Utilizing All the Features of Your Microsoft 365 Subscription

Empowered businesses need to choose the right tools for their business to achieve efficiency, security, and productivity. Microsoft 365 is a standout solution that offers a wide range of features designed to modernize your business operations. However, the abundance of options within a Microsoft 365 subscription can be overwhelming. That’s why we have created a simplified guide to help you unlock the full potential of your Microsoft 365 features.

What Are the Features of Microsoft 365?

The Microsoft 365 features and benefits are designed for businesses looking for core collaboration and productivity tools within the Microsoft ecosystem, especially those prioritizing cloud-based services. Here’s a list of core Microsoft 365 features:

• Web and downloadable versions of Office apps: This includes Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Users can work from anywhere on any device, ensuring productivity is not lost.
• Email and calendaring with Outlook and Exchange: Get professional email hosting with a 50 GB mailbox per user for enhanced communication and scheduling capabilities.
• Communication with Microsoft Teams: Collaborate easily through chat, video calls, and meetings for efficient teamwork in a virtual environment.
• File storage and sharing with OneDrive: Get 1 TB of secure cloud storage per user for easy file sharing and collaboration from anywhere.
• Data protection and cybersecurity with Defender for Office 365: Protects against phishing, malware, spam, and other threats to keep business data and communications secure.
• SharePoint for the intranet: Organize, manage, and collaborate with ease using our powerful content and knowledge management system.
• Business intelligence with Power BI capabilities: Enables businesses to make informed decisions with data visualization and insights tools.

Keep in mind these Microsoft 365 features may vary based on your subscription plan.

Step 1: Aligning Subscriptions with Business Needs

The journey begins with understanding the unique needs of your organization. This involves evaluating the roles and responsibilities within each department to tailor your subscription effectively. It’s not a one-size-fits-all.

Different teams may require different sets of tools and Microsoft 365 features based on their functions. This alignment ensures that you’re equipped with the necessary tools and optimize your investment in the subscription. For instance, Microsoft 365 Business Basic features differ from Microsoft 365 E5 Suite features, and their price per user reflects that.

Step 2: Streamlining SaaS Subscriptions

The rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) tools can lead to an inevitable overlap of applications in your tech stack. It’s important to comprehensively audit your current SaaS tools. This will help you spot and get rid of any redundancies. By smartly integrating your workflows within the features of your Microsoft 365 subscription, you’re boosting efficiency and paving the way for smoother operations.

Step 3: Proactive Subscription Management

Assertive management of your Microsoft 365 subscriptions is non-negotiable. It's essential to conduct frequent audits to monitor usage, eradicate redundancies, and pinpoint potential for automation and improved collaboration.

This type of proactive management doesn't just fine-tune your tech stack—it guarantees you're extracting the utmost value from your Microsoft 365 investment. Your business will grow and expand, so your tech stack should be scalable and agile enough to accommodate this.

Step 4: Leveraging Your MSP for Optimal Deals

Your managed service provider (MSP) should be a key player in reducing your Microsoft 365 subscription costs. They should negotiate competitive pricing for you, seek out bulk discounts, and investigate annual payment options to slash your operational expenses. An MSP that genuinely represents your interests will exceed expectations to ensure you get the most cost-effective subscriptions. If you need only Microsoft 365 Business Basic License features then you shouldn’t be paying more for advanced features you don’t need.

Step 5: Integrating Solutions for Increased Efficiency and Security

Integration stands as one of its most potent Microsoft 365 features. This seamless connection between various applications and services doesn’t just amplify productivity. It also fortifies your organization’s security stance by eradicating shadow IT.

Integrated solutions ensure that your data and workflows are more unified but also secure and efficient. Secure connections between applications reduce the likelihood of bad actors infiltrating your defense system.

Work with Our Microsoft Experts

It takes more than just signing up to make the most out of your Microsoft 365 subscription. It requires a strategic approach tailored to your business’s unique needs. Aligning subscriptions, proactive management, and strategic integration are vital steps.

Ciracom Cloud is not only a provider but a partner in your journey, ensuring that your business leverages the full spectrum of Microsoft 365 features and benefits. Explore our catalog of cloud service to see how we can help you grow.

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