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Today’s business landscape is hugely interconnected, and against such a backdrop, Microsoft 365 for SMEs has established itself as an essential tool for enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Particularly tailored to small and medium-sized organisations, Microsoft 365 Business Basic offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline operations and support scalability. We will explore the range of its functions further in this article and delve into the many ways in which this platform can be integrated into daily business processes to maximise efficiency.
Key features of Microsoft 365 Business Basic
There are many strings to this software’s bow, including:
Generous storage and mailbox capacities
One of the standout features of Microsoft 365 Business Basic is its generous storage solutions.
Each user benefits from 1 TB of OneDrive storage, complemented by a 50 GB mailbox, facilitating easy management of large files and extensive email communications – without the worry of running out of space. Users can also send attachments of up to 150 MB. This capability is critical for SMEs that deal with large volumes of data and require robust, scalable solutions.
Microsoft Teams for enhanced communication
Microsoft Teams is an integral component of Microsoft 365, designed to enhance communication across an organisation. It supports online meetings with up to 300 participants, integrating chat, video calls and collaborative project tools into one seamless interface.
This integration is pivotal for SMEs aiming to maintain high levels of engagement and teamwork, regardless of physical location. With so many attributes, it’s no wonder the app clocked 300 million daily users in 2023.
Security and compliance features
Security is paramount in the digital age, and Microsoft 365 Business Basic addresses this need with built-in features such as Exchange Online Protection and Malware Protection. These tools ensure that business data is safeguarded against external threats, maintaining integrity and compliance with industry standards.
Advantages of Microsoft 365 for SMEs
For small and medium businesses, there are many advantages to implementing a Microsoft 365 integration. These include:
Collaborative workspaces with SharePoint
With 32% of Irish SMEs planning to increase staff numbers in 2024, streamlining workflows will be top of the priority list. This is where SharePoint comes in; another powerful tool under the Microsoft 365 umbrella.
The app enables businesses to create collaborative workspaces that are invaluable for sharing resources and information within a company, enhancing cooperation and creating an efficient system that supports productivity.
Business-class email with Exchange Online
Exchange Online offers business-class email capabilities, which include advanced calendaring and management features. This functionality not only aids in organising daily schedules but also enhances the overall communication framework within an SME.
Comparison between Microsoft 365 business plans
While Business Basic has a lot to offer SMEs, other Microsoft 365 plans boast more than their fair share of attractive features. So, which is the best choice? Let’s delve a little deeper…
Business Basic versus Business Standard
While Microsoft 365 Business Basic provides essential tools for collaboration and communication, Business Standard expands on this by including desktop versions of popular Office apps and additional collaboration tools.
This makes Business Standard a more suitable option for SMEs that require more comprehensive software solutions directly on their desktops.
Business Premium for advanced security
For SMEs concerned with advanced security, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is an ideal choice. It offers sophisticated identity and access management tools, along with enhanced cyber threat protection, providing a higher level of security for businesses operating in sectors where data sensitivity is a priority.
Maximising Microsoft 365 integration
Integrating Microsoft 365 into existing workflows is the first step; the next item on the checklist is learning how to get the most out of its capabilities. This involves:
Utilising Microsoft Teams for internal communication
Effective use of Microsoft Teams can transform how an organisation communicates, encouraging seamless interactions across various departments. Employing Teams for daily meetings and collaborative projects ensures that every team member is engaged and on the same page.
Effective data management with OneDrive
OneDrive offers ample document storage and sharing capabilities that are crucial for effective data management. Leveraging OneDrive enables SMEs to organise their documents and access them from anywhere – essential for maintaining productivity in a flexible work environment.
Strategic deployment and customisation of Microsoft 365 for SMEs
Deploying Microsoft 365 in a way that aligns with specific business needs and user roles is crucial. This can be achieved by tailoring access to apps and services based on job requirements, which allows for more efficient use of resources and enhances user experience.
Comprehensive training for users
To fully benefit from Microsoft 365, SMEs should invest in comprehensive training for their staff. By providing this opportunity to fully grasp how to effectively use Office apps and collaboration tools, business owners will see a dramatic improvement in productivity and operational efficiency.
This can be facilitated by choosing to integrate through a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, such as Arbelos, who offers comprehensive IT support for Microsoft 365 migration, implementation, hardware requirements and more.
Arbelos is your provider of Microsoft 365 for SMEs in Ireland
As a leading managed IT service provider in Ireland, Arbelos is dedicated to helping SMEs optimise their use of Microsoft 365.
Our team of experts provides tailored solutions that ensure your company leverages the full potential of Microsoft 365 for Business, offering advice and support with everything from initial integration to getting the most out of the impressive suite of tools offered by Microsoft 365.
Contact us today to discover how we can transform your business operations and drive your digital transformation journey.
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