Microsoft introduced Microsoft 365 in June 2017 as “a complete, intelligent and secure solution to empower employees” in the modern workplace. Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based solution that bundles Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security (formerly Enterprise Mobility Suite) to better serve today’s distributed workforce, meet high user expectations and enhance security across devices.
While most people are familiar with Office 365 and Windows 10, Enterprise Mobility + Security is a relatively new offering designed to simplify the protection of user devices, applications and data. The idea is to provide security that doesn’t get in the way of productivity or affect the user experience. Enterprise Mobility + Security uses identity-driven security to control access to user accounts and protect data against user mistakes. It also applies behavioral analytics to proactively detect threats.
Microsoft 365 integrates the productivity, collaboration and security tools users need in a way that enhances the value of each component. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, in other words.
Users always have access to the latest software on every device, while always-on security features protect data without being intrusive. From a management perspective, user settings and preferences can be controlled from any device through a central management portal. Organizations with bring-your-own-device policies can manage and monitor company data only and remove that data if a device is stolen without seeing or touching personal data. And Microsoft is constantly adding new features to help make users more productive.
There are two versions – Microsoft 365 Enterprise and Microsoft 365 Business. Microsoft 365 Enterprise uses artificial intelligence-powered tools to help users work naturally and productively. A broad range of applications and services and a universal toolkit for teamwork allow users to choose how they connect, share and communicate, which enables more creativity and collaboration. At the same time, all users, devices, applications and services are centrally managed and intelligently secured.
Microsoft 365 Business is a somewhat slimmed-down version for small to midsize businesses with up to 300 users. It offers similar benefits to Enterprise, integrating Office 365 Business Premium with customized security and device management features that allow smaller companies to get more done. Microsoft 365 Business also includes MileIQ, Microsoft’s mileage tracking application, as well as the new Microsoft Invoicing software.
One of the major benefits of Microsoft 365 is the tremendous value of bundled licensing. In addition to the Microsoft 365 E3 license, which includes the three core products, the Microsoft 365 E5 license provides access to Skype for Business, business intelligence, analytics, e-discovery, identity and access management, advanced threat protection, and other valuable tools. Depending upon your business requirements, bundled licensing can pay for itself.
By combining so much functionality into a single solution, Microsoft also makes it possible to eliminate a number of third-party services. That means you don’t have to pay for those services or the associated costs to deploy, integrate and manage them. In addition, administrators can centrally manage a single, integrated solution without worrying about third-party add-ons.
As a Microsoft Gold Partner, AdaptivEdge can help you evaluate Microsoft 365 to determine how much business value it can bring to your organization. Let us show you how Microsoft 365 can empower users with innovative technology, streamline IT operational tasks and protect sensitive data with advanced security tools.
Written and composed by Principal, Steve Soper