A brief history of Microsoft’s 365

Microsoft 365 has become one of the most popular cloud-based productivity suites available to businesses of all sizes. It is a subscription-based service that includes all the essential Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. But how did Microsoft 365 come to be? Let’s take a look at its history. 

In 2011, Microsoft introduced Office 365, which was initially a cloud-based version of its popular Office software. Office 365 was primarily aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, as it provided a cost-effective way to access essential productivity tools without the need for on-premises hardware. Over time, Office 365 evolved into a much more comprehensive suite of cloud-based tools that included not only the core Office applications but also new services like SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive. 

In 2017, Microsoft rebranded Office 365 to Microsoft 365, which reflected its expanded offerings. Today, Microsoft 365 includes a range of cloud-based services such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange. Microsoft 365 also provides enhanced security and compliance features, making it a more attractive option for businesses of all sizes. It has become an essential tool for remote working, enabling businesses to maintain productivity regardless of their location. With continuous updates and new features, Microsoft 365 remains one of the most comprehensive cloud-based productivity suites available. 

Since its inception, Microsoft 365 has continued to evolve and expand its offerings, with new features and tools being added regularly. In 2020, Microsoft reported that the platform had reached a new milestone of 258 million paid seats, a testament to the platform’s continued success and relevance in today’s modern workplace. 

Looking to the future, Microsoft 365 is poised to remain a key player in the world of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools. With an ever-growing user base and a commitment to innovation and improvement, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see new and exciting developments from the platform for many years to come. As businesses increasingly turn to the cloud for their IT needs, Microsoft 365 is well-positioned to help them achieve their goals and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing digital landscape. 

About Me

I’m Jan, founder and senior consultant at Redhall. If your organisation is looking for guidance or support.on any of the topics, services or solutions we talk about, please get in touch and let’s start a conversation.

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