Microsoft Office 365 is a suite of products that are cloud versions of the same Microsoft applications that you are familiar with using everyday.  The difference is that you pay for them on subscription basis, you always get the latest version and you don’t need to own any expensive server hardware to use them  They work over the internet using your existing desktop or laptop.  With plans for businesses of all sizes, you can get the services that deliver the greatest value for your needs.

• Office 365 for enterprises
• Office 365 for small businesses
• Office 365 for education

As Flint IT provide IT services to SMEs that is what I will focus on here.  For more info on the enterprise and education version click on the links.
Office 365 for small businesses

Multiply the power of your business with easy-to-use, web-enabled productivity tools, accessible from anywhere and without the hassle of managing IT systems.

• Office Web Apps:  Create, edit, and share Office documents online
• Exchange Online:  Stay connected with business-class email, calendaring, and contacts and protect your business with premium Forefront antivirus and  anti-spam protection
• SharePoint Online:  Manage and share documents and collaborate more effectively with My Sites and Team Sites, and build a public website quickly and easily
• Lync Online:  Host rich online meetings including video and application sharing and communicate faster with instant messaging designed for businesses

It’s only available in beta currently and you can sign up at http://office365.microsoft.com.

If you want to use it know and don’t want to use beta then you can sign up for Microsoft Online Services now that has many of the above features and benefits and you will be upgraded when Office365 comes out of beta.  You can sign up for a 30 day free trial at Microsoft Online Services here.

This trial includes a 20 user licenses for Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Live Meeting, and Office Communications Online.

If you want help transitioning from your current setup to Microsoft Online Services then please contact us.