Over a million companies around the world are now using Microsoft Office 365, the world’s industry standard in workplace productivity software. Providing the familiar functionality of the Microsoft Office platform along with all the benefits of cloud enablement, there are many reasons for its popularity. However, many businesses are still primarily reliant on in-house systems and are struggling to successfully complete their journey to the cloud.
Here are some of the top challenges business leaders face when migrating to Office 365:
#1. Maximising user adoption
Oftentimes, major technology changes in the workplace are met with frustration as employees lament being forced to start learning something new in the name of innovation. In fact, the lack of consistent user adoption is a common reason for digital transformation initiatives to fail. The result is decreased office productivity and morale, along with direct cost burdens on the company in the form of training programs and temporary workarounds.
To maximise user adoption, you need to minimise or, preferably, eliminate the learning curve and ensure that the end-user experience is at least as positive as the previous solution. Office 365 makes that possible by offering a wide range of subscription packages, most of which include desktop versions of the world’s favorite productivity software. It offers all the benefits of the cloud without forcing you to change everything immediately.
#2. Building hybrid deployments
Many business leaders seem to think that modern technology is cloud or bust, that they either migrate everything to the cloud or remain with their dated in-house systems. While the benefits of cloud computing, such as anywhere accessibility and full cross-platform compatibility are without a doubt, it would be unreasonable to deny that in-house computing still retains its importance in certain applications.
Businesses can integrate Office 365 with existing directory services by using an on-premises installation of SharePoint Server 2013, Skype for Business Server 2015, or Exchange Server. By integrating directory services, you can synchronise and manage user accounts for both cloud and on-premises environments from the same platform. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of the cloud without being forced to ditch your in-house systems entirely.
#3. Overcoming security fears
Security and compliance concerns remain at the forefront of most business leaders’ minds when it comes to cloud migration and digital transformation strategies. Aside from the fact that many people are anxious about having their files sitting on a hard drive in a faraway data center, there’s also the concern that data might be vulnerable whilst it’s being migrated to the cloud.
For the most part, these concerns are unfounded. It shouldn’t come as any surprise that Microsoft has the funds and expertise necessary to build the most robust cybersecurity infrastructure possible. Insofar as migrations are concerned, you can overcome security-related issues by keeping all data encrypted whilst it’s in transit and maintaining a backup of your existing infrastructure in case you need to roll back.
#4. Choosing the right plan
It’s always good to have options, but too many make it difficult to figure out which is most suitable for your business. Office 365 subscription packages vary considerably, with different packages being offered to small businesses, large enterprises, and industry-specific sectors such as healthcare, government, and legal. Although you can change your plan later on, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle by getting it right the first time.
In general, businesses with fewer than 300 employees should choose a business subscription. Furthermore, businesses with specific requirements, such as law firms that need electronic discovery or healthcare entities subject to tighter compliance demands, may want to choose an enterprise plan due to the additional features they offer.
Are you looking for unlimited IT support and solutions in Perth? Austin Technology helps you grow your business with scalable computing infrastructures built to support the needs of growing organisations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
