Work has fundamentally changed since the past few years. While many employees are forced to work remotely, they now expect to work to be available on any device. It’s predicted that remote work will be three times more common in the near-term even in a post-COVID-19 world. For many employees, it has become a new norm and quality of life issue they won’t give up easily.
At the same time, companies need to protect and secure their data if they're working remotely. Microsoft Modern Workplace provides a secure environment that enables better communication and improves collaboration. Regardless of where employees work, they can have access to the tools they need to stay connected and get the job done right.
What is the Microsoft Modern Workplace?
The Microsoft Modern Workplace is a suite of tools that can improve employee productivity. It’s agile, flexible, scalable, and harnesses the power of the cloud.
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Microsoft Office 365 and Exchange powers email, calendars, and contacts
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Enterprise Mobility + Security handles your device management
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Microsoft Teams provides video conferencing and collaboration tools
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Other apps, including Power Automate and Power BI, connect apps and provide business intelligence
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SharePoint provides a cloud-repository for document management
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Azure is secure data storage.
Together, these functions create the backbone for a modern workplace and seamless communication.
What Comes with the Microsoft Modern Workplace?
The Microsoft Modern Workplace includes Microsoft 365, Office 365, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS).
1. Office 365
The cloud version of Office includes Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access. It also includes Exchange Online for email, OneDrive, and SharePoint for cloud storage as well as Microsoft Teams for video and collaboration.
2. Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 is the operating system for computers and allows the use of Cortana, Microsoft’s intelligent assistant, and robust security, including Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).
3. Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
Enterprise Mobility + Security is the solution to managing remote employees, virtual identities, and devices. The rise in employees working from home or using multiple devices, including bring your own device (BYOD), has created a greater need for tools that can ensure security and maintenance. It allows for single sign-on (SSO) across multiple devices whether they are working in-house or remotely.
4. Business Process Automation
Included in Microsoft 365 is a powerful tool that’s underutilized. Power Automate, formerly known as Flow, allows organizations to deploy Business Process Automation (BPA). This includes automating tasks and reducing the dependence on manual and administrative tasks. The built-in AI functions can integrate with more than 100 applications including Microsoft, such as Microsoft Dynamics, and non-Microsoft products, such as MailChimp, Google Analytics, and Twitter.
How Does the Microsoft Modern Workplace Address Security?
Security is baked into every step of the Microsoft solution. Recently, Gartner named Microsoft security a leader in five of what they called their “Magic Quadrants” of security:
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Cloud access security broker (CASB) solutions
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Access management
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Enterprise information archiving
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United endpoint management (UEM) tools
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Endpoint protection platforms
The Benefits of the Microsoft Modern Workplace
One of the biggest benefits of the modern workplace is mobility. It allows team members to access their work tools wherever they are and whenever they need it. It is also highly flexible, scalable, enhances the digital transformation process, and can improve customer service.
1. Flexible and Scalable
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based model on a per-user basis. This allows you to pay for only what you need right now while reserving the right to make changes as business needs evolve. Because it’s cloud-based, Microsoft handles updates, patches, and maintenance. This creates less work for your IT team and means you will always have the latest version as improvements are deployed.
2. Aids Digital Transformation
It helps businesses move towards true digital transformation. With everything accessible in the cloud, employees can work more efficiently – regardless of location – in a secure environment. Digitizing the workplace allows for better communication and collaboration for colleagues.
3. Improved Customer Service
In today’s “always on” culture, these tools provide 24x7 access to work applications, email, and data. This can improve response time for customer queries. Since apps are connected and easily accessible, customer information and documentation are easier to find.
The Microsoft Modern Workplace Eliminates Common Workplace Problems
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar?
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Poor communication within departments and companies
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Inefficient systems which slow down employees of force errors
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Shadow IT problems
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Siloed data sources
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Frustrated users or customers
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A lack of cross-platform service
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Lack of interoperability
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Overworked IT teams
If so, then adopting the Microsoft Modern Workplace may be your solution to creating a secure, more productive environment for your workforce.
Connect, Secure, Manage, and Optimize Your IT Infrastructure
We can connect, secure, manage, and optimize the performance of your IT infrastructure. From planning to implementation, monitoring to optimizing, and refreshing your IT, let us help you determine what your Modern Workspace looks like.
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