Office 365
« Back to Glossary IndexOffice 365, now known as Microsoft 365, has become the backbone of modern workplace productivity. Since its launch in 2010, it has evolved into a cloud-powered productivity platform that combines Office apps, cloud storage, collaboration tools, and advanced security measures into a single subscription model. Whether you are a small business, a growing mid-market company, or a large enterprise, Microsoft 365 offers scalable business plans tailored to your needs. With options such as Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and enterprise solutions like Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5, the platform supports flexible deployments, feature updates, and seamless integration with Microsoft Azure.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Office 365 is, its core components, key benefits, and how Australian businesses with 20–250 staff can leverage it for improved efficiency, collaboration, and long-term business resilience.
What Is Office 365?
Office 365, now branded as Microsoft 365, started as a subscription service offering core Microsoft Office apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook 365, alongside cloud-based services. Today, it has expanded into a cloud collaboration toolset with advanced AI-powered features, enterprise-grade data security, and business process automation capabilities.
Key principles include:
- Cloud services & subscription model – predictable monthly or annual costs.
- Always up to date – seamless software updates and feature updates.
- Cross-platform flexibility – works across desktop, web, and mobile.
- Scalability – options from Office 365 Personal and Office 365 Home to enterprise-grade Microsoft 365 E5.
Core Components of Office 365 / Microsoft 365
Productivity Applications
- Microsoft Word – document creation with features like Resume Assistant and Smart Lookup.
- Microsoft Excel – powerful data modeling and spreadsheet analysis.
- Microsoft PowerPoint – professional PowerPoint presentations with PowerPoint Designer.
- Microsoft Outlook – enterprise-grade email, calendar, and CRM software integrations.
- Microsoft OneNote – advanced note-taking and organisation.
- Microsoft Access – database performance management and reporting.
- Microsoft Forms – surveys, feedback, and custom form creation.
- Microsoft Editor – AI-powered writing assistant.
- Microsoft Create – tools for graphic design and personal productivity.
Collaboration & Communication Tools
- Microsoft Teams – real-time chat, video calls, Lync VoIP integration, and large-scale Teams deployment.
- SharePoint Online – advanced document management and file sharing.
- Viva Engage – employee engagement and learning environments.
- Microsoft Loop – collaborative workspace for projects.
- Microsoft Bookings – appointment scheduling and customer interaction.
Cloud Services
- OneDrive for Business – secure file storage with enterprise backup.
- Outlook.com Premium – enhanced email hosting with additional security.
- Power Automate – business process automation and workflow integration.
- Power Apps – build custom business applications without heavy coding.
- Power BI – advanced analytics and data modeling.
Security & Enterprise Management
- Microsoft Defender – built-in antivirus and endpoint protection.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint – advanced identity threat prevention.
- Azure Active Directory (AD) – identity and access management.
- Microsoft Entra ID – advanced authentication and security permissions.
- Azure Information Protection (AIP) – secure document classification and encryption.
- Cyber Kill Chain & Threat Protection – structured approach to identity threat prevention.
- Unified Endpoint Management – manage devices across the business.
- Disaster Recovery & Enterprise Data Protection – ensure continuity and resilience.
Recommended Table: Core Microsoft 365 Applications
| Application | Purpose | Availability (Desktop/Web/Mobile) |
|---|---|---|
| Word | Word processing, Resume Assistant | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Excel | Spreadsheets, Data modeling | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| PowerPoint | Presentations, PowerPoint Designer | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Outlook | Email, calendar, CRM integrations | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Teams | Collaboration, chat, video | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| SharePoint | Document management, intranet | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| OneDrive | File storage & sharing | Yes/Yes/Yes |
| Power BI | Analytics & reporting | Yes/Yes/Yes |
Key Features & Benefits of Microsoft 365
- Automatic Feature Updates – Stay on the latest Microsoft apps without manual upgrades.
- Work Anywhere – Access your Office apps and data from any device.
- Collaboration Tools – Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Loop, and SharePoint Online enable instant teamwork.
- Data Security & Compliance – enterprise data protection, Azure Information Protection, and Microsoft Defender guard sensitive data.
- AI-Powered Tools – From Microsoft Copilot to Natural Language Processing in Power Automate, AI enhances workflows.
- Scalability – Flexible Microsoft subscription options from Microsoft 365 Personal to Microsoft 365 E5.
- Integration with Microsoft Azure – leverage cloud infrastructure for enterprise backup, email archive migrations, and heterogeneous database replication.
Microsoft 365 Subscription Plans
| Plan Type | Key Features | Target User |
| Microsoft 365 Personal / Office 365 Personal | 1 user, 1TB cloud storage, Office apps | Individuals |
| Microsoft 365 Family / Office 365 Home | Up to 6 users, 1TB each, cross-device access | Families |
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic | Web & mobile apps, Teams, SharePoint Online | Small Businesses |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Full desktop & web apps, Teams, Bookings | SMBs |
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | All Standard features + Microsoft Defender, Intune, advanced compliance | Growing SMBs |
| Microsoft 365 E3 | Enterprise apps + security measures, Exchange Server | Enterprises |
| Microsoft 365 E5 | Advanced analytics, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Power BI Pro, Microsoft 365 Copilot | Large organisations |
| Microsoft 365 F1 | Frontline worker collaboration & scheduling | Shift-based businesses |
| Microsoft 365 Nonprofit | Discounted licenses with collaboration and security features | Nonprofits |
How Office 365 Works
Getting Started with Microsoft 365
- Choose a Plan – Select from Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Business Premium, or Enterprise plans like E3/E5.
- Sign Up & Assign Licenses – Activate your Microsoft 365 license and user accounts.
- Deploy Office Apps – Install Microsoft Office Suite on desktop or access via the web.
- Configure Cloud Services – Set up Outlook 365, OneDrive, and SharePoint Online.
- Enable Collaboration – Deploy Microsoft Teams, Power Automate, and Power Apps.
- Secure Your Environment – Configure Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Defender, and Enterprise backup policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between Office 365 and Microsoft 365?
A: Microsoft 365 is the rebranded version of Office 365, offering not only Office apps but also security, device management, and AI-powered tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Q: Can I use Microsoft 365 offline?
A: Yes, desktop Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint allow offline work with cloud sync once online.
Q: How secure is Microsoft 365?
A: It includes Microsoft Defender, enterprise data protection, Azure Information Protection, and Identity threat prevention.
Q: Which plan is best for my business?
A: SMBs often choose Microsoft 365 Business Premium for its balance of productivity and security, while enterprises benefit from E3 or E5.
Q: Does Microsoft 365 integrate with other platforms?
A: Yes, it integrates with CRM software, databases, and Microsoft Azure services, supporting email archive migrations and database performance management.
Tips & Cool Features to Explore
- Use Power Automate for workflow automation.
- Enable Microsoft 365 Copilot for AI-powered features across Word, Excel, and Outlook 365.
- Use PowerPoint Designer to instantly enhance PowerPoint presentations.
- Build low-code apps with Power Apps.
- Leverage Microsoft Create for content and graphic design needs.
- Use Outlook.com Premium for professional-grade email hosting.
- Harness Microsoft Bookings for customer-facing appointment scheduling.
Is Office 365 Right for You?
Evaluate with these key questions:
- Do you need secure cloud storage and file sharing?
- Is collaboration across teams essential?
- Do you require advanced security permissions, identity protection, and Disaster Recovery?
- Do you want access to AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot?
If yes, Microsoft 365 is the ideal choice for your business. With options like Microsoft 365 Apps for business, Business Premium, or enterprise-grade E5 plans, organisations gain personal productivity, advanced analytics, and enterprise resilience.
Conclusion
Office 365 (Microsoft 365) is more than just Microsoft Office Suite—it’s a complete cloud-powered productivity platform. From collaborative tools like Teams and SharePoint Online to AI-powered tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, it enables smarter work, stronger security, and scalable growth.
At Enabla Technology, we specialise in Microsoft Teams deployment, Exchange Server migrations, email archive migrations, and ongoing Microsoft subscription support. If your Australian business has 20–250 staff and would like assistance with your Microsoft licensing please reach out.
« Back to Glossary Index