While most businesses are committed to switching to cloud-based computing, there are those that have tried to hold off, preferring to keep their hardware and software resources on premises. The end of support for Office 2010 gives those holdouts a push towards cloud, with cloud-based Microsoft 365 the preferred solution for staying on a supported version.
Reasons to Switch to Microsoft 365
There are several benefits businesses get by using the Software as a Service (SaaS) version of Microsoft’s Office products:
1. Availability.
Microsoft 365 is cloud-based, so it’s highly available. Employees have easy access to it whether they’re working at home or remotely. If the network is down, employees can use the desktop version and synch their work later.
2. Security.
Security features are built into Microsoft 365, which includes features such as multifactor authentication, email filtering against spam and malware, suspicious behavior detection, and the “Secure Score” to assess your security and guide improvements. Depending on the specific license and version used, additional tools including advanced threat protection may be included.
3. Simplified license management.
Because Microsoft 365 is subscription based, managing licenses is handled through managing subscriptions. Microsoft 365 subscription management services through VAST’s MyCloudPortal makes it easy to add or subtract licenses or provision new services. Cloud optimization can also be applied to Microsoft 365 usage, ensuring its benefits are maximized while expenses are minimized.
4. Simplified support.
The ongoing maintenance of your Microsoft 365 deployment is handled by Microsoft, not your team. In addition, as a SaaS solution, all employees will have access to new features as soon as they’re available.
5. Reduced costs.
As a subscription service, with Microsoft 365 you pay for what you use. You don’t have to buy licenses tied to a specific user or device, and there’s no wasted spending on licenses not used.
6. Improved collaboration.
Microsoft 365 includes a number of collaboration tools, including Microsoft Teams, Skype, and SharePoint, that allow coworkers to easily share documents and collaborate on business projects.
Migrating to Microsoft 365
As with most cloud projects, switching to Microsoft 365 requires migration planning.
Businesses must begin by understanding their current Microsoft deployments and the differences between their current configuration and the environment they wish to create in the cloud. They should also consider whether they need to add third-party resources to supplement Microsoft 365’s capabilities in some areas, such as data protection.
Once the goals and general migration strategy are identified, a detailed plan for the migration can be developed. VAST IT Services provides complete support for Microsoft 365, helping businesses successfully migrate and then manage their new environment. Contact VAST IT Services to learn more about making the switch and gaining the benefits of Microsoft 365.
