With more than 120 million active business users worldwide, Microsoft Office 365 is by far the leading cloud-based productivity suite. But while Office 365 was designed to improve collaboration and boost organisational efficiency, many small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face unforeseen challenges when migrating to the Cloud. For instance, employees may encounter issues accessing the Cloud via an outdated, overloaded network, or fail to fully utilise critical Office 365 apps, features and support functions.
You’ve made a significant investment in Microsoft Office 365, so let’s make sure you get the most out of it. Follow these four steps to maximise productivity across all aspects of your business:
1. Transform Your Network
For business owners, moving to the Cloud means better connectivity and greater flexibility but many employees often don’t get the fast, seamless experience they were expecting once their organisation makes the switch. This is not a Microsoft Office 365 issue. The sudden surge of users working online from multiple devices can overcrowd legacy networks, slowing connections, overwhelming firewalls and potentially leaving your network vulnerable to an attack.
To avoid these growing pains, it’s critical to partner with an experienced Managed IT Services Provider (MSP), like QCS Group, who can re-design, build and monitor your network to optimise performance. Our experienced technical teams deliver the services, IT-related hardware and software essential for fast, secure and reliable network connectivity across all devices.
2. Encourage Collaboration
According to CITO Research, employee mobility improves business processes by 30 percent, increases productivity by 23 percent and boosts employee satisfaction an astonishing 100 percent. That’s because mobility empowers your team members to achieve more, together. With Microsoft Office 365’s cloud-based file sharing and workflow, users can access the necessary documents anytime, from anywhere and make updates in real time that is, if they properly adopt the software. As one of Microsoft’s few direct Cloud Solution Providers, QCS Group is well-versed in Office 365 best practices. We know the importance of a strong knowledge foundation, which is why our certified Microsoft technicians do more than install programs and add users: they work to ensure end-user adoption of all essential Office 365 functions.
3. Embrace New Apps
Beyond new collaborative capabilities, Microsoft Office 365 offers many other time-saving tools and tactics. Take Office Sway, for instance. Like Prezi, Sway enables your team to create amazing presentations, interactive reports and more in just a few clicks. The app even includes a built-in design engine to reduce laborious manual formatting. Of course, you can still build out presentations via the familiar framework of PowerPoint but Sway provides a new, streamlined approach to corporate storytelling.
Not sure which new Office 365 features and apps your team members will use? To help you find the most cost-effective licensing configuration, QCS Group’s certified Microsoft experts analyse your company’s needs and optimise user plans to eliminate wasted seats and unnecessary apps.
4. Utilise 24/7/365 Support
While Microsoft Office 365 was built to make your organisation more efficient, managing the new cloud-based productivity suite can place added strain on internal IT teams. This means longer ticket times for simple login or connectivity issues, which can significantly hinder employee productivity.
QCS Group offers around-the-clock help desk support for any type of technical issue. That means no more waiting around on hold or troubleshooting your own technology. Rather, your employees can email or call QCS Group anytime and get the help they need from certified Microsoft experts.
Office 365 is a powerful productivity tool don’t let legacy networks or poor end-user adoption keep your business from embracing its full capabilities. To maximise your investment with QCS Group’s Managed Microsoft Office 365 solutions, reach out to marius@qcsgroup.com.au or call 1300 858 723 today.
