Although most business owners don’t fully understand cloud computing yet, it intrigues most due to the recent press it’s received.  Let’s face it, cloud computing technologies are sexy!  Small and large firms everywhere hope to achieve what cloud computing promises; a more predictable and streamlined method of everyday workflow and cash flow processes so firms can reduce their Total Cost of Ownership to technology. 

Cloud computing can be foggy:

There are many different iterations of cloud computing.  I’ve seen the term “cloud computing” blurred by companies touting variations of these services, which generally leads to end-user confusion.  I won’t go into detail about the other types of cloud technologies.  Instead, I will focus on a bundle of Microsoft products and services that I believe will soon become the standard for most firms, within the next two years.  So who is this new technology darling we will all get to know so well over the next couple years, you ask?  Welcome Microsoft Office365!

What is Office365:

Office365 is a suite of Microsoft’s best of breed technologies that will connect and enable advanced features of the programs you already use, know, and trust, like Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel (the Microsoft Office Suite).  Specifically, the enterprise class communication and collaboration services offered are:

·     Exchange 2010: Enterprise class email and mobile services 

·     SharePoint 2010 : Secure internal webpage file sharing and editing over a web browser

·     Lync 2010: Instant messaging, presence, and online meeting experiences with PC-audio, video conferencing and screen sharing

·     Office Professional Plus (software for your desktop): Office365 includes a pricing package that gives you licensing rights to the current and future releases of Microsoft Office software, per user.  Why is this important?  The more standardized your software is, the cheaper it will be to maintain over time. 

·    Office Web Apps:  Web based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint available in your favorite web browser

·    Blackberry Enterprise Server: Robust Blackberry handheld experience and corporate compliance

Office365 is a rebranded 2^nd version of Microsoft’s cloud current cloud computing package called BPOS (ie: Business Productivity Online Suite). 

Complement your existing software…not replace:

Office365 gives your business the flexibility to continue using the programs from your local pc and internal company servers.  It’s a comprehensive solution with a high level of flexibility and scalability to be used with your existing technology setup.  This type of rich feature flexibility has not been matched by comparable solutions on the market.

Launch Time:

Currently, Office365 is due to be released within the next 7 months, although an exact launch date has not yet been released by Microsoft.     

Utility model/pay as you go:

Office365 services offer a pay as you go model.  Much like you pay your electricity bill, Office365 offers you the benefits of paying monthly for enterprise class technologies that are maintained by Microsoft in Microsoft data centers.  The upfront fees for software and hardware are substantially reduced, and when new software versions are released, the licensing is free, as long as you maintain your subscription.  This also helps to stabilize your technology budget by paying a monthly flat fee.  This will help to reduce the “pops and drops” of IT expenditures and maintenance costs.  You can also reduce or increase the number of users to the Office365 plan and/or reduce or increase the quantity of monthly licenses which will save your company on software licensing inefficiencies that may occur if the software was purchased outright.  Ahhh, the benefits of flexibility!   

How much does Office365 Cost:

Pricing starts at $2/user/month, and ranges to $27/user/month, although most businesses will probably pay somewhere in the middle of those prices, per user.  Pricing will be available for businesses with as few as 5 users, and will vary based on the needed features.  Pricing can also be mixed and matched, so depending on the level of functionality each user needs, there’s a price point available.  Click this link to download a pdf with detailed pricing. 

Setting Firm Expectations:

If you’re interested in learning more about Microsoft cloud services, and how your business can benefit from them, please contact Spidernet at 1.877.281.0322 or email us at info@spidernetconsulting.com for more information.