Find the Perfect Cloud Solution with Hi-Tek
Finding the right software platform for your unique company isn’t always an easy task—sometimes your needs are so specific that it can be hard to identify exactly which solution makes the most sense. When it comes to transitioning to cloud computing, you need to make sure that you have the right managed service provider by your side. Hi-Tek specializes in helping companies find the perfect platform to help them grow their business. We take care of everything including installation, maintenance, and user onboarding. And to make that entire process as simple as possible, it’s imperative that we set our clients up with a high-quality software solution. That’s why Microsoft Office 365 is such a success; with a user-friendly interface, several unique features, and a simple installation process, Office 365 is an industry-leader for seamless cloud technology.
Which Office 365 Cloud Service is Right For You?
Microsoft offers four main products for businesses: Office 365 Essentials, Office 365 Business, Office 365 Premium, and Microsoft 365 Business. While they may all sound fairly similar, there are significant differences that set each one apart from the other. In this blog, we’ll go through the primary features that each one has to offer, and how that unique management system might be the right fit for what you’re looking for in a cloud-based infrastructure.
Office 365 Essentials
What does it include?
Only web-based Microsoft services—PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and Skype for Business. It also includes SharePoint for seamless file sharing, Microsoft Teams for communicating within your office, and Yammer.
Who’s it for?
(Very) small businesses, or businesses with an existing high-speed internet connection looking to increase the performance of a select few desktop apps. It’s an excellent option for companies with a really small team that wants to keep all of their information and applications web-based.
Office 365 Business
What does it include?
This iteration includes the core, downloadable Microsoft desktop apps with no online services or business-class email. Users will enjoy access to PowerPoint, Excel, Word, OneNote, Access and Outlook. As for web-based services, OneDrive is the only one that you’ll have access to.
Who’s it for?
Business owners that only want to use the core Microsoft apps on their desktops.
Office 365 Business Premium
What does it include?
All of the desktop apps and web services that Microsoft offers. It essentially combines all of the unique features that the aforementioned models have into one service.
Who’s it for?
Small businesses (larger than Essential-sized, though) that need comprehensive file management systems and user-friendly access to Microsoft collaboration tools.
Microsoft 365 Business
What does it include?
Every feature that’s offered with Business Premium, but with high-quality mobile device management and IT security features. Users with this platform are also automatically upgraded to Windows 10.
Who’s it for?
Businesses with a similar infrastructure for the Premium option, but maybe with a larger team. Your cloud infrastructure should be as robust as you can afford; serverless computing and virtual machines are not services that you should take lightly, and Microsoft 365 Business is one of the best options available on the market today.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need to adhere to any legal/regulatory compliances?
If so, Microsoft Office offers solutions that can help. Basic functions include tools such as audit logging, secure SharePoint sites, and governance policy enablements and more complex products offer simulated attacks, compliance managers, and multi-factor authentication. The specific type of compliance you need will denote which tools you require, and thankfully Hi-Tek Data is well-versed on the correct methods to achieving and maintaining compliance.
Do you want to take advantage of Microsoft Office?
Surprisingly, only some versions of Microsoft Office contain the Microsoft Office suite. For only $5/month, office 365 Business Essentials offers Exchange, OneDrive, Sharepoint, and Teams, but no Office Applications. Other products vary in the services included but feature all Office Applications. Some companies are able to use other software providers for these functions, but Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access are important programs for most of our clients. It is critical to explore these applications and their competitors to find the perfect Office 365 plan.
What type of collaboration does your team need?
Depending on how much your team needs to interact with each other, investing in a plan that includes Skype would be beneficial. Rather than sending emails for every conversation, Skype allows teams to chat each other and mimics popular tools such as Slack. By utilizing a Microsoft product, you are able to integrate other programs, such as OneDrive, within the communications. Your team will be able to send documents easily and discuss them in real-time. This tool can even replace phone systems!
