Office 365 (now called Microsoft 365) is a powerful cloud-based solution that combines collaboration tools like SharePoint, Exchange, Teams, and more to streamline workflows and boost productivity. However, maximizing the full benefits of this dynamic platform requires enlisting managed services that comprehensively handle various administrative and support aspects. Providing managed Office 365 services spins off loads of business-critical responsibilities to experts freeing businesses to focus on their core functions.
This article will explore the wide range of services included under a typical managed Microsoft 365 offering. We’ll break down the core components of O365 or M365 management and dive into how a managed service provider (MSP) can help maximize value, ensure regulatory compliance, optimize performance, and enable digital transformation for customers. By outsourcing M365 to experts, organizations of any size can stay focused on their core mission while gaining a centralized, enterprise-grade Microsoft environment backed by 24/7 support.
Core Services Provided in Managed O365
Managed O365 service providers deliver a full range of administrative and technical support functions tailored to your unique requirements. Here are some of the key services addressed:
License Management
One of the most important aspects covered is license management. Service providers ensure accurate tracking and allocation of Microsoft 365 subscription licenses based on your usage needs. This includes staying compliant with the terms of your purchased license plan and assisting with license True-ups, downgrades, or upgrades if business demands change over time. Proper license governance is important both for optimizing your subscription value and avoiding unplanned costs.
Deployment and Migration
For new M365 deployments, service providers handle all aspects of installation and configuration within your chosen cloud tenant. This includes user and group setup, permissions management, and configuration of default application settings. They also offer migration services from other platforms like Google Workspace or on-premises Exchange. Migration experts carefully map data, transfer settings/configurations, and ensure minimal disruptions.
User and Endpoint Configuration
Once set up, ongoing user account management remains important. Provider services keep user accounts, profiles, credentials, signatures, and permissions up to date based on your changing business requirements. Endpoint/device configuration is also addressed, with experts setting policies for approved devices and application access control to enhance productivity and security.
Security Management
Robust security posture forms the foundation of M365 managed services. Providers apply recommended configuration hardening standards and keep defenses updated and patched. Services also provide 24/7 monitoring of security controls with rapid alerting and response. Capabilities like threat protection, data loss prevention, and conditional access controls help safeguard valuable corporate data and thwart modern cyber threats.
Compliance and Governance
For industries with regulatory mandates around data privacy and access, service providers employ governance strategies, policies, and M365 native tools to demonstrate compliance. This allows businesses to pass audits with records of user activity monitoring, eDiscovery, retention, and disposition. Robust information rights management prevents data leakage while enabling authorized access.
Additional Managed O365 Services
Beyond core administration, providers can enhance the value of your M365 deployment through additional managed services.
Training and Support
To maximize user adoption, providers offer role-based training programs, online resources, customized documentation, and one-on-one coaching. For issues beyond typical self-service capabilities, they also manage a 24/7 technical support service handled by M365-certified engineers.
Backup and Recovery
Managed backup ensures protection from data loss due to mishaps or ransomware. Services employ specialized tools, redundant storage, and documented recovery procedures. Automated backup occurs without disrupting productivity. Monthly restore drills validate reliable recovery to secondary locations when needed.
Performance Monitoring
Network performance monitoring detects bottlenecks or degradations impacting application/service experiences. Providers analyze usage trends for optimization and scale computing resources as your business scales. Regular health checks identify non-performing assets for remediation, keeping your collaboration fast.
Custom Solution Development
Using development platforms like Power Apps and Power Automate, providers implement solution extensions to M365 adding unique value. Examples include tailored business process automation, productivity-enhancing add-ins, or integrated third-party systems for specialized workflows.
Reporting and Analytics
Robust reporting gives administrators visibility into licenses, activities, devices, usage patterns, security events, and more. These actionable insights empower fact-based improvement of operations, productivity, cost optimizations, and compliance. Providers help interpret trends to maximize the return from your M365 investment.
Proactive Updates and Patch Management
Critical security patches, feature updates, service packs, and hotfixes are implemented according to your change management processes ensuring no exposure from known vulnerabilities. Updates are rigorously tested to avoid disruptions with documentation of operational readiness and change impact.
Collaboration Tools Setup
Team sites, channels, apps, and capabilities in M365 tools are tailored by experts to suit your teams’ needs. This includes custom SharePoint sites for project portals, communities, or department resources. Regional compliance variations are respected maintaining global collaboration effectiveness.
Leveraging Managed M365 for Strategic Success
Managed M365 services take the burden of Cloud administration and relieve the stress on internal departments. From deployments to daily oversight, backup/restoration to updating security – vendors carefully watch your environment leaving you to focus only on strategic initiatives. Streamlined communication and collaboration boost productivity. Insights optimize investments and operations. Regulatory requirements are satisfied cost-effectively through expert management delivering tangible ROI and peace of mind.
To learn more about how IMS Nucleii’s managed M365 services can extend your teams’ capabilities and help transform your business, contact us today. Our certified professionals have years of experience successfully implementing and managing complete M365 solutions for clients in your industry with proven results.
