Experiences using Office 365
Cloud - Asked by sasrapid on Monday, 20 October, 2014 - 10:25
Our organisation currently has no server or cloud solution and use a number of tools etc to create shared calendars, we use POP3 eamil and a NAS for shared files. We done have alot of IT expertise within our staff and don't want to have to run an onsite server, but we are also unsure what data flow and access issues we would have if we move to Office 365 on the E1. We have a very simple IT knowledge within the staff and dont want to get overly technical, or loose the ease of access and use we currently have onsite (as there is no offsite access). Love to hear if others have transitioned and how they rate it! Thanks
Reply by David Sia from Techware on Monday, 20 October, 2014 - 11:12
Office 365 have many advantages over local NAS file sharing with POP email. Whether those advantages is best suited for your operation is something that needs to be explored. The main "gotchas" based on your description will be internet speed, age of workstation, your version of MS Office and the speed of file sharing (local is faster than any cloud); there will be differences in user experience.
Reply by Andrew Winter from Red Bass Consulting on Monday, 20 October, 2014 - 11:29
Hi, I have helped businesses large and small get the best out of Office 365, including picking the right plan and getting the integration right. Please give me a call and I can help. Regards, Andrew (0400 141330)
Reply by Jürgen Mertin from Parish IT on Monday, 20 October, 2014 - 11:35
Hello. You organisation sounds like it is at a precipice, and as such there are a few options available to you. While I understand that you don't want to run a server onsite, the truth is that you already are (your NAS is a very simple server, with the same associated risks such as loss of productivity due to hardware failure etc). I would suggest talking to someone about a hybrid solution, using bullet proof hosted email (the most complicated part of any solution) with a simple onsite server that will allow you access to files, as well as other benefits like fewer passwords, better security management and options to work remotely if you desire. Do make sure that whoever provides the system or solution also provides support for it. Most of our clients don't really care about the technology at play, but value being able to speak to someone who knows what they have and can answer their support questions and is otherwise available without the worry of bill shock.
Reply by Matt Walton from Infoxchange on Monday, 20 October, 2014 - 14:44
Many other not for profits are having great success migrating to Office 365 and using a NAS for local storage. While Office 365 can greatly reduce the need for a local server by storing your emails and files in the cloud, many organisations are still find a NAS device useful for local storage of large files, videos and even some user management functions. Infoxchange and Connecting Up are offering an Office 365 readiness assessment that can help your organistaion assess the suitability for Office 365, identify any potential issues and develop a plan for migration - http://mig1.cisa.asn.au/discount/office-365-readiness-assessment/microsoft-office-365-readiness-assessment I am also happy to discuss this further with you and share some of the experiences of the many other not for profit organisations that we have helped impelement Office 365. Feel free to contact me on mwalton@infoxchange.org.au or (03) 9418 7432.