27 May Microsoft 365 – Value from Your IT

In the previous article we explored the significance of the price rises Microsoft have recently introduced to their plans. We did come to the conclusion that they are justified – but only if you are using all of the tools in the Microsoft ecosystem as effectively as possible.

Let’s take a look at some of the more popular and better equipped tools in the ecosystem; some of which you may not know exist, and some you may be using but not quite as effectively as you could be.

The 365 Ecosystem

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft’s spreadsheet program is Excel, although I can practically guarantee that in your school or work life you have come across it before. Microsoft developed Excel for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It is very similar to Google Sheets but has one key difference in that it comes with Macros programming language built in as standard – clearly making it the better option. If your organisation goes through huge amounts of data and needs to do in-depth analysis in-house, this will bring value to your subscription (especially if you are currently using an alternative).

Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do is a Cloud-based task management app. You can now manage your tasks from a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer. To Do is an industry leader – with it coming as part of your existing subscription, using it is a great way of ensuring value from your fees.

Microsoft Power Automate

Power Automate helps you create automated workflows between your apps and services to synchronize files, get notifications, collect data, and more. Power Automate integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, and it is this that elevates it above all competition on the market. Not only is it part of your Microsoft subscription but it is the link between every other Microsoft tool you use.

Microsoft SharePoint

SharePoint is used as a place to organise, share, store, and access information. It is secure and can be used from any device. It – like most tools in the Microsoft ecosystem – works in conjunction with all other Microsoft applications, again allowing your workflow to run smoothly.

Microsoft – Word

Microsoft Word is a word processing program that users utilise for typing out documents. It has a variety of fonts and styling tools, and allows you to create and save documents for later use. Familiarity and comfortability are the two key things that make Word stand out from the crowd, as most of us grew up using it and know it very well – this will make your teams’ lives easier when it comes to learning the program in the beginning, and perhaps even when it comes to getting the most from the app, especially as they could have picked up a few tricks along the way.

Microsoft Stream

Microsoft Stream – not as famous as some of the others on the list – is a corporate video-sharing service which is gradually replacing the existing Microsoft alternative Office 365 video. It makes collaboration, connectivity and, in turn, productivity levels rise. It simplifies the workplace.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is arguably the most popular and revolutionary tool on the list. Its features allowing for increased communication, collaboration, and productivity for your team – regardless of where they are on the globe – have helped it amass a daily user count of an astonishing 250 million people worldwide. Microsoft Teams is revolutionary and is the future of business productivity. You should use it as beneficially as you can – it has become the lifeblood of some of the world’s most successful organisations.

We hope that these two articles have eased your concerns and frustrations surrounding the recent price rise from Microsoft. You need to be sure that the tools you use always contribute to the increased communication, collaboration, and productivity of your organisation – and the tools available from your existing Microsoft subscription likely already do that, so you just need to be sure you are using them all to their fullest potential.

IT specialists

At Netcom we are well-versed in helping companies in various sectors to navigate the often mystifying, jargon-filled world of IT. With over 15 years’ experience, covering virtually all aspects of business IT, we can help guide your business to a prosperous future with the right IT at your side every step of the way. We can help you deploy cutting edge solutions that will not only assist you to weather the storm that is modern IT but also keep your business at the top of its game post pandemic and beyond. Why not book a free, no obligation discovery call today by ringing 0114 361 0062.