Microsoft 365: Are You Using It Securely and Effectively?

Microsoft 365 has become a cornerstone for modern businesses, providing a suite of tools designed to streamline communication, collaboration, and data management. For businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk, it presents a huge opportunity- but only if it’s being used securely and effectively. Many organisations rely on the basics like Word, Excel, and Outlook, but fail to unlock the platform’s full potential or implement robust security measures.

In this blog, we’ll explore how local businesses can make the most of Microsoft 365, improve productivity, enhance collaboration, and protect their data.

1. Maximising Productivity

Microsoft 365 isn’t just about having access to the latest versions of Word and Excel. It’s a complete ecosystem that can transform how your team works:

• Streamlined Communication: Microsoft Teams isn’t just a chat tool. It can centralise meetings, calls, and project collaboration, reducing email overload and keeping your team on the same page.
• Cloud Storage and File Sharing: OneDrive and SharePoint allow teams to securely store, access, and collaborate on files in real time, whether they’re working in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, or remotely.
• Automation: Power Automate can handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, approvals, and notifications, freeing up staff to focus on strategic work.

For Suffolk businesses, these tools can have a tangible impact on efficiency, reducing time wasted on administrative tasks and enabling employees to focus on what matters most.

2. Collaboration Across Teams and Locations

Modern businesses rarely operate from a single location. Many teams in Ipswich and Suffolk and have a hybrid workforce, which makes collaboration tools essential:

• Real-Time Co-Authoring: Multiple team members can work on the same document simultaneously, with changes tracked in real time.
• Integrated Task Management: Planner and To Do integrate with Teams, helping teams stay organised and aligned.
• Seamless Integration: Microsoft 365 apps work together, meaning data from Outlook, Teams, and Excel can be combined to create dashboards, reports, and workflows without additional tools.

Proper adoption of these features can transform the way a business operates, breaking down silos and improving communication across departments.

3. Security: A Non-Negotiable Priority

While Microsoft 365 offers enterprise-grade security, it’s only effective if configured and used correctly. Cyber threats are a growing concern for Ipswich and Suffolk businesses, with phishing, ransomware, and data breaches increasing year on year.

Key strategies to protect your business include:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds a crucial layer of protection beyond passwords.
• Conditional Access Policies: Control who can access your systems and under what conditions.
• Regular Updates and Patch Management: Keeping apps up to date reduces vulnerabilities.
• Data Governance and Backup: Protect critical business data with Microsoft’s built-in tools and consider additional backup solutions for peace of mind.
• Staff Awareness: Training your employees to recognise threats and follow security best practices is essential- technology alone isn’t enough.

Security isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your business reputation and client trust.

4. Adoption Challenges and Solutions

Many businesses in Ipswich and Suffolk struggle to fully adopt Microsoft 365. Common challenges include:

• Teams not using collaboration tools effectively.
• Employees defaulting to traditional email workflows.
• Lack of visibility into how apps and services can improve efficiency.

Corbel works with local businesses to overcome these challenges by:

• Assessing current Microsoft 365 usage and identifying gaps.
• Providing training and guidance tailored to your team.
• Implementing best practices to ensure smooth adoption and maximum ROI.

With the right support, even small businesses can unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365. At Corbel, we combine deep Microsoft 365 expertise with knowledge of local business needs, our goal is to make Microsoft 365 work for your business, not the other way around.

Microsoft 365 is far more than just a suite of apps- it’s a powerful platform that can transform the way Ipswich and Suffolk businesses operate. But to harness its full potential, organisations need to focus on effective usage, adoption, and security.

Whether you’re just getting started with Microsoft 365 or want to ensure your setup is optimised and secure, Corbel can help. Don’t leave productivity or security to chance- make Microsoft 365 work for your business today.

---

Corbel Solutions are an Ipswich based IT Support Provider who work proactively throughout Ipswich and the wider Suffolk region including Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Newmarket, Sudbury. Providing a range of IT Support Services including Cyber Security and Cyber Security Training, Office 365 Support and IT Consultancy Services. To take a look at what others have had to say about us, check out our Google Review page. To find out more information or to have a chat with one of our team, feel free to give us a call on 01473 241515 or email us on info@corbel.co.uk. Or alternatively you can book in a call with one of our team members here.