Office 365 Pros and Cons

If you are considering whether Microsoft Office 365 is a good option for your business there are various things to consider and weigh up:

Pros to using Office 365

• Guaranteed 99.9% uptime, financially backed service level agreement from Microsoft.
• Access to emails and services anytime from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Access to the latest version of Office where on an applicable package.
• Online storage of 1TB with One Drive for Business for on-the-go access to your files
• In the event of an internet connection issue you still have access to your emails from alternate internet services such as 3G.
• Office 365 offers in-built email protection services to help prevent virus outbreaks and spam.
• Access to SharePoint online for file storage and sharing in conjunction with One Drive for Business.
• Secure 2 factor authentication for additional security to authorise access with a phone call, text message or smartphone app.
• The underlying technology is controlled by Microsoft which removes the need for you to maintain the service and equipment.
• Easy scalability - as the company grows or reduces you can tailor the amount of licenses you pay for.
• Data stored in EU for UK compliance
• Constant improvement and development of products and services
• 150mb send and receive limit for emails
• Easy migration route from most email providers and services to 365
• Password synchronisation between Office account and domain account (where a domain is in use on the corporate network).

Cons to using Office 365

• The underlying technology is controlled by Microsoft which reduces your ability for diagnostics and remediation.
• A monthly cost for the duration of the contract compared to outright buying and owning the equipment and software for an on premise equivalent.
• Speed of internet determines response speed of sent/received emails when compared with an on premises implementation.
• Quality of internet connection determines quality of service.
• Data stored in EU for UK compliance but not specifically in the UK.
• Separate authentication data store when single-sign on is not enabled.