How to harness the business opportunity of Microsoft’s Modern Workplace

In the modern workplace, even the smallest businesses need to meet the requirement for flexible working. When investing in and upgrading their IT systems, SMBs depend on the expert advice of trusted suppliers like you.

SMBs require cost-effective solutions that not only make remote and hybrid work possible but also keep their teams connected, efficient, and secure. MSPs play a crucial role in helping them select the right tools for the job – because IT doesn’t just affect operational tasks, but a business’s effectiveness as a whole.

When it comes to collaboration and communication, platforms like Microsoft Teams offer a brilliant way for SMBs to provide this much-needed flexibility to their workforce. More than just clever tools; they’re lifelines for businesses striving to maintain a competitive edge. They organise and facilitate chat, calls, video meetings, file storage, and collaboration, creating a unified workspace that can dramatically improve teamwork and productivity, in a reliable and safe way.

So, what makes Teams a particularly strong choice? Well, in addition to its unique features, it integrates seamlessly with existing Microsoft ecosystems, whilst opening up new selling opportunities for MSPs too. Let’s explore why Microsoft Teams stands out as a collaboration platform and how it can help your customers and your business.

Why choose Teams? Benefits and features explained

Microsoft Teams provides a comprehensive set of features with multiple business benefits. Together they enable companies to bring diverse teams of varying sizes together in one place, with centralised access to essential resources. This not only enhances creativity and problem-solving but also contributes to improved decision-making processes, increased productivity, smoother operations, and collaborative culture.

Key benefits of Microsoft Teams:

Transform collaboration: Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, and SharePoint. It enables real-time document collaboration and streamlines project management, all within a single interface.

Enhance communication: Persistent chat and dedicated channels organise conversations for specific topics, reducing unnecessary emails and meetings. Enhanced video and audio capabilities improve the quality of interactions.

Centralise resources: Consolidate access to emails, calendars, and files, and easily enable direct calls and meetings – centralisation saves time and streamlines workflows. 

A unified solution: Teams is an effective UCaaS solution for calls, meetings, and messaging, with comprehensive telephony capabilities.

Robust security: Guarantees safe data handling and collaboration and supports secure interactions with external parties.

Why MSPs should sell Microsoft Teams: a compelling business case

Microsoft Teams makes a strategic addition to any MSPs stack as it’s a comprehensive solution that’s central to modern working practices. As an essential service provider, you’ll become an established long-term partner.

Here’s the lowdown:

• Steady cash flow: Tap into the recurring revenue model that comes with subscription-based services. As businesses become reliant on the platform for daily operations, they’re more likely to stick with you long-term.

• More sales opportunities: Microsoft Teams is part of a bigger set of tools. Once your customers start with Teams, you can cross-sell and upsell additional services from the Microsoft ecosystem like better security or productivity apps.

• Market demand and relevance: The shift to remote and hybrid work models has significantly increased the demand for collaboration platforms. By offering Teams, MSPs can meet this growing market need with a competitive solution.

• Stand out with your expertise: Become the go-to authority on Teams. Then you can offer unique services like custom setups, extra training, and ongoing support. This makes you more valuable and competitive.

• Scale up: Teams is adaptable and will grow with your customers. As their businesses grow and expand, so will yours.

Microsoft Teams licensing explained

If you’re looking to sell Teams licences to your small business customers, you have several options to consider, depending on their needs. Each license type offers different features and pricing options:

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium: These small business plans include Microsoft Teams subscriptions and offer varying levels of features suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

• Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 and E5: For workforces over 300 people, these licenses provide advanced features including Microsoft Teams.

• Teams Essentials: For small businesses in need of an affordable stand-alone meeting solution with video and audio calling capabilties.

Interested in adding Microsoft Teams to your offer? We’re here to help. Contact the Modern Workplace team here, and find out how to get started.