the same time.
Get Microsoft 365 for your small business
PCR Connected is your local IT support company. We have over 30 years of experience in the industry and provide seamless Microsoft 365 migration to small businesses across the UK. We are a Microsoft accredited partner, so you can be sure you’re getting the very best service and the support of experts to manage your migration. Call our team today, and we’ll walk you through the migration process.
