You're Paying for Microsoft 365: Are You Using all of Its Features? Part 2
By Andrew Gale, Vice President of Technical Services
For many businesses, Microsoft 365 is viewed as a platform for email, file storage, and Microsoft Teams. While those core services are essential, most organizations are only scratching the surface of what they’re already paying for. Microsoft 365 includes a wide range of tools designed to improve security, productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency. If your business isn’t leveraging these features, you may be missing opportunities to reduce costs, strengthen cybersecurity, and empower employees to work more effectively. Here are 6-10 of the 15 most powerful Microsoft 365 features every business should be using.
6. Microsoft Defender for Business
Traditional antivirus software is no longer enough to address today’s evolving cyber threats. Microsoft Defender for Business provides enterprise-grade endpoint protection designed specifically for small and mid-sized organizations. Many organizations are surprised to learn they already own a sophisticated security platform within their Microsoft 365 licensing. Enhanced versions of Microsoft Defender for Business are available with additional licensing and are recommended if a separate EDR platform is not used.
7. Power Automate
How much time does your team spend performing repetitive tasks? Power Automate allows organizations to create workflows that automate routine processes without extensive development effort. Examples include Employee onboarding. Document routing, Alert notifications, etc. Small automations often result in significant productivity improvements over time.
8. Data Loss Prevention
Sensitive information is constantly moving through email, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Data Loss Prevention helps organizations prevent accidental or intentional sharing of confidential information. DLP policies can automatically identify and protect against the inadvertent or malicious attempt to send financial records, employee or customer information, credit card data, etc. Strong data protection measures are increasingly important as organizations face growing compliance and cybersecurity requirements. DLP is available in Business Premium licensing and above.
9. Microsoft Bookings
Scheduling appointments through email chains and phone calls can waste valuable time. Microsoft Bookings allows customers, partners, or prospects to schedule appointments online based on employee availability.
For service-based businesses, Bookings can eliminate scheduling frustrations and improve operational efficiency.
10. Conditional Access
If there is one security feature businesses frequently overlook, it’s Conditional Access. Conditional Access enables organizations to control when and how users can access company resources based on factors such as location, device compliance, application sensitivity, and sign-in risk. For example, your company can:
- Require MFA for remote access
- Block logins from suspicious countries
- Restrict access from unmanaged devices
- Apply stricter controls for sensitive applications
Many cybersecurity professionals consider Conditional Access one of the most effective security controls available within the Microsoft ecosystem. Conditional access is available in Business Premium licensing and above.
For more information, call Lasco at (800) 800-6197 or Request a Consult.