Many people are familiar with Microsoft’s most popular suite of productivity applications, Microsoft 365. It has familiar names like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint along with less well-known programs like Outlook, OneNote, and OneDrive.
For a long time, it was the most popular productivity software. That’s currently the case. But, there are numerous changes happening within Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 universe.
Over the past few years, Microsoft increased its focus on a subscription-based price structure and has phased out several of its standalone applications. This is due to the fact that Microsoft 365 is designed to be an integrated system instead of a collection of different applications. When properly combined, Microsoft 365 provides businesses with a complete, all-in-one digital workspace that includes communications cloud storage backup and syncing and productivity applications.
In this article that is in-depth, we examine all the facets of the suite’s most popular platforms and explain why it’s worthwhile to invest in Microsoft 365 for your business.
We believe it’s the most effective office software that will be available in 2021. However, If you’re still not convinced then you may want to read our guide on the top alternative in Microsoft 365.
Pricing and Plans
Microsoft 365 pricing is straightforward There are a number of alternatives for companies. Four of them are designed for small and medium-sized companies and two are targeted at large corporations and three are made for employees who are in the first line of work. The plans are all purchased by subscription, with either annual or monthly payment options.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises can select from four plans that include Basic, Standard Premium, Premium, and Apps. In each of these plans, every user will get one TB OneDrive storage.
The basic plan costs $5 per month and is comprised of OneDrive and Teams as well as the online version that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s not a Microsoft 365 subscription because it does not include mobile or desktop applications, but it might be a good fit for some companies’ needs.
Standard pricing is $12.50 per month for a user and comprises every Microsoft 365 desktop and mobile application, such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneDrive, OneNote, and Teams.
Premium costs users $20/month and provides all the apps that are included in Standard and also advanced cyberthreat protection and administrator control. This is great for companies handling sensitive customer or financial information.
Apps cost $8.25 per user/month and are suitable to companies who want to use the Microsoft 365 apps discussed in this article, but without the more sophisticated cloud-based collaboration and cloud-based features.
For enterprises, There are two choices: E3 and E5.
The E3 plan is $32 per month for a user. It comes with all Microsoft 365 applications and unlimited OneDrive storage, as well as an array of cybersecurity, data security as well as access and identity management features that are not part of the Microsoft business plan.
The E5 plan is Microsoft’s most expensive plan, weighing in at $57/month for each user. At this cost, you have all the features Microsoft offers. This includes everything with the E3 plan and more advanced and complete services for managing accounts such as usage analytics, usage tracking, and threat protection. It’s only for large companies which have hundreds of staff.
If you are just looking for a Microsoft 365 subscription for your primary line of employees There are alternatives for this.
The Microsoft 365 F3 plan costs just $10/month for users, and the Legacy F1 plan and Office 365 F3 plan, and Legacy F1 plan cost $4 user/month.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is perhaps the most well-known out of all Microsoft Word, which is among Microsoft 365 platforms and is for many the ultimate word processing program.
In the year 2020, Word is still one of the top applications to write in, regardless of the kind of. It has an extensive (and at times, overwhelming) range of features, a wide selection of templates, as well as the reliability and performance you can expect from a Microsoft product. If you’re required to edit or write documents that contain text it is unlikely that you can’t accomplish using Microsoft Word.
The platform is equipped with top-of-the-line collaboration and review capabilities that make it ideal for teams working in organizations especially when used with OneDrive as well as the other components parts of Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 suite. Multiple users can collaborate on documents, browse older versions of a document as well as track changes and offer instant feedback to colleagues. OneDrive allows users to provide links to coworkers that assign the proper level of permissions to the Word document.
If you are just looking for a Microsoft 365 subscription for your primary line of employees There are alternatives for this.
The Microsoft 365 F3 plan costs just $10/month for users, and the Legacy F1 plan and Office 365 F3 plan, and Legacy F1 plan cost $4 user/month.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is perhaps the most well-known out of all Microsoft Word, which is among Microsoft 365 platforms and is for many the ultimate word processing program.
In the year 2020, Word is still one of the top applications to write in, regardless of the kind of. It has an extensive (and at times, overwhelming) range of features, a wide selection of templates, as well as the reliability and performance you can expect from a Microsoft product. If you’re required to edit or write documents that contain text it is unlikely that you can’t accomplish using Microsoft Word.
The platform is equipped with top-of-the-line collaboration and review capabilities that make it ideal for teams working in organizations especially when used with OneDrive as well as the other components parts of Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 suite. Multiple users can collaborate on documents, browse older versions of a document as well as track changes and offer instant feedback to colleagues. OneDrive allows users to provide links to coworkers that assign the proper level of permissions to the Word document.
Another benefit of Word is its export and sharing features. Word users can export documents to various file formats, including OpenDocument Text (.odt), Portable Document Format (PDF) as well as Microsoft Word format (.docx). Each one of these formats is widely supported and this means that you’ll seldom encounter compatibility problems. This sets Word apart Word from competitors like Apple Pages which suffers endlessly from compatibility issues.
Although we’re unable to provide a comprehensive list of Word’s wonderful features Some of our top features include speech-to-text built-in as well as automatic translation and the reader mode that is immersive. The inclusion of 3D graphic images is yet another thing that differentiates Microsoft Word from the rest of its competition.
Although the program does include certain drawing and annotation capabilities, Word works best for documents that are written in text. If you’re looking to show your creativity You should look into Microsoft OneNote.
Microsoft Word apps are available across all platforms that include Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. While it is best used on tablets and desktops but its mobile apps can be useful to make modifications to documents in transit or for writing down important thoughts.
For a deeper look at Microsoft Word’s strengths and weaknesses, check out our revised Microsoft Word review.
Microsoft OneNote
OneNote Notes is the note-taking app from Microsoft. program and has been developed with students and professional users in mind. While it looks stunning on paper and offers an array of options, however, it’s struggled to reach the level of popularity enjoyed by other platforms like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. But, OneNote has found a place in the academic world of students and scholars. We believe it’s one of the most effective note-taking tools and is not widely used in organizational and business contexts.
One of OneNote’s strengths is its ability to organize your notes effectively. Top-level parent categories are also known as notebooks. Inside notebooks, you’ll find sections and pages. We’ve used a number of note-taking software and are convinced that OneNote is the best choice for organizing your ideas and thoughts organized.
Another advantage is that you are able to access your files whenever you require them. fully integrated to Microsoft OneDrive means your notes or sketches are accessible across all of your devices because of cloud-based sync. Also, with apps available for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, Windows, Android, and Windows, accessing your files will not be a problem. There’s also an app on the web that allows you to take notes on the go.
You’ll probably have to make notes available to clients or colleagues, and the good news is that OneNote makes this easy. You can let other people browse and edit notebooks even if they don’t already have a Microsoft 365 subscription. You can also export certain pages in pdf format. This is perfect for attaching notes to emails within Microsoft Outlook.
The user interface of OneNote is amazing and full of features. It lets users highlight and write text, sketch freely add graphs, images or equations, stickers as well as include audio clips in their notes. These features, as well as other features we’re not going to list, are the reason OneNote is among the most efficient note-taking applications that will be available in 2020.
This OneNote analysis goes into detail about the reasons OneNote is superior and how you can make use of this program within your business.
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel. The name alone can fill users with excitement, and some with fear. But, we don’t believe that anyone should be afraid of Excel. It’s more user-friendly than you imagine and has more power than you could ever think. In just a few hours of instruction, you’ll be confident enough to build and use advanced spreadsheets using the platform.
In Microsoft Excel, you can manage more than 17 billion cells on the same spreadsheet. This is compared to just 5 million cells in Google Sheet. This kind of computing power is so powerful that even big organizations that have large databases can rely upon Excel for getting the tough job accomplished.
Another advantage of Excel is the extensive set of functions, which now numbers more than 450. They allow Excel users to alter and display data in new ways to give a deeper understanding of their data. Expert users can also create and develop their own macros with VBA code.
Like the majority of Microsoft 365 apps, compatibility is not a concern. Apps are accessible on nearly all operating systems. Additionally, Excel spreadsheets can be exported to three different formats: Microsoft (.xlsx), OpenDocument Spreadsheets (.ods), and Portable Document Format (.pdf). Additionally, it is possible to view Excel documents on different platforms like Google Drive.
However, it’s not all positive news, however. While Microsoft has added co-authoring over the past few years, however, it’s an issue with the platform. To co-author in real-time, everyone must have a Microsoft 365 subscription and the most recent versions of Excel. This means that employees cannot collaborate with people who are not part of your company. If co-authoring is feasible it’s secure, quick, and extremely efficient.
Microsoft OneDrive
Cloud storage has gained the last few years in popularity. OneDrive is Microsoft’s first entry into the highly competitive market. It’s one of the most reliable cloud storage services that are suitable for customers as well as businesses.
The platform is not only safe to store the most important files and documents and documents, but the interfaces are simple and user-friendly. Thumbnails can be displayed for a range of file formats. Additionally, the intelligent AI search features help you find the information you’re seeking.
But what distinguishes OneDrive distinct is its complete integration with the other Microsoft 365 apps. This integration deepens the scope of Microsoft 365 an ecosystem of digital products rather than simply a collection of applications.
First of all, OneDrive is secure. The files are all secured, both during the process of transport and when in. The fact that the system is secure makes it more so than its competitors. This means that anyone who is who steals or intercepts your information will get nothing except indecipherable text.
Yet, Microsoft goes even further. Its Personal Vault is a sub-folder that provides end-to-end encryption to your most sensitive data. This means that nobody is able to, even Microsoft is able to read or access the data.
Administrators can also improve the accounts of their employees by imposing two-factor authentication and frequent password modifications.
This security technology is so advanced that firms of all sizes can rely on OneDrive for their most critical documents and documents.
Additionally, OneDrive is easy to access and utilize. Its apps are compatible with all devices and are reliable. A user-friendly and well-designed web application is also accessible that we consider being one of the most powerful cloud storage apps we’ve examined.
Additionally, the platform functions with all the different Microsoft 365 apps. It’s the default saving location for users and allows them to work in real-time with colleagues. When changes are made on a different device, they will also be displayed on your personal device. This means that OneDrive is more than cloud storage and a cloud-based sync platform.
As we’re discussing the subject of collaboration, let’s discuss shared folders and files. OneDrive lets users share folders and files by using specific links. The shared folders and files are then displayed in a separate folder on both the users’ OneDrive Home screens. Therefore, if you’re a company that relies on teamwork, Microsoft 365 will be perfect.
If you’re looking to learn more details regarding OneDrive Our review provides all the details.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Over the past two decades, PowerPoint has helped everyone create engaging and attractive presentations for everyone from elementary school students up to Fortune 500 executives. We continue to believe it’s the most effective platform to create presentations. Let us tell you the reasons.
PowerPoint offers a variety of tools to incite creativity. One of the most popular is Microsoft’s vast selection of templates, all accessible at no cost to Microsoft 365 users. Employees also have access to the coaching tool for presentations which can provide guidance and provide feedback on your speed and presentation style.
Another useful feature (also accessible within Microsoft Word) is the ability to insert and modify 3D images. 3D images may be rotated flipped, or tilted in order to maximize their value in presentations. This is what separates PowerPoint from the majority of its rivals.
As with the other Microsoft 365 apps, users can collaborate and give immediate feedback. OneDrive integration is ideal for creating or managing presentations in a company context.
But there’s one limitation: collaboration with PowerPoint can only be done through the web app which is not available on mobile or desktop versions of the program. This is an extremely important limitation and unsettling given how it performs every other category.
If you’re looking to know more about this platform then check out our Microsoft PowerPoint analysis has been updated and covers everything you’ll learn about the program.
Microsoft Teams
Teams are the latest new addition to the Microsoft family, yet it is the most significant. It is a short description of Teams that incorporates audio as well as video conference (think Skype) with workplace communications (think Slack). It’s a key platform to coordinate and communicate that is essential to the efficiency of the business as more and more employees work from home.
Similar to OneDrive, Teams is designed to serve as the glue that connects all other applications along with the features in Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 suite. It uses cloud technology to let employees collaborate in real-time on multiple platforms.
The video-conferencing capabilities that are part of Microsoft Teams are impressive, making it possible for employees to plan and conduct one-to-one meetings or group meetings for the entire company. It’s even possible to hold information sessions and webinars with up to 10,000 people. On calls, attendees can benefit from screen sharing, call recording live captions as well as background blur technology, and chat features.
Communications channels are a part of video conferencing. They allow users to share messages in groups that focus on different areas, such as an organization-wide project, group-based project announcements, or even the office Christmas celebration. It keeps messages relevant and allows employees to separate their communication.
There’s so much you need to know concerning Microsoft Teams that we couldn’t summarize it all on this page. But our deep review of Teams will do the job for us.
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is a standard within the Microsoft suite of applications and has helped users to manage their email for years. While it’s not as well-known as Google’s Gmail and Apple’s Mail We believe Outlook is among the most effective email applications especially if you have various Microsoft 365 apps.
Blockers for malware and spam are available, but this is standard for all email clients. Businesses also have the option of using groups inboxes which allow many employees to receive and send emails via a single email.
One feature that we really like is the way that emails are classified into folders: the targeted inbox and the second inbox. The inbox that is focused collects messages that algorithms of the platform believe are important or urgent and enables employees to respond to the most important messages quickly.
It’s also important to note that Outlook is built from the front to the back to seamlessly integrate and seamlessly with the various Microsoft 365 apps. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, integrated and responsive email client Microsoft 365 is one of our top choices.
Support
In terms of customer service, Microsoft is one of the most reliable in the market. Even when you are using consumer plans Microsoft is quick to respond, and efficient in solving problems. When we approached the company through its online chat feature we were able to get a response and a response to our query in just 4 minutes.
Some apps permit users to contact support right from the applications, we advise going directly to the Microsoft support site. This vast library of step-by-step tutorials, videos, and community forums has the solution to most possible problems. It’s the top online support portal we’ve encountered in this category of software and it offers plenty of business-specific support and advice.
Businesses can also reach Microsoft via phone or chat online, with premium plans offering an immediate and prompt service. Microsoft’s experienced cybersecurity specialists and technicians are available for assistance in the context of the sophisticated cybersecurity services that are offered with premium plans.
Conclusion
That’s it A complete overview of Microsoft 365. We believe that this is the most effective office software that money can buy We hope that you’ll agree.
Microsoft 365 offers feature-rich documents and productivity applications like Word, OneNote, PowerPoint, and Excel along with the capabilities of cloud technology within OneDrive. Also, don’t ignore Microsoft Teams, the all-in-one digital communications platform that makes sure that your employees are operating efficiently as they can.
We’ve also provided a list of the various subscription options for companies. There’s a subscription for every business no matter if it’s an individual team with five employees, or a multinational group of 50, or a huge-scale company with hundreds, or maybe thousands of staff.
