Comprehensive Guide to Office 365 Features & Benefits

Businesses have been using Microsoft products to streamline workflows and boost productivity since 1988 when they introduced their iconic word-processing and computing tools. Today, businesses of all sizes can take advantage of Office 365, a cloud-based software suite that provides users with a variety of powerful productivity applications.

Office 365 can be a game-changer for your business; its cloud-based computing offers many benefits over traditional software suites. Keep reading to explore the features and benefits of Office 365 and learn how it can help make collaboration and communication easier and more efficient.

Microsoft Office vs. Office 365

By now, most of us are familiar with Microsoft Office, so what differentiates Microsoft Office from Office 365? Both software suites are developed by Microsoft to improve productivity— the applications you know and love, like Word and Excel are the same. The main difference comes down to the cloud.

While Microsoft Office is a traditional software suite installed on an individual computer, Office 365 is a cloud-based platform that provides greater access to a variety of tools and applications. Here are the key differences:

Installation and Updates: With Microsoft Office, users must purchase and install the software on their computer. Updates are also only available with the purchase of a new version of the software. In contrast, Office 365 is a cloud-based platform that is updated automatically and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Collaboration: While Microsoft Office has some collaboration features, they are limited. In contrast, Office 365 is designed to facilitate collaboration and teamwork, with real-time co-authoring and the ability to work on documents simultaneously with others.
Scalability: Microsoft Office is designed for use on a single computer, while Office 365 is designed to scale with businesses, providing additional services and applications as needed.

Office 365 Features

WIth Office 365, you’ll still have access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, plus so much more. The traditional Microsoft Office suite has been enhanced for Office 365 with cloud-based collaboration features and additional capabilities. No more waiting for access or updates. Your whole team will have easy access to files and can rapidly collaborate from anywhere. You’ll love the key features of Office 365, which include:

Email and Calendar: Office 365 provides users with an email and calendar system that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
File Storage and Sharing: Office 365 comes with OneDrive for Business, which allows users to store and share files securely in the cloud.
Collaboration: With Office 365, users can collaborate in real-time on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Communication: Office 365 includes Skype for Business, which enables video and audio conferencing, instant messaging, and online meetings.
Mobile Apps: Office 365 has mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows devices, allowing users to access their files and applications from anywhere. This is a great option for remote teams or even businesses that offer flex-time or hybrid schedules.
OneDrive for Business: OneDrive for Business is a cloud-based file storage and sharing service that enables users to access their files from anywhere and collaborate on documents in real-time.
SharePoint Online: SharePoint Online is a web-based collaboration and document management platform that allows users to share files, collaborate on projects, and automate workflows.
Teams: Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that enables users to chat, share files, and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Power BI: Power BI is a business intelligence platform that enables users to analyze and visualize data from a variety of sources.
Microsoft Planner: Microsoft Planner is a task management tool that enables teams to organize and prioritize their work, assign tasks to team members, and track progress.

Benefits of Office 365

In a post-Covid world, flexibility and remote access are more important than ever. Many teams discovered that remote work, or hybrid schedules work best for them. With Office 365, your team will never miss a beat, no matter where they are in the world. Even if your team is on-site, you’ll find that the benefits dramatically improve your workflows and productivity and bottom line.

Increased productivity and collaboration: With Office 365, teams can work together on projects in real-time, no matter where they are located.
Cost-effectiveness and scalability: Office 365 is a cost-effective solution that allows businesses to scale their software needs as their organization grows. This means that businesses can add or remove users and services as needed, without having to invest in new hardware or infrastructure.
Enhanced security and compliance: Office 365 provides advanced security features and compliance capabilities that can help protect sensitive data and prevent data breaches.
Access to the latest features and updates: With Office 365, businesses always have access to the latest versions of the software, ensuring that they have access to the latest features and security updates.

Contact GUT Consulting to Implement Office 365 into your Workflow

Office 365 is a great investment for your business now and into the future. If you’re thinking about adding Office 365 into your workflows, get in touch! As Office 365 admins, GUT Consulting can make the transition smooth, secure, and painless. We’ll migrate your data, process to a smart workflow, and train you on new features and capabilities that improve efficiency.

At GUT Consulting, our goal is to save your business money and increase your productivity. We’re always there for technical support You can reach organizational goals faster through office applications combined with our technical support and admin center.

Contact us today to speak with a representative about we can help you implement Office 365 to benefit your business.