Unlock the Full Potential of Your Productivity Suite with Microsoft 365 Support

Microsoft 365 has become nothing short of ubiquitous in modern business. With over 2 million companies worldwide, including a staggering 80% of Fortune 500 firms, relying on its suite of applications, it’s clear that Microsoft 365 is a vital tool for organisations of all sizes. Boasting a user base of approximately 345 million individuals, and with Gartner estimating 20% of corporate employees actively using Microsoft 365 services, its pervasiveness is undeniable. However, simply subscribing to Microsoft 365 doesn't guarantee optimal performance. Many businesses struggle to fully benefit from the capabilities of their Microsoft Office 365 plans, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. That's where expert Microsoft 365 support becomes crucial.

The Most Common Challenges Companies Face When Using Microsoft 365

Man at desk looking stressed. Text lists challenges when using Microsoft 365: Implementation, Training, Security, Performance, Cost, Support.

Microsoft 365 offers a powerful and versatile platform, but it's not without its potential pitfalls. Businesses often encounter a range of issues that can hinder productivity and impact their bottom line. Some of the most prominent challenges are as follows:

Implementation Complexity

Getting Microsoft 365 properly up and running is often more involved than initially anticipated. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves short on in-house IT expertise or the necessary bandwidth for a successful deployment, making external support a necessity.

Additionally, tailoring Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and other integral tools to precisely fit an organisation's specific needs can be both costly and incredibly time-intensive.

User Adoption & Training

It's not just about having the tools, but about getting people to use them effectively. Employees accustomed to older, legacy systems may struggle to adapt to new workflows and ways of working, which can negatively impact productivity in the short term.

Also, the native Microsoft 365 tools sometimes lack the granular adoption metrics needed to accurately demonstrate the platform's return on investment (ROI), making it difficult to justify the expense.

Security & Governance

Security and governance are paramount when it comes to keeping your data safe and compliant. Storing data in the cloud and the convenience of external file sharing raise legitimate concerns about accidental data leaks or unauthorised access. Additionally, security settings are often dispersed across various admin consoles, making effective management and the maintenance of a robust security posture highly dependent on specialised expertise.

Technical Performance Issues

Technical performance issues can arise even in the most advanced systems, highlighting the need for vigilance. File synchronisation failures between devices, especially when working offline, can cause significant disruptions to workflows and efficiency. Furthermore, rare occurrences of service outages, such as the 14-hour Azure downtime in 2021, spark concerns about the platform's overall reliability and its ability to consistently support user operations.

Cost Management

Effective cost management is vital to maintaining financial stability. Subscription-based models, while providing flexibility, can sometimes lead to ongoing operational costs that put a strain on budgets, especially when compared to the upfront investment of traditional software. On top of that, unforeseen expenses such as customisations or the integration of third-party tools can significantly increase the total cost of ownership, creating additional financial challenges.

Troubleshooting and Support

Effective troubleshooting and support are key to ensuring seamless operations. The interconnected design of Microsoft 365 apps often generates vast amounts of diagnostic data, which can make identifying the root cause of issues both challenging and time-consuming. Moreover, performance irregularities and frequent user errors tend to result in a significant increase in IT support tickets, placing considerable strain on internal IT teams and their resources.

New Microsoft 365 Updates and Features

Microsoft 365 is constantly changing to meet the shifting needs of modern businesses. The April 2025 updates bring a raft of new features designed to boost productivity, tighten security, and improve collaboration. Keeping abreast of these changes is key to making the most of your Microsoft 365 investment.

Boosting Productivity and Collaboration

Several updates are geared towards streamlining workflows and improving teamwork. The introduction of message recall in the Outlook mobile app lets users quickly retract sent emails. Microsoft Teams sees improvements with the addition of Loop Workspace Tabs within standard channels, encouraging real-time collaboration on projects. What's more, the ability to directly share contact details within Teams simplifies the business of bringing external collaborators into the fold. For document management, OneDrive and SharePoint benefit from a redesigned PDF annotation tool, offering pixel-perfect editing, and the automatic archiving of inactive account files, helping to keep things tidy and efficient.

Bolstering Security and Compliance

The latest Microsoft 365 updates introduce AI-driven pre-delivery threat detection in emails, providing an extra layer of defence against phishing attempts and malware. Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) receives finer controls, allowing for monitoring of auto-forwarded emails and device-based policy scoping for endpoint management. These enhancements offer greater oversight and help ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations. Centralised approval workflows via Viva Engage ensure team access is compliant and secure.

Administrative and Technical

The updates also include significant changes for administrators and developers. The MSOnline PowerShell Module and Azure AD Graph API are being phased out, to be replaced by the Microsoft Graph PowerShell SDK. This means migrating existing scripts and automations to the new SDK to avoid any snags. There's also a new limit on dynamic distribution groups, requiring careful planning for larger organisations.

How AIS Technology Can Help You Get Ahead

Keeping up with these changes and putting new features into practice can be a right headache. AIS Technology is a leading Microsoft 365 partner offering comprehensive Microsoft 365 support to help businesses like yours unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365. Our expert consulting services provide tailored assessments and roadmaps for making the most of new features. We offer seamless implementation to ensure a smooth transition, customised training programmes to empower your employees, and ongoing support to keep your Microsoft 365 environment ticking over nicely. We provide IT support services that provide excellent Microsoft 365 IT support.

Tailoring Microsoft 365 Support Services to Your Business Needs with AIS Technology

Microsoft 365, right out of the box, is a powerful tool. But to truly maximise its value, it needs to be configured and managed in a way that aligns perfectly with your specific business requirements. We provide solution that makes your business tick more efficiently, securely, and productively.

Expert Configuration and Laying the Foundations for Success

The initial setup of Microsoft 365 is critical. We work with you to understand the intricacies of your operations, ensuring that everything, from email settings to SharePoint structures, is configured for optimal performance. This includes enhancing the efficiency, automating routine tasks, and integrating Microsoft 365 with your existing infrastructure. We don't "set it and forget it", we build a solid foundation for ongoing success.

Security Hardening and Fortifying Your Digital Defences

Our security experts go beyond the basic security features of Microsoft 365 and implement specific measures to safeguard your sensitive information. This involves configuring advanced threat protection, enforcing robust access controls, and providing ongoing security awareness training to your staff. We'll help you navigate the complexities of compliance regulations and establish a security posture that minimises risk without impeding productivity.

Empowering Your Team to Thrive

Even the best-designed system is only as good as the people using it. We provide comprehensive user support, from initial onboarding and training to ongoing troubleshooting. Our helpdesk is available to answer questions, resolve technical issues, and empower your team to use Microsoft 365 effectively. We focus on providing practical solutions that help your people get the job done.

Keeping Your Microsoft 365 Environment in Tip-Top Condition

Maintaining optimal performance requires continuous monitoring and management. We provide maintenance, applying updates, optimising configurations, and identifying potential problems before they impact your business. Our goal is to ensure that your Microsoft 365 environment remains reliable, secure, and aligned with your evolving business needs, freeing you up to focus on what you do best.

With AIS Technology at your side, you can be confident that your Microsoft 365 investment is secure, efficient, and contributes directly to your business objectives.

The Benefits of Partnering with a Microsoft 365 Partner

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Partnering with a Microsoft 365 expert offers businesses a wealth of advantages, particularly in navigating the complexities of licensing and implementation. These professionals possess in-depth knowledge of Microsoft 365's features and configurations, ensuring that organisations can maximise the platform's potential while avoiding common pitfalls. Their expertise allows businesses to focus on their core operations, confident that their technology needs are being handled efficiently and effectively.

One of the key benefits of working with a Microsoft 365 partner is the ability to optimise costs. Partners can analyse an organisation's specific requirements and recommend the most suitable licensing options, helping to avoid unnecessary expenses. Additionally, they can identify opportunities for cost savings through proactive licence management and tailored solutions, ensuring that businesses only pay for what they truly need. This level of financial oversight can be invaluable, particularly for organisations with tight budgets.

Moreover, Microsoft 365 partners provide ongoing support and troubleshooting, which is essential for maintaining smooth operations. By resolving technical issues and offering guidance on best practices, these experts act as a reliable resource for businesses. Their ability to quickly address challenges minimises downtime and enhances productivity, allowing organisations to maintain a competitive edge in their respective industries. By using the expertise of a dedicated partner, businesses can unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 while enjoying peace of mind.

Your Path to Productivity Starts with a Free Microsoft 365 Evaluation

Take the first step towards optimising your Microsoft 365 experience with a free assessment from our team of experts. This tailored evaluation is designed to identify key areas where your organisation can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen its security posture. Whether you're looking to streamline workflows, address technical challenges, or maximise the value of your subscription, this assessment will provide actionable insights to help you achieve your goals.

By partnering with us, you'll gain access to personalised recommendations that align with your unique business needs. Our free Microsoft 365 assessment is an opportunity to explore the platform's full potential while uncovering practical solutions for any pain points you may be facing. Don't miss this chance to empower your organisation, schedule your assessment today and unlock the possibilities of a more productive and cost-effective Microsoft 365 experience.