Microsoft Office 365 E5: A New Era for Business Communication
On November thirty, two thousand fifteen, Microsoft corporation made a significant announcement that sent ripples through the business world—the launch of Microsoft Office 365 E5. This enterprise-level suite is designed specifically for businesses, offering a comprehensive set of tools aimed at enhancing communication, collaboration, and productivity. With its integration of Microsoft Skype and various other features, Office 365 E5 is poised to replace traditional business phone systems, making it a noteworthy option for organizations looking to modernize their communication infrastructure.
What's New in Microsoft Office 365 E5?
The cornerstone of Microsoft Office 365 E5 is its integration with Microsoft Skype, which brings a host of telecommunication capabilities to the platform. This integration allows businesses to replace their existing meeting and phone systems with a more streamlined and flexible solution. Here are some of the standout features that businesses can expect from Microsoft Office 365 E5:
1. Public Switched Telephone Network Calling and Cloud Private Branch Exchange
Microsoft Office 365 E5 introduces - calling and Cloud Private Branch Exchange features. A public switched telephone network is essentially the traditional landline system that many businesses have relied on for years, while private branch exchange is a telephone system that manages incoming and outgoing calls within a business. With the new capabilities, businesses can make regular telephone calls, dial into conference calls, and host meetings—all from the Microsoft Office 365 environment.
2. Large-Scale Meeting Hosting
One of the standout features of Microsoft Office 365 E5 is its ability to host meetings for up to ten thousand participants. This is particularly beneficial for large enterprises that need to conduct webinars, training sessions, or town hall meetings. The capacity to engage with such a large audience in a seamless manner is a game changer for businesses seeking to enhance communication with employees and stakeholders.
3. Enhanced Collaboration Tools
Beyond just voice and video calls, Microsoft Office 365 E5 offers a rich suite of collaboration tools. Businesses can conduct meetings with audio, video, and content sharing capabilities. Coupled with messaging services, this makes for a comprehensive communication platform that can cater to various business needs.
4. Security and Analytics
In an age where data security is paramount, Microsoft has integrated advanced security features into Microsoft Office 365 E5. The suite includes capabilities such as Advanced Threat Protection, Customer Lockbox, and Data Loss Prevention. Additionally, Microsoft has included analytics tools like Power BI and Delve, which can help businesses better understand their workflows and improve productivity.
The Pricing Structure
Microsoft Office 365 E5 is priced at thirty five dollars per month per user, which translates to four hundred dollars per year per user. While this might seem steep compared to other offerings, the extensive features and capabilities included in this package can offer significant value to businesses that rely heavily on communication and collaboration.
Partnerships for Enhanced Functionality
In order to bolster its telecommunication capabilities, Microsoft has partnered with several global service providers, including BT Global Services, Orange Business Services, SoftBank, Tata Communications, Telra, Polycom, and Genesis. These partnerships aim to extend the reach of Microsoft Office 365 E5, potentially supporting businesses in various regions and enhancing the overall user experience.
Considerations Before Making the Switch
While the features of Microsoft Office 365 E5 are compelling, businesses must approach the transition to this platform with due diligence. It is essential to conduct thorough research before making a decision to replace existing private branch exchange and public switched telephone network systems. The migration process can be complex, and organizations must assess their specific needs, existing infrastructure, and employee training requirements.
Personal Experience with Skype
It is worth noting that while Microsoft has made significant strides with Skype, some users remain skeptical about its performance. In the past, many have experienced issues with Skype's audio quality and codec performance. While Microsoft has made efforts to improve this, potential users might want to consider alternative voice over internet protocol solutions that might offer better quality, depending on their specific needs.
Trust and Reliability
Another consideration is the inherent trust businesses must place in Microsoft to handle their telecommunications. Given the historical scrutiny Microsoft has faced regarding privacy and data security, some organizations might hesitate to rely solely on Microsoft for all their communication needs. Trust is a crucial factor in any business decision, particularly when it involves sensitive communications.
In Conclusion
Microsoft Office 365 E5 represents a significant evolution in the way businesses can communicate and collaborate. With its robust features, including public switched telephone network calling, Cloud private branch exchange, large-scale meeting hosting, and advanced security, it has the potential to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
However, businesses should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making the switch. Conducting thorough research, evaluating current systems, and considering user experiences are essential steps in ensuring that the transition is beneficial.
For more detailed information, you can check out the official Microsoft Office 365 E5 blog post. In a world where effective communication is more critical than ever, Office 365 E5 offers a promising solution for companies looking to modernize their communication strategies. As with any technological transition, the key to success lies in informed decision-making and strategic planning.