Microsoft Office 365 is available in many versions with differing functionality, which has resulted in some brand confusion. For example, the consumer version provides online storage with OneDrive, although this capability is scaled down as compared to the enterprise version of Office 365. A Microsoft Office small business may therefore be reluctant to adopt Office 365 due to a number of misconceptions regarding this product.
Myth #1: Some versions of Office 365 aren’t secure.
Fact: All versions of Office 365 have dedicated threat management and multiple layers of security.
Myth #2: Office 365 is more expensive than on-premises office solutions.
Fact: The monthly cost of Office 365 is typically much less, once you consider the savings in data storage, license fees and subscription fees.
Myth #3: Office 365 is difficult to customize.
Fact: Microsoft Azure allows you to customize Office 365 business essentials to an incredible extent, including integration with other systems.
Myth #4: Microsoft Office 365 isn’t available offline.
Fact: Some plans allow users to access their data offline, including OneDrive for Business, Office Desktop client, and Office for Android and iPad.
Myth #5: Traditional hosted software provides the same value as Office 365.
Fact: This comparison may have been accurate a few years ago, but Microsoft’s current “cloud first” strategy means that Office 365 has greater value for Microsoft users, especially businesses.
Myth #5: Businesses will lose control of their technology if they move to the cloud.
Fact: Business actually gain control over their technology when they move to the cloud because they spend less time and money maintaining their IT infrastructure.
Myth #6: Moving to the cloud is an all-or-nothing process.
Fact: Most small businesses migrate to the cloud in small steps, by moving applications one at a time.
Myth #7: Migrating to the cloud is too much work for a small business
Fact: Cloud migration is rarely a simple task, but it often proceeds quite smoothly with proper planning that uses agile initiatives.
Myth #8: Skype for Business is the same thing as Skype.
Fact: Skype for Business is integrated into Office 365, and allows up to 250 people to attend online meetings.
Myth #9: Email is more complex with Office 365.
Fact: Microsoft handles email maintenance for Office 365, allowing business to focus on controlling their employees’ access to features.
Myth #10: Critical applications are more likely to break because Office 365 is constantly updated.
Fact: Microsoft ensures that Office 365 remains compatible with business applications by not changing features such as the API or object mode, which could affect other applications.
Myth #11: Using Office 365 will result in a loss of privacy.
Fact: Office 365 uses user-controlled file collaboration to keep data firmly in the customer’s hands.
Myth #12: Office 365 is an immature product.
Fact: Office 365 is based on the Office package, which has been in use for decades.
Myth #13: Office 365 is an unreliable platform.
Fact: Microsoft’s Service Level Agreement (SLA) for Office 365 includes a minimum uptime requirement of 99.9 percent.
Myth #14: Office 365 is complicated to install.
Fact: Office 365 requires no setup time, just like other server-based software.
Summary
CSCi can help businesses in San Diego to leverage Office 365. It has a strong reputation for providing reliable, secure systems that allow small business to meet their productivity challenges. Contact CSCi today for help in developing the right solution for your business needs.
