Remember the days when on-premise servers were the ‘in thing’? They provided businesses with reliable solutions for data management. Yet, as time evolves, so do technological landscapes. Today, most operations that were once tethered to bulky hardware can seamlessly soar within a Microsoft 365 SharePoint environment.

Applications

Begin with a thorough review of all your applications. You should ask yourself: Are these primarily web-based or do they reside on your physical server? Common applications include Adobe, Quickbooks, niche business-specific applications, and various office products.

If they’re hosted on your server, consider whether cloud-based versions are available. Scrutinizing these alternatives is crucial. They should not only offer similar functions, but the transition to them should be smooth and uncomplicated. In most instances, the shift proves beneficial.

Computers

It is important to evaluate your computers. Ideally, they should be less than five years into their lifecycle. In the SharePoint sphere, the absence of an SSD can be a bottleneck; hard disk drives aren’t as efficient. At the very minimum, your machines should be powered by:

An i5 processor
A 256 GB SSD
16 GB of RAM

Internet Service

Your connectivity plays a pivotal role in how smooth your SharePoint experience will be. Understand your connection type:

Cable/Coax: Usually identified when the download speed (first number) is higher. Example: 100/10 would indicate a coax connection.

Fiber: Here, download and upload speeds mirror each other. Example: 100/100.

Although fiber is optimal for cloud-based operations due to the current upload demands, a robust cable connection can be equally effective, contingent on specific conditions.

Technology Partner

Does your IT provider make the cut? The complicated differences of setting up a SharePoint environment demand specialized expertise. Moreover, given that Microsoft 365 licenses come with a premium price tag, having a partner that makes sure you get the best bang for your buck is invaluable. It would be wise to request references from your IT provider for similar projects they’ve undertaken.

Ready to elevate your SharePoint experience and ensure you’re getting the most value from your IT investment? Do not hesitate to contact Info-Tech Montréal today for expert guidance and proven results.

Microsoft 365 Licenses

Navigating the world of Microsoft 365 licenses can sometimes feel daunting. Info-Tech Montréal can help break it down for you.

While most licenses include SharePoint and OneDrive, the Business Apps license doesn’t make the cut.

However, for those eyeing SharePoint, the Microsoft 365 Business Premium license emerges as the winner. Not only does it pack in SharePoint, it also boasts enhanced cybersecurity features, offering a digital shield for your business data. It’s essential to look beyond just names and prices.

Understanding the core features and long-term benefits will ensure you make a choice that aligns best with your business needs. In today’s digital age, comprehensive solutions and robust security go hand in hand.

Other Considerations in a SharePoint Environment

Always couple your Microsoft 365 license with Multi-Factor Authentication for an added layer of security. If you’re used to scanning to a shared server folder, it might be time to pivot to scanning directly into a SharePoint folder or switch to scan-to-email. Furthermore, linking computers to OneDrive guarantees that, even if disaster strikes your computer, your files remain safe, reachable, and mobile.

Get in touch with us, and we’ll review your systems, culminating in a detailed SharePoint readiness report. Dive into the future with confidence.

In the dynamic landscape of business technology, traditional “office suites” have evolved into robust collaboration hubs. While many enterprises utilize Google Workspace, a significant number are leaning towards Microsoft 365, drawn by its vast array of tools and benefits that amplify efficiency and teamwork.

Historical Evolution

Previously known as Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365 has expanded its range of tools, integrating popular applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and newer tools like Teams and SharePoint.

On the other hand, Google Workspace, formerly Google Suite, emerged as Microsoft’s mini-me offering cloud-based applications like Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Meet, and Sites.

Key Differences

A natural comparison emerges between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace when it comes to the way a business operates. While both platforms offer robust solutions for modern enterprises, key differences in their feature set, integration capabilities, and user experiences have shaped distinct preferences among businesses. The choice between them often hinges on an organization’s specific needs and priorities. Let’s dig deeper and compare their traits.

1. Cloud Integration

Google Workspace is predominantly cloud-based, ensuring some accessibility, but at times, can be limiting.

Microsoft 365 has enriched its cloud services, granting users the flexibility to operate both in the cloud and through traditional desktop and mobile apps.

2. Cyber Security and Support

Both offer extensive security tools, including enterprise-level encryption, cloud security, data loss prevention, 2FA, and malware prevention.

Google Workspace offers standard and tiered security and its support isn’t 24/7 unless upgraded.

Microsoft 365 provides 24/7 support for all plans and more advanced security packages.

Elevate your Microsoft 365 account’s safeguard with multi-factor authentication.

3. Productivity and Collaboration

Both platforms enable live document co-authoring.

Google Workspace, while streamlined, sometimes lacks in app integration and capabilities, particularly when compared to tools like Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft 365 provides a broader app range with seamless integration due to Windows’ tighter ecosystem.

4. Cloud Storage

Google Workspace provides storage caps of 30 GB to 5 TB across its various plans.

Microsoft 365 offers 1 TB of OneDrive storage for each user across all business plans.

5. Ease of Use

Google’s tools are simpler but might pose challenges for users accustomed to Microsoft’s software.

Microsoft’s tools, being long-standing industry standards, have a slight learning curve but offer more advanced features.

6. Administration

Google Workspace has a more streamlined administrative experience, sometimes lacking in-depth control features present in Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365 boasts comprehensive administrative controls, drawing from its long history of business software development.

7. Pricing

Google Workspace pricing varies from $6 to $18 per user per month, with enterprise plans being custom-quoted.

Microsoft 365 offers four main plans ranging from $6 to $22.50 per user per month.

MS365 Business Premium account

Now as you can tell, we highly recommend Microsoft 365, particularly the Premium version, in high regard. Why, you ask? With the Premium account, businesses gain access to enhanced security features that ensure the utmost protection of sensitive data. Collaboration is taken a notch higher with tools designed to streamline team interactions, making remote work more efficient than ever.

Moreover, the advanced analytics tools in the package provide invaluable insights, enabling companies to make informed decisions. All in all, the Microsoft 365 Premium offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for modern business needs. And trust us, once you’ve tasted Premium, you won’t want to go back!

Recommendation

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 with Info-Tech Montreal. Our expertise shines brightest when tailoring the Business Premium experience for organizations, giving them a distinct edge over competitors.

While Google Workspace offers value, Microsoft 365’s broad capabilities, especially with a Business Premium account, are unmatched. Dive deeper with Info-Tech Montréal and elevate your business operations with our premium IT managed services.

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