Microsoft 365 has become one of the most widely adopted cloud-based productivity platforms in the world. From small businesses to large enterprises, it offers a unified suite of tools designed to enhance collaboration, streamline operations, and keep data secure — all from virtually anywhere.
But what exactly is Microsoft 365? How has it evolved from the traditional Office suite, and why are so many organisations making the switch?
In this article, we’ll explore the core features, licensing structure, and business benefits of Microsoft 365 — with insights into how FYDUS IT Solutions deploys and supports the platform for UK-based SMEs.
What Is Microsoft 365?
At its core, Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a subscription-based cloud service that includes the familiar Office applications — Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more — along with a suite of connected services such as:
- Exchange Online – Cloud-based email hosting
- SharePoint Online – Document storage and collaboration
- OneDrive for Business – Secure personal file storage
- Microsoft Teams – Unified communication and collaboration
- Intune – Endpoint management and device security
- Defender for Office 365 – Threat protection and anti-phishing tools
All of this is hosted in Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure, giving businesses access to enterprise-grade services without needing to maintain servers or handle complex on-premises installations.
The Evolution of Office to Microsoft 365
In the past, businesses would purchase a perpetual licence of Microsoft Office every few years — a one-time cost for software that quickly became outdated. Office 365 changed that model by offering continuous updates, cloud-based access, and integration with Microsoft’s expanding ecosystem.
In 2020, Microsoft rebranded Office 365 as Microsoft 365 to reflect its broader scope, including security, identity, and device management tools, not just the Office apps.
Now, instead of buying Office once, users pay a monthly or annual subscription that always includes the latest features, bug fixes, and cloud services.
Key Features for Businesses
Microsoft 365 isn’t just about Office apps in the cloud — it’s a full platform designed to support how modern teams work.
1. Secure Email Hosting with Exchange Online
With 50GB mailboxes, shared calendars, and built-in anti-spam and anti-malware filters, Exchange Online is one of the most reliable business-class email systems available today.
2. Real-Time Collaboration
Using Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint, staff can collaborate on documents in real time, hold video meetings, and manage projects — all within a unified interface.
3. Data Protection and Compliance
With Microsoft Purview (formerly Compliance Centre), businesses can set data retention policies, control sensitive information, and meet GDPR and industry-specific compliance needs.
4. Device Management and Security
Using Microsoft Intune, administrators can enforce policies across devices, manage apps, and secure access to business resources — critical for remote and hybrid working environments.
5. Scalability and Accessibility
Whether you’re a sole trader or managing hundreds of users, Microsoft 365 scales with your needs. Users can access their accounts from anywhere — on desktop, browser, or mobile — making it ideal for modern workforces.
Licensing Overview
Microsoft 365 is available in several licensing tiers. The most common for small businesses are:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: Web and mobile apps only, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange Online
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Includes desktop apps, plus all Basic features
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Adds advanced security tools, Intune, and Defender for Office 365
Enterprise licences (E1, E3, E5) are also available, offering additional compliance and security tools suitable for larger organisations.
Why Choose Microsoft 365?
Here are some of the reasons businesses continue to adopt Microsoft 365:
- Reduced IT infrastructure costs
- Remote working and device flexibility
- Automatic updates and patches
- Industry-standard security and compliance
- Seamless integration with third-party tools
How FYDUS IT Solutions Supports Microsoft 365
At FYDUS IT Solutions, we help small businesses and sole traders across East Sussex and beyond get the most from Microsoft 365. Whether you’re migrating from legacy systems or starting fresh, we offer:
- Tenant setup and domain configuration
- Exchange mailbox migration
- Security hardening and compliance settings
- Ongoing support and user training
We also offer flexible support contracts and ad-hoc assistance — ensuring your Microsoft 365 environment runs smoothly and securely.