Microsoft 365 Apps Explained (Word, Excel, Teams, etc.)

The most famous cloud productivity suite on the planet today is Microsoft 365 which has such powerful applications as Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint. Whatever you need to accomplish, be it starting a business, telecommuting, or completing your daily tasks, Microsoft 365 has all you require to give collaboration, communication, and performance an additional level. Many companies today choose to buy Microsoft 365 for business because of its all-in-one set of tools, flexible plans, and secure cloud infrastructure. 

In this article, we will determine what Microsoft 365 is in simple language, the important applications of Microsoft 365, the business capabilities of Microsoft 365, and the benefits of selecting a Microsoft reseller. We will also highlight how choosing the right license of Microsoft 365 or Microsoft 365 license can help you get the most out of its productivity tools. 

What is Microsoft 365? 

Microsoft 365 is an entire cloud-based entity of productivity, collaboration, and security applications, which applies to individuals and companies. You have the standard Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs, as well as such tools as the effective clouds (Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint) and advanced security measures. Different types of Microsoft 365 licenses are available depending on the business size and requirements, ensuring maximum flexibility. 

Key Benefits of Microsoft 365 

• Anywhere access: Work on any device with cloud access. 

• Real-time working: Co-editing documents and collaborating by sharing files. 

• Sync Apps keep themselves up-to-date automatically. 

• Strong security: Built-in defense against Internet scams. 

• scalable: The solution is suitable for small businesses, enterprises, and individuals. 

• Integrated ecosystem: All applications are compatible. 

Applications Included in Microsoft 365 

Here we will see some of the primary tools included across most Microsoft 365 plans, also available as Microsoft 365 Apps for business users who need productivity tools without additional services. 

Microsoft Word: 

Microsoft Word is a word processing software designed by Microsoft. You can create, edit, format, and share your data with the aid of Word. It forms a significant component of the Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365. Word provides an opportunity to compose letters, reports, resumes, articles, and numerous other types of documents quickly. It also has spelling and grammatical checking tools, text formatting tools, adding images and tables, and even real-time collaboration on a document. 

Top Microsoft Word Business Features. 

• Business document templates by a professional. 

• Real-time co-authoring 

• Advanced formatting tools 

• reviewing and commenting on the tracks 

• track changes and review comments. 

• Smart spelling and grammar recommendations. 

• Cloud storage via OneDrive 

Business Utilization of Microsoft Word 

• Preparation of proposals, agreements, SOPs, HR letters and company reports. 

• Business presentation and handbook preparation. 

• Working with distantly located teams on documents. 

• Policy and compliance record keeping. 

Microsoft Excel 

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application that is used for organization, analysis, and handling data. Excel allows you to make tables, perform calculations with the help of formulas, make charts, and interpret data without any difficulties. The use of this application can be very beneficial in such works as reports, budgeting, data analysis, and financial planning. 

Features of Microsoft Excel in Businesses. 

• Data Organization: Organizing business data at high volumes is very easy and simple to organize and work in orderly tables. 

• Formulas & Calculations: Auto-complete complex calculating formulas and functions. 

• Charts & Graphs: Insight Visualize business data in bar charts, pie charts, line graphs and so on. 

• Pivot tables: They are used to summarize and analyze large data sets in order to determine the trends and patterns. 

• Data Analysis Tools: Work with such tools as conditional formatting, goal seek and scenario analysis to make smarter decisions. 

Business Utilization of Microsoft Excel 

• Financial planning and budgeting 

• Sales and performance tracking 

• Inventory and supply chain management 

• HR data and salary management 

• Data forecasting and business insights 

Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software. Through this application, you can come up with visual slideshows, find it easy to design and present them. It belongs to a significant portion of the Microsoft 365, and it is helpful in such work as business presentations, lectures in schools, project reports, seminars, and marketing pitches. 

Key Features of Microsoft PowerPoint for Business: 

• Ready-made professional templates 

• Charts, graphs & data visualization 

• Easy branding with custom themes 

• Smooth animations & transitions 

• Add images, videos & audio. 

• Real-time collaboration with the team 

• Presenter view for meetings 

• Export as PDF, video & more 

Business Utilization of Microsoft PowerPoint 

• * Client Presentations: You are able to make business-savvy slides to sell ideas, products or services.
  * Internal meetings: Ideal to give presentations on strategies, reports, targets and project updates in a very straightforward manner.
  * Training & Onboarding: Develop the training courses and step-by-step instructions of the new employees.
  * Marketing and Sales Decks: Great sales pitch, brochures and product demos can be designed easily. 

Microsoft Teams 

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and communication platform. In this application, you can chat, have video meetings, make calls, file share, and use Teams in a single place. This is also an essential part of Microsoft 365 because with the help of this application, you can make teamwork easier and more organized in the field of businesses, schools, and organizations, no matter if your team is doing work from the office or at home. 

Key Features of Microsoft Teams for Business 

• Team & private chat 

• Video meetings with screen sharing 

• Real-time file sharing and co-editing 

• Organized channels for teams/projects 

• Task assignment and tracking 

• Integrations with business apps 

Business Utilization of Microsoft Teams 

• Communication within the Team: Employees are able to communicate their ideas easily with the assistance of chats and remain connected in real-time. 

• Remote and Hybrid Work Teams: Support effective teamwork when teams are working remotely. 

• Online Meetings / Webinars: Ideal in holding internal meetings, client call, training and large Web meetings. 

• Project Collaboration: It is possible to organize project and team discussions, files and tasks by establishing different channels per project or team. 

• File Sharing and Co-Editing: The teams can share documents like Word, Excel and PowerPoint files and work online together and edit them. 

Microsoft Outlook 

Microsoft Outlook is an email and productivity software. Using this application, you can handle emails received/sent, contacts, calendar, meetings, tasks, and reminders all at one location. It is applicable in the daily business with respect to the organization of professional communication, scheduling of meetings, and daily business operations. 

Key Features of Microsoft Outlook for Business 

• Professional email management 

• Smart calendar & meeting scheduling 

• Contacts and task management 

• Integrated video meeting setup 

• Shared mailboxes for teams 

• Strong security & spam protection 

Business Utilization of Microsoft Outlook 

• Professional Emails: It is easy to send, receive as well as arrange business mails. 

• Scheduling of meeting: A shared calendar enables meetings to be planned and monitored quickly. 

• Team Coordination: The team can collaborate effectively through a common calendar, contacts, and inboxes. 

• Task-Management: It is easy to manage daily tasks, reminders, and follow-ups. 

OneDrive 

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage in which you save files online, e.g., documents, photos, videos, and folders. Because your files are on the cloud, you can access your files on a laptop, mobile, or web browser at any time and from any place.
Through the aid of the OneDrive, you can automatically sync your files, meaning that when you make any changes to a file on your PC, it is also updated on your Mobile. It is utilized in personal use as well as businesses to store files, share them, and collaborate in a safe way. 

Key Features of OneDrive for Business 

• Secure cloud storage for files 

• Access from any device, anywhere 

• Real-time co-editing on Office files 

• Automatic file sync across devices 

• Easy file sharing with permissions 

• Version history & file recovery 

Business Utilization of OneDrive 

• Central File Storage: Business documents are managed in a safe place, one secure online location. 

• Easy File Sharing: It is extremely easy to share files with team members or clients, and you are in total control of access. 

• Remote Work Friendly: Employees are able to access their files anywhere, regardless of whether they are in the office or at home. 

• Team collaboration: Two or more individuals can collaborate on the same document, at the same time, in real time, and without any confusion. 

OneNote 

OneNote is a computer notebook where you can store your notes, ideas, tasks, images, links, and documents in a membership format. It is really just like a real notebook, only that it is online and you can get it anytime and anywhere. 

In OneNote, it is possible to systematize your work by creating various notebooks, sections, and pages. It facilitates typing, handwriting, voice-noting, and screen-shots, and this is the reason why it is used by students, professionals, and businesses. 

Key Features of OneNote for Business 

• Digital note-taking with text, images & links 

• Structured notebooks, sections & pages 

• Real-time team collaboration 

• Handwriting, drawing & meeting notes 

• Audio/video note recording 

• Tags for tasks & important items 

Business Utilization of OneNote 

• Meeting Notes: Ideal when it comes to jotting down meeting points and action items easily. 
• Project Docs: Notes on the project, project ideas, and project progress are stored in a collaborative notebook. 
• Team Collaboration: It allows several individuals to work with the same notebook in real-time. 
• Tasks and Ideas: To-do lists, reminders, and ideas are under a single location. 

SharePoint
Microsoft SharePoint is a server application stored in the cloud, which helps companies to store, control, share, and collaborate with documents. It is somewhat similar to a centralized centre where the team would keep its files, data, projects, and internal information.
SharePoint has also enhanced the usage of intranet, where companies are developing internal websites (intranet) where employees can readily access policies, forms, updates, projects, and documents. It is also deeply integrated with Microsoft 365; this is the reason why it can be used with Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, and Word. 

Key Features of SharePoint for Business 

• Centralized document storage & management 

• Real-time team collaboration 

• Intranet sites for internal communication 

• Secure file sharing with permissions 

• Workflow automation for approvals & tasks 

Business Utilization of SharePoint 

• Document Storage and Sharing: This will be an important feature of SharePoint that will allow you to store your important business documents in a secure location. 

• Intranet / Internal Website Companies can create an internal site with the assistance of this application, where employees can read the policies, forms, announcements, and news in one place. 

• Team Cooperation: Teams can edit files and discussions and manage projects in real-time without any problem. 

• Project Management: It is possible to keep track of the tasks, deadlines, files, and notes of every project in a systematic manner. 

Exchange Online 

Exchange Online is a business email server platform that assists businesses in administering their professional email, scheduling, contacts, and planning. It offers businesses their own domain email, group calendars, meeting arrangements, and excellent protection. 

To be more specific, we may add that Exchange is the foundation of the business email system, which makes all Outlook emails and calendars comfortable and safe. 

Key Features of Microsoft Exchange for Business 

• Secure, reliable business email 

• Shared calendars for easy scheduling 

• Global address list for all employee contacts 

• Strong spam, malware & data protection 

• Shared mailboxes for teams 

Business Utilization of Microsoft Exchange 

• Professional Email System: Exchange keeps your company email secure, fast, and reliable – with your own domain. 

• Meetings and Calendars: Teams have a chance to schedule meetings easily, check the availability, and work with shared calendars. 

• Team Collaboration: You can also have team mailboxes such as support@ or sales@ where teams can process mailboxes jointly. 

• Centralized Contacts: The global address book gives access to all the contact details of the employees of the organization at a single location. 

Where to Buy Microsoft 365? 

When buying Microsoft 365, whether to use it personally or to purchase Microsoft 365 to use in business, there are a few options you can consider with good faith: 

• The official Microsoft Website: Here, you can directly buy any license of Microsoft 365. 

• Certified Microsoft Resellers: This is most suitable for businesses as they offer expert advice, set-up services and optimum prices of Microsoft 365. 

• Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs): They are the providers who provide licenses as well as IT support. 

• Approved Online/Retail outlets: One can also find Microsoft 365 here, but do not forget to verify the seller. 

Buying from an authorized reseller will have the advantage of having the right Microsoft 365 license, professional service, and safe installation. 

 Conclusion 

Microsoft 365 is a full suite of tools that are used to work smarter, faster, and anywhere. And you have to write and work with data, conduct meetings, and store files using the assistance of such apps as Word, Excel, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint. It is simple to manage and organize all the things. This will enhance collaboration in your company, data safety, and will operate effectively on any device. Ideal option between businesses and individuals. This setup and support is easier through a trusted Microsoft reseller.