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Abiyekoko - PeerSpot reviewer
Independent Consultant - Digital Transformation at Jennifer Yalden
Real User
Top 5
Has a straightforward initial setup process and efficient integration features
Pros and Cons
  • "The product's most valuable features are quick integration and video calls."
  • "The platform's pricing needs improvement."

What is our primary use case?

We use the product to collaborate for client meetings via video calls using Teams. We can also use it for storage and share documents with other colleagues.

What is most valuable?

The product's most valuable features are quick integration and video calls.

What needs improvement?

The platform's pricing needs improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Microsoft 365 Business for ten years.

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft 365 Business
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft 365 Business. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
832,138 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable platform.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support team responds to the queries.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I use Google Docs sometimes.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup process is straightforward. It takes a few minutes to complete once connected to the internet.

What about the implementation team?

The product can be implemented with the help of an in-house team.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product's pricing could be better. 

What other advice do I have?

I recommend Microsoft 365 Business and rate it an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
IT strategist at Convergent Wireless Communications
Real User
A user-friendly and complete tool, easy to install, and help is available online
Pros and Cons
  • "It is a complete tool."
  • "With such a complete tool, it may be difficult for a beginner to use without help."

What is our primary use case?

You can use Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access, which is a database.

You can make frequent presentations to customers, and create invoices.

What is most valuable?

Excel is a very powerful tool. I can create a lot of data in Microsoft Excel and then use it and extract the data in any analytics platform.

It is a complete tool. It gives me every kind of feature that I want. It's quite good.

When you talk about ease of use, it's relative. I have been using Microsoft products for a long time. I have grown with it and the product has grown with me. I feel comfortable. But, for someone with no background in IT that doesn't have the dexterity to play with the IT tools, they may find it difficult to use.

When you get used to it, it's like picking up a paper and a pen and drafting it. You can use many more features. Paper and pen are used to exemplify simplicity.

When using PowerPoint, I want to create a very illustrative presentation. I can draw many pictures globally with several designs. It's flexible. After preparing the presentation, I can preview the form and share it with people.

It's very user-friendly.

I can use this product on five devices. I can use it on my mobile, and I have two laptops. I can access it from any one of my devices, even if I am commuting or in another country, I can access all of my documents.

Microsoft OneNote is also included. I can create my shopping list, or go on a trip, and make all of my notes accessible on all devices.

What needs improvement?

With such a complete tool, it may be difficult for a beginner to use without help.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft 365 Business for between four and five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's a scalable product. Most people in our organization use it.

We have approximately 50 users, maybe more.

How are customer service and support?

With all Microsoft products, online help is available.

I have not had the need to contact technical support. I have not had any issues.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was nothing at all. It was no effort.

It was very easy and very comfortable to complete.

Microsoft 365 has multiple packages. I use the auxiliary version. We can deploy all of them in 10 to 15 minutes maximum, but it depends on the internet speed as well.

What about the implementation team?

I completed the deployment and implementation myself. It doesn't require any help.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It could be a little less expensive.

What other advice do I have?

You have the option of 1TB of storage per user, or you can keep it on your desktop or laptop.

I can create documents in Microsoft Office and fill them in PDF. I use Adobe quite extensively. Between them, I don't need anything.

There is no other alternative, except maybe Google.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this product and I recommend it to others.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft 365 Business
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft 365 Business. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
832,138 professionals have used our research since 2012.
General Manager at MPU Solutions
Real User
Easy to use but integration could be more seamless
Pros and Cons
  • "Another nice thing is that Microsoft has infrastructure within our borders. From a GDPR point of view, our data needs to reside within South Africa's borders, and they've got data centers here. That helps because our government has stringent regulations that say the data we can't store data in the cloud outside of our borders."
  • "365 Business' workflow should be better integrated into our current ERP systems. We are running two different ERP systems that are integrated, so it would make sense in the future to have those systems integrated into a content management workflow system."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use 365 for financial functions, like invoices, PODs, purchase orders, and customer contracts. 

What is most valuable?

At this stage, we're getting the most value out of Exchange, Teams, OneDrive, and some portions of SharePoint. Another nice thing is that Microsoft has infrastructure within our borders. From a GDPR point of view, our data needs to reside within South Africa's borders, and they've got data centers here. That helps because our government has stringent regulations that say the data we can't store data in the cloud outside of our borders.

What needs improvement?

365 Business' workflow should be better integrated into our current ERP systems. We are running two different ERP systems that are integrated, so it would make sense in the future to have those systems integrated into a content management workflow system. As it is, 365 is extremely open for integration, but it could be more seamless. Also, from an administrative point of view, it's a bit scattered. A more centralized user environment would be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

We only started rolling 365 Business out in May last year from the local exchange and migrating everything to it. Due to the pandemic, it just made sense. So, I think most other companies did the same thing. In the beginning, my company was primarily interested in the email aspects of 365, but I showed them the potential of SharePoint as well. I gave them a demonstration, and now they're more using OneDrive than SharePoint itself.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have no complaints about 365's stability. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

365 Business is easy to scale based on my experience. But it also depends on which portion—which modules— you want to scale. Adding normal users on Exchange is fairly straightforward. But when it comes to databases, scaling up can become quite complex.

How are customer service and support?

I would say that Microsoft's support is fairly good. I would rate it about six out 10.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of 365 is relatively straightforward. However, because we have about 120 employees, total deployment takes two or three days, including migrating historical email data. But, we were able to handle it all ourselves. And from a maintenance point of view, it's reasonably stable. It's just typical user issues, like password resets. We don't have any problems with space or anything at this stage. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of 365 Business is highly competitive, especially if you compare it to standalone document and content management systems. Obviously, that excludes Exchange and all of that. But if you compare it to other similar products—which you can't really compare it to—I think it's very competitive.

What other advice do I have?

I rate 365 Business seven out of 10. I would definitely recommend it. It's easy to use from a user's point of view. It's easy to set up and add users.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
CEO Iberia & Latam at a recruiting/HR firm with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Easy to install, but they require better data protection, and they have scalability issues
Pros and Cons
  • "It is easy to use."
  • "Data protection needs to be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use Microsoft 365 Business for Teams and SharePoint.

What is most valuable?

It is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

Data protection needs to be improved.

Scalability is an area that needs to be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft 365 Business for a couple of years.

We use Microsoft Teams on the cloud, and the rest of the solution is used on-premises.

We are using the latest version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I don't have any issues with the stability of Microsoft 365 Business.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of Microsoft 365 Business needs improvement.

We have 300 users in our organization.

How are customer service and support?

Personally, I have not contacted technical support, but my colleagues contact them often.

How was the initial setup?

The installation is easy.

What other advice do I have?

Personally, I don't like working in the cloud. The majority of this solution is used on-premises.

I would recommend this solution to others who are interested in using it.

I would rate Microsoft 365 Business a seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Joao Alves - PeerSpot reviewer
Risk Manager at Novo Banco
Real User
Top 10
A stable solution which is easy to use, has good tech support and is conveniently priced
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is easy to use."
  • "The diagnostics is an issue that needs to be addressed, as it cannot be seen when needed."

What is our primary use case?

As the solution is cloud-based, we employ the latest version. 

The solution is really important. It can work anywhere. One only need have an internet connection, so it's pretty safe.

What needs improvement?

The diagnostics is an issue that needs to be addressed, as it cannot be seen when needed. 

Furthermore, there is insufficient on-line information in respect of what is transpiring in real time concerning conferencing. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft 365 Business for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution performs with stability.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support is fine.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

As we were already using Microsoft, use of these sheets was the next logical step. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward, although I do not recall how long it took. 

What about the implementation team?

I was not involved in the implementation of the solution. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The licensing is monthly. 

Its price is fine. 

What other advice do I have?

I am not a manager of the solution. We solely make use of it. 

The solution is easy to use. 

Everyone in our organization is making use of it. This accounts for 3,000 or 4,000 users. 

I would recommend the solution to others. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Senior Research Analyst at MarketsandMarkets
Real User
Interactive, easy to use, and flexible
Pros and Cons
  • "In terms of user experience, it is very easy to use and flexible. It is more interactive as compared to the other tools that we have. Its features are more useful than other software solutions."
  • "For the past six months, I have been facing a synchronization issue between the calendar of Microsoft Teams and the calendar of Microsoft Outlook. In Microsoft Teams, I can't see the updated version of some meetings, but Outlook shows the updated version. There is a problem with data synchronization between the calendars of these applications. Both calendars should be synchronized."

What is most valuable?

In terms of user experience, it is very easy to use and flexible. It is more interactive as compared to the other tools that we have. Its features are more useful than other software solutions.

What needs improvement?

For the past six months, I have been facing a synchronization issue between the calendar of Microsoft Teams and the calendar of Microsoft Outlook. In Microsoft Teams, I can't see the updated version of some meetings, but Outlook shows the updated version. There is a problem with data synchronization between the calendars of these applications. Both calendars should be synchronized.

In Microsoft Teams, more controls should be added in terms of broadcasting and webcasting. Sometimes, there is a lag in shifting control and transferring the content to an audience with more than 500 people. They should make it more usable for a large audience. We frequently conduct training sessions with more than 500 people. We also have annual meetings and collaboration with different teams on a single platform, and it gets difficult to shift the control of the presentation to another team. It currently takes a lot of time, which is not helpful when most of the people are attending meetings outside of their office hours. Zoom is comparatively easy for training programs and broadcasting.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for four and a half years. I believe we are using the latest version. It was updated by my company last month.

How was the initial setup?

It was straightforward. We did not do much in terms of the steps. In terms of help from Microsoft for installation, we had technology support teams that made the setup easier.

We were facing issues with the legacy infrastructure. We were not able to leverage some of the features because of the legacy infrastructure and the origin of the licenses for them. That's the reason why we asked for additional support. Their technical staff upgraded the infrastructure, and we then changed the licensing and updated it. That's how we managed to leverage the latest features.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Everything is offered as a bundle package.

What other advice do I have?

I would advise using the latest version of Microsoft Office 365 because it is comparatively enhanced in terms of security and user experience. If you are using the earlier version, it might not be that feasible in terms of the COVID situation and working from home. The latest version is way better than the earlier version.

I would rate Microsoft 365 Business an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
System Administrator and DevOps Engineer at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Good security, scales well, and offers good integration capabilities
Pros and Cons
  • "The best thing about the product is the ecosystem of it. As most of our users are using Windows and it's a product of Microsoft, we find we get amazing performance."
  • "The user interface could be a bit better."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for its various applications, including Excel and Teams.

What is most valuable?

We like that it's a cloud-based solution that we can work with like a desktop application.

We really like it as a productivity tool. We get a lot of really great applications such as Excel, OneNote, Teams, and more. These types of tools are quite helpful to our day-to-day.

The best thing about the product is the ecosystem of it. As most of our users are using Windows and it's a product of Microsoft, we find we get amazing performance. 

The integration between the apps is great. It's awesome that it's so interconnected even between users to make sharing easy.

The solution scales well.

There's good security on offer.

We've found the product to be quite stable so far.

What needs improvement?

I haven't encountered any issues with the solution so far.

The user interface could be a bit better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for about three to four months at this point. It hasn't been too long.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability has been very good. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. it's reliable. The performance on offer is good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of the solution is good. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so with relative ease.

Everyone in our organization is using the product. That's around 13,000 users.

We may increase usage in the future.

How are customer service and technical support?

I haven't faced any issues that required a call to technical support. I can't speak to how helpful or responsive they are, having never dealt with them directly.

How was the initial setup?

I didn't handle the installation personally. It was managed by our IT team. As I didn't participate in the process, I can't speak to how easy or difficult it was, or what the deployment process entailed. I'm not sure how long it took.

It's my understanding that a single person can handle the deployment process.

What about the implementation team?

Our company has an IT team that can handle the process in-house. We do not need the assistance of an integrator or a consultant.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is a license that you need to purchase in order to use the product.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I've taken a look at Google Suite, which is very similar to Office 365. While Microsoft is a paid product, Google does offer some of its services for free, therefore, it might make for a good option for a startup, for example. Microsoft Office is a better product and it integrates more completely with companies that use a lot of Microsoft within their business. Google doesn't integrate.

What other advice do I have?

We are Microsoft customers and end-users.

The solution really does meet all of our requirements, and we've found that it's an improvement on just Outlook.

Overall, the product has been amazing. I would rate it at a ten out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1553514 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Data Analyst and Project Manager at a consumer goods company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Good document storage and email support, and helps to keep us organized
Pros and Cons
  • "All the development that they've done in Teams recently has been great."
  • "I would like to see a connection between their planner board, and a project for the web would be better."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution for document storage, email, all connected platforms, instead of the Power Platform, we use that pretty heavily. We use Microsoft Project in combination with it, for communication.

How has it helped my organization?

Microsoft 365 business has helped us organize.

I'm a project manager. It helped us organize with all of our teamwork. We can go into Teams, we can set up a team that gives us the backend SharePoint, and it gives us a centralized place to communicate and go back and forth so that everybody can stay up to date. 

It's easy to email the group, as well, since you have the team created.

What is most valuable?

All the development that they've done in Teams recently has been great. The enhanced collaboration, the ability to set up different spaces within Teams for a project, project creation, and the SharePoint behind it. All of that has been really great.

What needs improvement?

Communication regarding updates is an area that can be improved. They've rolled out a lot of updates right now, but we don't know that they're coming. A feature will look different or behave just a little bit differently from day to day, and while most of the updates are great, having some sort of advanced notice that that update was coming and what they changed would be helpful.

We would like some documentation regarding the updates.

I would like to see a connection between their planner board, and a project for the web would be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for five and a half years.

I am using the latest version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Had you asked me two months ago, I would have said just fine, but I know Microsoft has had some issues recently.

I would say that it's fairly stable, but I think that all the increased traffic from COVID and people working from home has resulted in it being less stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability is very good. It's an easily scalable solution.

We have approximately 200 users on every level of our organization and it's been extensively used.

We have plans to increase, possibly through the integration of the Microsoft Power Platform.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not had to connect with Microsoft support. I've been able to solve everything myself or internally.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Previously, we have not used another solution. It's pretty much been Microsoft the whole way.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was fairly straightforward.

I didn't help set it up. I don't know what the timeline was for setting it up.

What about the implementation team?

I suspect they probably used a consultant to help get everything set up, but I don't know that for sure.

What was our ROI?

We have seen a return of investment with using Microsoft 365 Business.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I am not aware of what we pay at this time.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend that they review the licensing and the abilities. It's not difficult to add to things after that, but you may get some additional features if you decide to upgrade your licensing.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten, because it does absolutely everything that I need it to, and it has the ability to do more, but it's not necessarily the most straightforward.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user