The Microsoft Office software suite has long been the standard in businesses across America. Microsoft recently revamped our favorite programs into the subscription-based Office 365 bundle, adding cloud backup services into their already impressive repertoire.
Office 365 boasted 120 million business subscribers as of 2018. It offers a variety of plans, the most inclusive of which is Office 365 Business Premium.
What makes Office 365 Premium different, and is it a worthwhile investment for your business? Keep reading to find out.
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It’s Both Web-Based and Local
Tired of paying separate fees for cloud document storage and local software downloads? With the Office 365 subscription, you no longer have to choose between web-based and offline programs.Β
The Business Premium plan allows each user to download the latest version of all programs onto five computers, five tablets, and five smartphones. It also comes with 1TB of online cloud storage per user via OneDrive.
You’re Not Limited to a PC
For many years, Microsoft kept its products close to the chest and only released versions compatible with the Windows OS. Thankfully, Office 365 was just released on the Mac app store in January 2019. This Microsoft/Apple partnership is great news for offices that run a mixture of Windows and iOS-based machines.
The software suite is also available on Windows, Android, and Apple tablets and smartphones. Publisher and Access are the only two programs that aren’t cross-platform.
Key Features
All the Office 365 business plans come with access to standard Office applications and OneDrive cloud storage, but Business Premium has a number of key features that set it apart from the rest. Here are the most important ones:
Microsoft Exchange
Microsoft Exchange is an email server designed with businesses in mind. It offers custom email domain addresses and a hefty 50GB of inbox storage. Microsoft Exchange also includes a calendar feature that can capture events from your email contents so you always stay on top of your schedule.
SharePoint keeps your organization informed and connected. This application lets you set up a secure company-wide intranet to enable collaboration and resource sharing.Β
To effectively implement SharePoint and optimize its features, it can be helpful to consult with experts who have a deep understanding of the platform. You can find more information on SharePoint consulting services at https://www.epcgroup.net/sharepoint-consulting/, as engaging with these professionals can provide valuable insights into best practices, customization, and integration with other Office 365 applications. This, in turn, helps ensure a seamless experience for your team, enhancing productivity and fostering a collaborative environment.
Video Conferencing
It’s time to stop struggling with 3rd party webinar and video conference programs. Office 365’s software lets you set up online meetings and video conferences for up to 250 viewers. This makes connecting with remote workers and other locations a breeze.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the best way for your organization to communicate in real time. This secure group chat software allows file sharing, workspace customization, and app integration. In fact, Teams recently overtook Slack in terms of business use.
Management Software
Managing your teams and customers is easy with Office 365. The Microsoft 365 admin portal lets administrators set up cloud computing, manage users and subscriptions, and view detailed activity reports. Other management programs include the Outlook Customer Manager, Microsoft Bookings, and Microsoft Planner.
To get the most out of Office 365, take time to familiarize yourself with its features and how they can help your business succeed. And if you still have questions, visit the Office 365 community forums for answers.
Getting Office 365 Premium for Your Business
The Office 365 Premium subscription offers all the software your business needs to stay up-to-date and connected. The $15/month per user price is affordable, too, but purchasing an annual subscription drops the price down to $12.50/month per user. You can have up to 300 unique users on a single business plan.
Whether you use Office 365 Business Premium or another version of the software, we’re sure it will give you the tools you need to succeed.
Want to learn more about how the right software can help your company soar? Check out this post to learn about the top five types of business software.
