Microsoft Office 365 : Next Generation Cloud Productivity Service for Small Businesses

Microsoft had announced the opening of Office 365 beta to public on 18 April 2011. Office 365 is a progressive approach to cloud applications that brings Office desktop software and Office Web Apps, together with SharePoint, Exchange and Lync in the cloud, for the first time. It is designed to work for a business of one or a business of one million that means there is no limit to the users, which proves it very beneficial for small and growing businesses.


On the same day Microsoft had also launched Office 365 Marketplace using which users can find third party applications and services to integrate and use with Office 365. Cost of the service starts at $6 per month per user for professionals and small businesses.

Benefits of Office 365

Work any time any where :
Using Office 365 you can access and work on your emails, documents, contacts, calendar from anywhere directly from a web browser on any PC or from almost any smartphone including Windows phones, iPhones, Android Phones and Blackberry.

Easily Communicate and Collaborate :
You can create password protected portals to share and work collaboratively on large documents that are hard to email. It gives you a single location to find the latest and updated version of the documents. As instant messaging feature is incorporated with Office 365, you can send instant messages to all concerned (both inside and outside of your organization) for an online meeting.

Pricing :
Office 365 let you opt for pay-as-you-go pricing in which you have to pay only for the services you are using and can upgrade for the services or users when required.

Security :
Security Development Lifecycle applied to Microsoft Online Services development, deployment and maintenance. The systems will scan your messages and documents for spam and malwares 24*7.

Use familiar office tools :
Work seamlessly on the familiar programs like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or search in the Office 365 Marketplace for the required application and then integrate it to your account to work on it.

Up-to-date versions :
Using Office 365 you will get the latest versions of Microsoft's products such as Echange, Sharepoint, Lync, and other Microsoft office tools.

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