Microsoft continues to upgrade and update their software suite to provide more functionality, effectively integrated into apps and programs in order to ensure a streamlined experience. Microsoft 365 ensures that workers can get all of their work done, from wherever they are, and across a wide range of devices. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find a device it doesn’t work on. While offering the same apps you have come to know and depend on – including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint – the legacy apps and functionality are now seamlessly integrated into the cloud.
By connecting to the cloud based services, you no longer have to spend your time updating and syncing your information and data – this is done behind the scenes. And 365 also offers another advantage perfect for busy employees – it always ensures that your team has the most up-to-date version of the software.
Microsoft 365 and Windows 10 Enterprise
Microsoft 365 can be purchased with Windows 10 Enterprise, which offers the best of several worlds. Although this enterprise solution may be utilized by virtually any company, it is designed primarily for midsized or large companies with greater security needs.
Windows 10 Enterprise provides IT departments more flexibility and freedom in security management. It allows IT professionals to remotely manage devices, deliver virtual desktops using Azure, control OS updates, manage apps, access security analytics through the Microsoft Intelligent Security Graph, identify and manage data breaches, create custom detection alerts, and pull reports. The reason that the suite is not as popular with small business is likely tied to the fact that many do not have skilled IT professionals in-house to manage the services. (Click here to learn about how managed services can take the responsibility of IT management off your plate!)
Upgrading to a Windows Enterprise suite provides a company access to everything traditionally included in Windows, as well as many other features, such as:
Windows Defender: Windows Defender Antivirus is included in the Professional and Enterprise versions, but Enterprise also includes Credential Guard, Application Guard, Application Control and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). These software tools provide advanced security for larger organizations, or small companies with especially critical security requirements.
Virtualization: The biggest benefit to the Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) and Microsoft User Environment Virtualization (UE-V) included in Windows 10 Enterprise is that your IT professionals can manage all account settings and activity from a central location, maximizing app security without adversely bothering the end user.
As indicated, Windows Enterprise may be overkill (or too much to manage) for small business. In these instances, Windows Professional versions are likely adequate. If you are a small business who thinks that your applications and data may require increased security but you do not have the IT personnel to support it, a local Sarasota managed services company can help you to assess if a combination of Windows Enterprise and managed services is the right solution for you.
Windows 365 offers the best of two worlds – the applications and programs your team needs and is familiar with, and the advanced monitoring capability to make sure that all data is keep safe, secure, and protected with up to date protection and update. For larger companies with IT personnel on site, your IT team is the best source of knowledge as to if Windows 365 with 10 Enterprise is right for your organization. Alliance IT is here to help with any questions and implementation as needed.
