What is Office 365?

by Daniel Stockman, i-Tech Support, Inc

Published on 9/29/2017

In 2011 Microsoft unveiled its next generation of office productivity software, branded Microsoft Office 365. Office 365 represents a cloud-based composite of productivity software and services, hosted in the robust Microsoft Exchange Server 2016, and available to users on a flexible subscription basis.

The new Office 365

Office 365 is comprised of three components:

• Microsoft Exchange Online: Email, calendar, and contacts solution delivered as a cloud service, hosted by Microsoft on Exchange Server 2016
• Applications (Office Online): Web and desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher and Sway
• Products: Online tools that allow users to experience more features and collaborate: Exchange, Bookings, StaffHub, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Planner, MyAnalytics, OneDrive, Project, SharePoint, Skype for Business, Visio, Yammer

Office 365 is designed to give you more

More functionality, more capabilities and more opportunities to meet office needs efficiently and cost-effectively. Office 365 includes all the traditional applications used by offices for decades, but also opens users up to a new world of cloud-based applications, products and services that can be added a la carte create a customized suite of tools to effectively meet specific office needs.

Office 365 delivers true productivity, security and collaboration capabilities to businesses. Users gain a host of benefits, such as autosave, real-time multi-user editing, unified collaboration, seamless upgrades, automated patching and 24/7 support, mobility, enhanced security and customization.

Office 365 is compatible with previous versions of Microsoft Office and even competitive brands, such as G Suite. It opens up more opportunities for users to work virtually anywhere and collaborate simultaneously, taking into account different work and communication styles.

A Smarter Investment

A more cost-effective solution, O365 significantly reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) and delivers proven return on investment (ROI).

“Office 365 delivered an ROI of 321% with a payback period of 2 months for the composite midsize organization. Office 365 improves productivity, provides IT peace of mind, and reduces TCO compared to a similar on-premises implementation.”

– TCO & ROI Report for Office 365 by Forrester Research

Users can calculate the return on investment online with Microsoft’s ROI calculator: https://products.office.com/en-us/business/roi-calculator

Office 365 Packages and Options

Microsoft is determined to uphold their reputation as the uncontested the leader in office productivity software. They have made it easier than ever for users to experience new possibilities with Office 365 with free demonstrations, 30 day trials, and a variety of packages that easily fit any organization’s size, needs and budget.

Office 365 has per month and per user subscription options to ensure users only pay for what they need. Users have the flexibility to switch between packages as their needs evolve. Discounts are available for longer term subscriptions, for enterprise organizations, government, and education.

Getting Started with Office 365

Microsoft has empowered authorized partners like i-Tech Support with extensive training, tools and support to help businesses evaluate the system and seamlessly transition. Request a free Office 365 migration consultation here.

i-Tech Support, Inc. – The Technology to Achieve More

Established in 1999, i-Tech Support, Inc. offers world-class technology support to help businesses achieve more. With divisions dedicated to managed IT support, advanced technology, cybersecurity, cloud services, network assessments, software and consulting, our full-service capabilities enable us to be a versatile technology partner for IT departments and businesses in Florida. We support you with the technology to achieve more.

i-Tech Support, Inc.: D: 407-265-2000  |  W: www.i-techsupport.com  |  E: info@i-techsupport.com