How can small businesses benefit from using Office 365?

Office 365 represents a collection of software combined with service subscriptions that allow subscribers access to productivity software programs. Office 365 is revolutionary in the way that small businesses are now run by offering more flexibility and user autonomy. More small businesses are investing in subscriptions because they have found Office 365 to be beneficial, but why?

Low maintenance and hassle-free updates

Imagine if you could employ a whole IT department for the price of your Office 365 subscription? Well, Office 365 achieves this and more. There is no need for multiple tech employees to set servers up, update software and install patches every month because the Office 365 subscription does this for you. Microsoft is responsible and swift to respond if a server crashes or hard drive has to be fixed. There is no need for the timely process of updating or maintaining software in-house any more or the cost it incurs: Cloud 365 deals with this hassle so you can focus on productivity.

More secure than other cloud services

Microsoft has made security a priority when designing its online services. One assurance is that if a transmission is intercepted by anyone, they will not be able to read it without authorisation. This is due to the Office 365 applications being accessed via a 128-bit SSL/TSL encryption, ensuring that private correspondence and vital data remain confidential. Microsoft upholds strict standards due to its Microsoft Trustworthy Computing initiative. It guarantees that anti-virus signatures stay current as well as other security measures adhering to Microsoft's initiative. There is also use of multiple virus engines to provide anti-spam filtering and anti-virus protection to help keep information safe at all times.

Very reliable with significant uptime scheduled

Small businesses often lose out when frequent downtime results in reduced productivity and lost profits. Office 365 has 99.9% scheduled uptime which is confirmed in the service level agreement (SLA) provided by Microsoft Online Services. This is achieved because Microsoft have numerous datacentres worldwide, which host redundant network architecture. Therefore, a datacentre is always able to step in when another suffers an outage, ensuring little service interruption. Office 365 provides your business with uptime that can be relied upon.

Highly Accessible with cross-platform integration

Office 365 is invaluable to many small businesses because it can be accessed at any time in any location providing there is a web connection.  This is all possible because Office 365 resides on a cloud, allowing employees access to a comprehensive set of MS tools including Word, Outlook, Excel and others. This is a crucial selling point because small businesses rely on adaptability to survive. This accessibility is further enhanced by Office 365's extensive integration across many platforms. It can be accessed on virtually any device including Window and Mac desktops and laptops, multiple tablets, Android, iPhone and other smartphones.

Office 365 helps small businesses to stay competitive and relevant in a forward-thinking society. It is crucial for small businesses to be able to access productivity tools, on the go and when it is least expected that they are required. Office 365 is ultra-secure and cost effective: helping your business to become more efficient and productive. 

At Midland Networks we can offer some of the best rates available on the market for Office 365 from just £2.99 per user per month!  Pop over to our website for more information.