With the constant evolution of technology, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for businesses using Microsoft 365. Whether you’re leading a small business or a large enterprise, the tools available through Microsoft 365 offer immense potential to drive productivity, collaboration, and efficiency, especially with the latest AI enhancements. Here’s how decision makers can truly maximise their Microsoft 365 investment & stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
1. Leverage AI-Powered Copilot to Enhance Productivity
AI is no longer a buzzword – it’s a practical, business-ready tool. The new Copilot for Microsoft 365, rolling out across apps like Word, Excel, and Teams, is designed to significantly boost productivity. Microsoft reports that early adopters of Copilot have seen productivity improve by up to 70% for certain tasks, from writing & summarising documents to data analysis in Excel. AI can now handle more contextual tasks, such as answering queries during a Teams meeting or creating dynamic PowerPoint presentations on-brand, which is a game-changer for many businesses.
Decision makers should prioritise getting their teams familiar with these AI tools, as they will be critical for staying competitive. Moreover, businesses should think about integrating Copilot into their unique workflows, allowing the AI to operate within specific company data & systems to unlock even more value.
2. Strengthen Security with Advanced Governance
As organizations increasingly leverage AI and cloud-based technologies, the imperative for robust security and governance has never been more urgent. Microsoft 365’s integration of AI tools, such as Copilot, further underscores the need for stringent data privacy and control measures.
Decision-makers must prioritize the development of comprehensive governance strategies that enable their teams to harness the power of AI while safeguarding sensitive company data. A well-structured governance plan that encompasses a wide range of AI systems, including Copilot and other cloud tools, is essential to mitigating potential risks.
Microsoft 365 E5 offers advanced security features that can significantly enhance an organization’s protection posture. While the initial investment may seem substantial, it’s designed to replace standalone security solutions, ultimately reducing complexity and vendor lock-in. By adopting E5, organizations can benefit from a unified security platform that addresses the unique challenges posed by AI and cloud environments.
3. Optimise Hybrid & Remote Work with Microsoft Teams
The shift towards hybrid & remote work isn’t going anywhere, and Microsoft Teams is at the heart of facilitating this new way of working. Microsoft has made improvements to the Teams interface to enhance collaboration, moving away from basic group chats to more immersive, team-based collaboration spaces.
Microsoft Loop, a tool predicted to rise in popularity in 2024, enhances real-time collaboration by allowing content to be shared & worked on across different Microsoft apps like Teams and SharePoint. With these enhancements, decision-makers should ensure that their teams are fully trained on how to use these tools for maximum impact, especially as businesses increasingly rely on collaboration between remote teams.
4. Improve Efficiency with Microsoft Power Platform
The Microsoft Power Platform, including Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate, is another area where businesses can unlock substantial efficiency gains. These low-code tools allow businesses to create custom apps, automate workflows, and generate powerful insights from their data. The integration of AI into Power BI, for instance, makes data analysis simpler & faster, even for non-technical users.
For decision-makers, this means you can automate routine processes, improve reporting, and empower employees to make data-driven decisions with minimal need for IT involvement.
5. Choosing the Right Microsoft 365 Plan
Navigating the array of Microsoft 365 plans, including Business Premium, E3, and E5, can be daunting. While most businesses may find a standard package suitable, organizations dealing with large volumes of sensitive data or requiring advanced security features should carefully consider upgrading to E5. E5 offers robust tools like Microsoft Defender, advanced compliance capabilities, and enhanced AI functionalities.
To ensure you’re getting the best value, regularly review your Microsoft 365 contracts and negotiate for price protections as subscription costs often increase after the initial term. If you’re considering implementing Copilot, gathering insights from other organizations that have already adopted the tool is advisable. Their experiences can provide valuable guidance in your decision-making process.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft 365 is more than just a set of productivity tools. With AI-driven features, enhanced collaboration platforms, and top-tier security, it can transform the way your business operates. The key for decision-makers is to stay informed, train employees, and be proactive in implementing governance to ensure these tools are used to their full potential. With the right strategy, your business can harness the full power of Microsoft 365 to stay ahead of the curve.
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