Microsoft's suite of business productivity products is constantly evolving – both in name and in technical capabilities – so it can be challenging to keep track of what's what if you aren't consistently tuned-in to Microsoft news.
What is Microsoft 365?
Starting off simple: Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that provides users with access to a product family of cloud-based productivity software.
M365 is comprised of an array of programs with which users can conduct a seemingly endless amount of business processes. The massive range of the Microsoft 365 product suite is due, in part, to its variety of sophisticated programs that have become the backbone of the modern-day work environment.
The Microsoft applications you may recognize under their previous name, Microsoft Office, serve as some of the most important tools for businesses around the world.
What programs are included in Microsoft 365?
The list of products that make up Microsoft 365 is substantial, but many of its programs interact with one another. The modular nature of the suite of programs means that any user, company, or team can pick and choose not only which programs are most relevant to their operation, but also which programs that occupy similar niches fit their preference best.
In this section, we'll break the list of programs down into five loose groups based on their primary purposes.
Database + Spreadsheets: Access and Excel
Quantitative information, databases, charts, and tables are an important part of almost every business. Finances, record keeping, and list making of all kinds can be handled by these two programs alone. When managing data with these Microsoft 365 programs, data can be interconnected between Access and Excel, while retaining the ability to be managed independently.
Planning + Management: Microsoft Lists, Planner, and To-Do
Time and task management are built into several of Microsoft’s applications. However, these are much more focused on it. If you are interested in planning events, keeping track of due dates, monitoring progress, or regimenting your daily schedule, with Microsoft 365 you have a variety of options.
Communication + Collaboration: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and more
In any relationship, professional or otherwise, effective communication and collaboration are the key to success. It is no wonder that there are so many applications from Microsoft that specialize in digital communications. Video and voice chatting have become a standard necessity for internal and external company communications, and both are incorporated into Microsoft Teams to increase online collaboration.
Additionally, many of these programs facilitate the sharing of files from other Microsoft applications to make teamwork as seamless as possible. Connect with your team members, plan meetings, and collaborate on projects to ensure your success.
Word-Processing + Notetaking: Word, OneNote, Forms, and more
Anyone who needs to communicate complex ideas will find a use for Microsoft's word-processing programs. Spell-checking, formatting tools, multi-media capabilities, and creative templates streamline word-processing for your organization and yield greater results.
Presentations: PowerPoint, Stream, Visio, and more
Presentations are often an information-dense way to display completed work or vital updates. The goal is to keep an audience engaged with thoughtful, but succinct information. Building an idea, product, or lesson into an engaging and effective presentation is easier than ever with these tools. Creating slideshows, videos, flowcharts, and sharing them with your team or audience is made easier with Microsoft 365's presentation tools.
Advanced: Security, Storage, and other cloud computing enhancements
Beyond the business productivity tools included in the Microsoft 365 suite, businesses also gain access to cloud storage, security solutions, and other advanced tools through certain subscription licenses.
The Added Value of a Trusted Microsoft Partner
These programs can be a lot to keep track of. Helping organizations with this sort of categorization is just the start of the type of help that Five Nines provides our partners with their Microsoft licensing and business tool consolidation.
Deciding which programs to use for different goals, knowing how to navigate unfamiliar platforms, and managing complex technical goals like cybersecurity can be hard to do alone. Five Nines steps in to help companies select the right Microsoft 365 Subscriptions, Licenses, and add-ons to fit their growth projections.
As a certified partner, we have in-house Microsoft Specialists that can review current licenses (for organizations already using Microsoft), develop a detailed plan, and help lower operational costs related to business productivity systems. Additionally, our clients receive around-the-clock support for email services, advanced security, and more. Get in touch with our experts today to learn more.
