Top ways Workplace Analytics increases business productivity
Microsoft Workplace Analytics gathers data from Microsoft 365 to provide insights into how employees work and interact with one another. It shows how employees use technology to accomplish tasks, giving a better understanding of how every member of the team spends their time at work. This allows business leaders to identify and address process inefficiencies […]
March 2023 Webinar – Planning for Success: Using Teams to Implement Traction, Planner and Todo
Link to Video Join Edward and Daniel this month as they discuss using Microsoft Planner and To Do to improve business productivity. They pull from examples of how it’s used at Stringfellow Technology Group and how they’ve implemented Traction to become more productive.
Unlock your SMB’s growth potential with Microsoft 365
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like yours are the backbone of the global economy. You play an essential role in creating jobs, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. But to stay competitive, you need to have access to the latest technology, and that often feels like an insurmountable challenge for SMBs with limited resources. Fortunately, […]
It starts with a notification…
A notification in your pocket dings and lets you know someone is trying to log into your email. That’s weird, you think, I didn’t do that. Upon closer inspection, you notice the login request is coming from Paris, France. Something’s not right. A hacker phished You. The excel spreadsheet that your work colleague sent you […]
Get the most out of Groups with these powerful connectors
Do you struggle with sharing resources with members of your team? Microsoft 365 Groups may be just what you need. This cross-application service enables users to collaborate and share resources with ease, thanks to its connectors feature. With connectors, you can easily share content from third-party services right in Outlook. In this blog post, we’ll […]
Meet Microsoft Loop: The new app that can change the way we work
Microsoft Loop is a new app that will soon be released as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. It is a powerful and flexible canvas that can revolutionize collaboration in the workplace.. As of writing, Microsoft Loop is in private preview, but let’s take a look at some key features you should know about. Microsoft […]
How Microsoft 365 Defender is helping fight phishing
If you’re looking for comprehensive protection against phishing and other online threats, you can’t go wrong with Microsoft 365 Defender. Read on to learn about Microsoft 365 Defender’s powerful cybersecurity features and its myriad benefits to businesses like yours. Phishing is one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information such […]
These new Microsoft 365 features help support hybrid workers
Hybrid work is quickly becoming the norm, and Microsoft has responded to this shift by improving Microsoft 365 to address the challenges that come with the hybrid work setup. Specifically, Microsoft has added tools and features that allow hybrid workers to be more efficient and collaborative. If you’re implementing hybrid work, here are some Microsoft […]
How to make sharing calendars in Microsoft 365 a breeze
Microsoft 365 has made it easier than ever to share calendars. With these few simple steps, you can efficiently and securely share your calendar with co-workers, family members, or anyone else you choose. What is Outlook? Outlook is a personal information manager from Microsoft, available as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. Aside from managing […]
A guide to protecting your Microsoft 365 data
Microsoft 365 offers a number of features to help you protect your business’s data. In this article, we provide seven ways to boost data protection in Microsoft 365. Follow these tips so you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure. Secure mobile devices It’s common for employees nowadays to use personal smartphones […]
Increase your organization’s productivity with Viva Insights
Viva Insights is a powerful tool that gathers data on your employees’ work habits, analyzes this information, and then recommends ways to help team members perform more efficiently. The application also seeks to improve your staff’s productivity and well-being so they can achieve their full potential. How does Viva Insights work? Viva Insights shows users […]
Protecting your Microsoft 365 environment and data
For many businesses, Microsoft 365 is their go-to productivity suite because it offers powerful features, cost-saving benefits, and world-class security. And while Microsoft continuously looks for ways to address security concerns, the changing threat landscape can put Microsoft 365’s security measures to the test. Here are some of the most common security risks Microsoft 365 […]
How to choose the best Microsoft 365 plan for your business
The different Microsoft 365 plans are packed with various features that often make it difficult for business owners to decide which plan to go with. This article will help youfind out which plan is ideal for your business setup. Microsoft 365 plans for businesses Microsoft 365 for businesses comes in four different plans: Business Basic, […]
Five Ways Your Team Can Boost Productivity with Azure AD
Everyone wants a more productive team, but with Azure AD you can deliver a lot of time saving benefits without much additional cost or another server. You may not recognize Azure AD as something you use, but if you use Microsoft 365, you’re already in Azure and you’re already using Azure AD. Azure AD is […]
MS Excel 2021 for Windows: Great new features and functions to leverage
Microsoft Excel makes it easy to create budgets, track inventory levels, and analyze sales. This software can handle huge amounts of information, making it an extremely useful tool for storing and analyzing data. No wonder Excel has become a staple in offices worldwide over the years. Its latest version, Excel 2021 for Windows, is packed […]
What you need to know about the Microsoft Office Delve feature
Many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) rely on Microsoft 365 to do a variety of tasks, enable team collaboration, and streamline processes. And because it is widely used for many different functions, several programs and data tend to overlap within the Microsoft 365 environment, making it challenging for users to track information and connections. This […]
Microsoft 365 Apps admin center capabilities for better management
IT administrators are in charge of supervising and securing workflows, devices, and software to ensure optimal user experience while keeping cyberthreats at bay. The shift to remote work — and more recently, hybrid work — has not been a walk in the park for them. The good news is that Microsoft is doing all it […]
Enhancing IT admin efficiency with the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center
The shift from traditional office setups prior to the pandemic to flexible working arrangements in the post-COVID-19 era has been tough on IT administrators. They have had to juggle multiple tasks, including supervising and securing workflows, devices, and software, and deploying IT solutions within budget while keeping cyberthreats at bay. To help IT personnel fulfill […]
The difference between Groups, Yammer, and Teams
Yammer, Microsoft 365 Groups, and Microsoft Teams are all Microsoft 365 tools that are designed for sharing files and communicating with colleagues. So what differentiates them from one another, and when should you use which? Let’s find out. Microsoft 365 Groups With Microsoft 365 Groups, every member gets a shared inbox, calendar, project planner, notebook, […]
Prevent phishing attacks with these Microsoft 365 Defender features
Microsoft is a provider of powerful and intuitive tools that improve efficiency, productivity, and security. And as phishing attacks become more sophisticated and prevalent, Microsoft is taking steps to protect its users, one of which is releasing powerful cybersecurity tools via Microsoft 365 Defender. Here are some of them. 1. Anti-phishing The most dangerous types […]
Microsoft 365’s must-try features for hybrid workers
Keeping employee productivity up, maintaining operational efficiency, and streamlining communications are just some of the challenges in today’s hybrid workplace. Fortunately, organizations can overcome these problems with the help of Microsoft 365’s dynamic new features. Let’s take a look at the most promising upgrades in M365. Work seamlessly with Windows 365 Windows 365 is a […]
Here’s how to share calendars on Microsoft 365
Do you want to remind or update your team of company-related activities? An easy way to do this is by marking the activity on your Outlook calendar and sharing it with your colleagues. The following steps will let you do just that. Outlook on the web If you have Microsoft 365 or another email service […]
Workplace Analytics: An essential tool for business productivity
Microsoft Workplace Analytics presents a clear picture of employee performance, giving managers and leaders actionable insights to enhance productivity. Learn more about this valuable tool and its benefits to businesses of all sizes across industries. How does Workplace Analytics work? A paid add-on to Office 365 enterprise plans, Workplace Analytics extracts behavioral insights from data […]
Microsoft 365 data loss protection: A quick and easy guide
Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors are turning to Microsoft 365 for the productivity-boosting benefits it offers. Many also choose the subscription service for its robust security features designed to safeguard against cyberthreats of all kinds. To make the most out of these functionalities and ensure your business data’s security, follow these tips. […]
How to mitigate Microsoft 365 security risks
Microsoft 365 has transformed the way many organizations work by enhancing workflows, collaboration, and efficiency. But like other cloud-based solutions, this line of subscription services is not immune to security risks. Here’s what your business can do to address these challenges. Vulnerabilities in SharePoint Businesses typically use SharePoint Online and on-premises SharePoint sites to store […]
Which Microsoft 365 plan should I choose for my business?
Confused about which Microsoft 365 plan you should procure for your business? Understandable, given how complicated Microsoft packages their business solutions subscriptions. Read on to get a simplified outlook on the different plans and packages available today. Information workers or frontline workers? Microsoft 365 is the obvious choice if you’re running cloud-based business systems, but […]
Steer clear of these mistakes when migrating to Microsoft 365
Migrating to Microsoft 365 is easy and simple, but if you’re not careful, you may find yourself facing problems that can keep you from getting the most out of this comprehensive suite of productivity tools. We’ve listed some of the common issues organizations encounter when migrating to Microsoft 365 and how you can avoid them. […]
Quit setting your money on fire
The idea of people actually setting money on fire is pretty humorous. Watching it happen in real life is less satisfying, wasteful even, so let’s stop doing it with our technology spend! A proper technology roadmap will link your spending to business results on an ongoing basis. We have written extensively about this HERE, HERE, […]
How Office Delve works
More and more small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are relying on Microsoft 365 as their productivity suite of choice. When this software solution was released years ago, the developers touted it as the ideal tool to help employees become more productive, collaborate more efficiently, and complete tasks on time. Bringing all these elements together is […]
What’s new with Microsoft Excel?
Microsoft Excel can be used to record inventory, create simple and complex formulas, and manage data. The world’s most popular spreadsheet program is chock full of features, and with a recent upgrade, users will be able to do more with their own data. Here’s how to make the most of it. Previous Excel upgrades include […]
Email Basics: Securing email with DNS
Do you ever wonder how that email address you type in actually gets delivered? Understanding the basics of email delivery will enhance your understanding of how phishing and spam attacks work. This is a bit technical, but worth understanding as an end-user. For all you technical folks out there this may also be a good […]
Your guide to Microsoft 365 Groups connectors
Microsoft 365 Groups has a nifty feature called connectors, which enables users to link to and get information from third-party apps in Microsoft Outlook. This means relevant content and updates are shared immediately in your group feed, making workflow and collaboration more seamless. Find out more about how connectors can boost your team’s efficiency and […]
Email Basics: Be Secure
Email was not designed with security as a requirement. In fact, all “security” that involves email was bolted on after the fact. Here are four areas that were bolted on that should be part of your secure email basics. Utilize MFA, for real We have beat on this drum for over five years now, and […]
Email Basics: Common Sense
Imagine driving without lines on the road, speed limits, or the need to have a license. Now you know what using email for business communication is like…complete and utter chaos. Sure, it’s better than riding a horse to work or sending a telegram, but the value of using email as a communication tool is decreasing […]
M365 Security Basics
The question is not whether or not you are using Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), but rather, are you using it securely? Microsoft has steadily improved the default security settings, but it still requires some experience to get it 100% there. The amount of attacks on the M365 is astounding, specifically with phishing attempts to […]
Microsoft rolls out new admin capabilities
Migrating workflows to the cloud, securing all company devices and software, and ensuring 24/7 data access are gargantuan tasks that IT administrators have had to accomplish in the past few months due to the pandemic. And they had to accomplish all of these within an expedited timeline. To say that they are the unsung heroes […]
Working Remote: Standardize on Teams as your collaboration app
Collaboration is the act of working with someone to produce or create something. In today’s workplace the words “in real time” need to be added to this. Sending emails back and forth is not collaboration, and it is certainly not productive! When working remotely it is critical to standardize on a collaboration application across your […]
Fighting phishing scams with Microsoft 365
Microsoft is a known provider of top-tier business productivity software — and its commitment to its subscribers’ cybersecurity is integral to that reputation. To fight phishing, one of today’s most prevalent cyberthreats, the tech titan has equipped Microsoft 365 with powerful features. Among the many business solutions that Microsoft offers is email hosting through Outlook. […]
Understanding Microsoft 365 collaboration tools
There are three communication and collaboration tools in Microsoft 365 that provide basically similar solutions for the same problem: Outlook Groups, Yammer, and Microsoft Teams. However, they all have subtle differences that set them apart from one another. Let’s take a look at some of them. Outlook Groups With Outlook Groups, every member gets a […]
New Edge browser better than Chrome for Microsoft 365 users
The new Microsoft Edge browser has finally caught up to Google’s Chrome browser, and the timing is great. The #wfh transition means that more personal devices are being utilized to access corporate resources. Often this is done via a web browser, which means your corporate security could depend on what browser they are using! Microsoft […]
Recalibrate your technology plan: Zero Trust Security
Get ready to hear much about the Zero Trust security model in the future. The #wfh movement has put this front and center in any technology planning discussion. This is not a fad or product to implement, it’s a mindset shift that needs to occur in our technology planning. Many security models were built on […]
7 Easy ways to prevent data loss in Microsoft 365
Microsoft understands the value of business data and the costly repercussions of losing it. That’s why they’ve released a slew of security and compliance tools for Microsoft 365 subscribers. But given the increasing sophistication and frequency of data breaches, these cloud security solutions aren’t enough to protect your files. You’ll need to follow these seven […]
Empower your business with Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 isn’t just a new name for the tech giant’s old product Office 365. The new software comes with chock-full of tools that will empower employees, protect data, and provide business leaders with comprehensive oversight and control. Check out its features below. Name change Microsoft has time and again shown that they are willing […]
Working smarter with Microsoft Stream
There are many features of Microsoft 365 that some users don’t know exists as part of their subscription. In fact, a lot of individuals with access to this plan are aware it includes all Office applications, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive, but not much else. One collaboration tool that is often overlooked is Microsoft Stream, a […]
Switching to SharePoint
Most organizations have one central place for storing a lot of sensitive information. Some offices save documents to personal or work computers, or somewhere else on their servers. Others, including myself, rely on SharePoint for information saving and sharing. If you’ve ever worked in Office 365 or Microsoft 365 you may be familiar with SharePoint […]
The latest on Microsoft’s update channels
All business users must have access to the latest security and non-security updates in Microsoft 365. But there are businesses that prefer to update their applications and systems once a month and there are others that would rather get them as soon as they become available. With Microsoft’s new update channels, IT admins can customize […]
Say goodbye to Office 365 — and hello to Microsoft 365
Microsoft recently introduced its new Microsoft 365 (M365) Personal and Family subscriptions, which will replace their Office 365 (O365) Home and Personal plans. The company wants its new bundles to be “the subscription for your life to help you make the most of your time, connect, and protect the ones you love, and to develop […]
Presenting Microsoft 365
Microsoft has sold Office 365 and Windows 10 to businesses in various ways. While some business owners don’t mind purchasing the two solutions separately, others prefer one bundle that offers both. That’s possible with Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 caters to the workplace by combining Office 365 and Windows 10 into one solution, which is available […]
Microsoft 365 is here!
Microsoft pays more attention to customer feedback than you might think. Many business owners who complained about having to purchase Office 365 and Windows 10 separately are finally getting what they wanted: Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 combines Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security into one solution, which will be available in two […]