Item: Microsoft 365
Rating: 6
Author: Gil Morris

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We utilize M365 across our entire organization in a hybrid environment. We chose M365 initially for the licensing structure and cost efficiencies associated with desktop and mobile Office applications. Through the evolution of M365, we now appreciate one portal to administer our Office, and other Microsoft app, deployments. We also enjoy the reporting features as well.

Pros and Cons

Email
Deployment
Licensing
Cost
Administration

Teams stability issues
Handling third-party email security vendors (ex. Trustifi, etc.)
Work with more vendors for third-party integrations

Most Important Features

Affordability
Consolidated administration
Reporting
Application and services offerings

Return on Investment

Positive - Licensing for 5 devices for each account
Positive - Improved Azure services integration
Positive - Improved Compliance services
Negative - Teams stability is dismal and keeps us from using it (even though we're paying for it)

Key Insights

Do you think Microsoft 365 delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Microsoft 365's feature set?

Yes

Did Microsoft 365 live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Microsoft 365 go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Microsoft 365 again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Trustifi - Email Security, NinjaRMM, Splashtop Remote Support, Zendesk Support Suite, Calendly, Adobe Sign, Zoom, Keeper, Cloudflare

Likelihood to Recommend

I would recommend M365 for small to medium-sized businesses that need, or want, the value for licensing multiple devices, per account, with Office applications and other Microsoft services. However, that said, there should be someone in the business that can administrate the M365 account for all staff, preferably either internal IT or an outsourced MSP. I would suggest utilizing video and file-sharing services such as Zoom until at such time Microsoft Teams application and services are more stable and afford more integration with other vendors.

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Ernest TUNG
commented a year ago
Never, never use M365, the worst software I've ever used. I used it on a monthly basis and paid HKD 54 per month for testing. It seems OK. After one month, I paid and installed it again, but I could not reopen the file; it always displayed "invalid format." I had tried hundreds of methods to solve it, but none worked. I used Excel; all records and work were lost. The second time, I used it again; in fact, it is really good, has many functions I like, and I have used it for a few months. My machine had some issues, so I formatted it and reinstalled M365 again, but I received the same error message: an invalid format. There is no way to reopen the files. I googled for some help, and found many others who had the same experience. I swear I will never use this software again; it not only squandered my money but also destroyed all of my data and wasted my time. There are no available resources.

M365 Product Review

Software Version

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)