When cloud technologies first debuted, most companies were baffled by the value of the cloud.
Then, it became a tool primarily for large enterprises, requiring a fairly heavy lift and shift for full adoption. But now, the cloud has become the backbone for business continuity, hybrid work and collaboration.
Microsoft OneDrive for Business is the perfect example.
A cloud storage service available as part of Microsoft 365, the main benefit of OneDrive for Business is the ability to store and share files in the cloud, empowering employees to collaborate on documents and projects effectively and safely.
With OneDrive for Business , employees can easily access cloud file storage , shared files and folders , and sync app s and content .
With a simple click, an employee can share files with multiple other users, even collaborating with people outside of the organization. Shared files and projects are accessible on nearly any device—from laptops to desktops to mobile devices—supported by a OneDrive for Business app.
Additionally, among other OneDrive features and benefits , the solution offers administrative access control and other robust security features to protect business data while still delivering a streamlined employee experience.
The value of using Microsoft OneDrive for Business is rooted in its “anywhere access” technology.
With individual and shared work files easily stored, edited and shared through a simple user interface, employees can find and share Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents across Microsoft 365 , including in Microsoft Teams .
Plus, offline edits automatically sync the next time you connect, enabling work anywhere, anytime—a boon to productivity.
That ability to collaborate takes teamwork and efficiency to the next level. Teams can work faster and smarter by sharing information throughout your organization—and even with those outside your business.
If you routinely work with clients or have agencies or contractors supporting your business , OneDrive for Business can enable sharing information to drive seamless collaboration.
In today’s world of remote and hybrid work, mobility has taken on new importance.
One key benefit of Microsoft OneDrive for Business is its mobile app, which not only enables collaboration and productivity, but can simplify the lives of the business travelers on your team by capturing travel receipts, business cards, and other paper documents for safekeeping.
You can’t talk about OneDrive benefits , such as its access and collaboration capabilities, without addressing security.
Protecting data at rest is difficult enough, but with mobility, hybrid work and high levels of collaboration, you need to know your business intelligence is protected.
OneDrive for Business provides sophisticated security features, plus provides a layer of business continuity that offers peace of mind.
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Let’s talk in more detail about the benefits of using OneDrive for Business that can help you determine if it is the right solution for your business.
Robust OneDrive storage: The default storage space for Microsoft OneDrive for Business is 1 TB; however, you may build up to 5 TB of storage per user.
Sharing files: Sharing data stored in OneDrive for Business is not automatic, which allows granular access control by users. Files are created as private; users set access at either the file or folder level to share information with coworkers or those outside your business.
Privacy settings offer flexible options such as sharing one file in a OneDrive folder , or an entire OneDrive folder and its contents.
Setting up sync: OneDrive for Business syncs with your computer through an app, which is included with Office 2013 and 2016, or available for free download.
Within OneDrive for Business , Microsoft has included robust data encryption, sophisticated settings to support company-wide access control, multi-factor authentication, and the data redundancy provided by the vendor for most of its cloud solutions.
To begin with, anything uploaded to OneDrive for Business is encrypted.
However, with sharing capabilities comes an increased risk.
If your organization needs specific and granular security settings, particularly if you are regulated by federal and state compliance laws, you will want to integrate OneDrive for Business with Azure AD.
That enables security policies for work groups, adding a layer of protection for data that may be shared outside your organization.
That integration with Azure AD also extends the multi-factor authentication support included in OneDrive for Business . For some companies, simply setting security within OneDrive for Business will provide enough protection.
If you require additional 2FA for all users, Azure AD will provide that extra peace of mind.
While Microsoft doesn’t offer specifics about the Microsoft OneDrive physical infrastructure, it guarantees 99.99% data redundancy.
Curious to learn more about the benefits of OneDrive for business ? Get in touch with us now!
Curious to learn more about the benefits of OneDrive for business? Get in touch with us now!
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To simplify the advantages of OneDrive for Business , the cloud storage and collaboration solution enables your team to access files on demand from anywhere and collaborate seamlessly in an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
The capability to share, edit and access files at home, in the office, and via mobile devices addresses the demands of today’s modern workforce, which has discovered that productivity doesn’t equal sitting at a desk.
That very demand for flexible, hybrid work has inspired new levels of collaboration, and OneDrive for Business caters to that need.
Easily sharing not only files but comments and suggestions eliminates gaps in communication and streamlines real-time editing across multiple users both inside and outside your organization.
We’ve all heard the buzz about employee experience and OneDrive for Business addresses that by providing a simple, easy-to-adopt interface that inspires employees to use all of its robust features.
To further extend the positive employee experience, OneDrive for Business is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, enabling support for users regardless of their OS preference. OneDrive for Business is also deployable as an on-premises platform.
Despite bringing a wide range of benefits, OneDrive for Business is like any other platform, and does have some limitations.
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OneDrive for Business has three business plans:
If you require more robust features from OneDrive for Business , you may want to invest in higher-tier plans that include Open Web Office applications, full integration with the AD or Azure AD, and other sophisticated business add-ons.
As a certified Microsoft Partner, Exigent Technologies has the expertise to guide you through evaluating the features of OneDrive for Business in order to determine if its file sharing and collaboration capabilities meet your organization’s needs.
From there, we can decide what level of plan you might require, as well as identify any additional investments that might be needed to fully support your business and employees.
Our deep experience with Microsoft 365 migrations means we can not only guide you through the selection process, but we can deploy seamlessly and securely, optimize settings and then accelerate the adoption process with user training and best practices.
Book your free consultation today to learn more about how we can help!
Daniel Haurey Jr. is the president and founder of managed IT services provider Exigent Technologies, which he founded in 1997. Under his leadership, the MSP has earned accolades ranging from Channel Futures MSP 501 to being named SonicWall’s 2024 MSP Growth Partner of the Year. Dan is a true entrepreneur, dedicated to growing, investing in, and mentoring small businesses. You can find him on LinkedIn, where he regularly posts about technology, business, leadership, and community.