Equipping the office with software has changed

Collaborating through technology is a powerful skill in the business world. Selecting IT packages that support this functionality is a critical decision-making process for leaders, one that has taken on a new form in recent years. Purchasing one powerful set of tools for all workers could involve signing a contract for a tool like Microsoft Office 365 for Business instead of purchasing software licenses as a capital expenditure. This new way of acquiring these tools, including some designed to help employees collaborate, may help more businesses boost their everyday effectiveness.

Contract changes
Microsoft has long been a leader in traditional, software license-based productivity software. Firms that have resisted installing these tools in their offices due to the inflexibility or one-time expense of using them may want to look again, as recent years have seen Microsoft move into the subscription-based cloud space. Now, the Office suite of products is available through flexible contracts and without the need to pay for the on-site hardware that has traditionally added money to productivity software price tags.

These programs directly support collaboration, as they are connected to communication technology such as Microsoft Lync and Exchange. Having a uniform set of tools has always been a boon to connectivity and information sharing. Cloud-based tools take that a step further, with their updates synchronized and the ability to scale the number of users easily available. This means Office 365 is an option for small companies and large operators alike, as the software is always enterprise-class and the amount of connections allowed is adjustable.

Users with these types of contracts can even connect to Web apps in the traditional, endpoint-agnostic sense – specifically, Microsoft Office Web Apps. These are browser-based versions of some of the core programs in the Office suite. This adds flexibility to the way employees work, even if they are carrying out duties remotely.

Staying agile
Businesses today want all the functionality enterprises have enjoyed over the past few years. What they don’t want, necessarily, is to end up tethered to hardware and software license investments that are inflexible and can turn wasteful. This is why it is promising that Microsoft has embraced the cloud pricing model. Businesses hoping to use these services and solutions with even less commitment on their own behalf can engage qualified third-parties to provide managed IT support. This can free up internal IT personnel and negate the need to expand the support department simply to cope with the arrival of promising new processes that boost productivity.

Companies interested in more personalized service should contact Beringer Associates. As a leading Microsoft Certified Partner, we have a full understanding of how products such as Office 365 function and when system upgrades are needed. We will work with your business to determine your operational needs and IT infrastructure to develop a comprehensive roadmap that will support these demands before, during and after a system is launched.