From 2020 to 2021, the number of Microsoft users surged from 75 million to 145 million. Small and mid-size businesses from around the globe use Microsoft's unparalleled products and services. However, due to massive diversity, most SMBs are unaware of prominent Microsoft tools and their exceptional uses.

Ultimately, it limits the productivity of any business as they underutilize the available resources and features. That is why we decided to bring forward a comprehensive breakdown of the most valuable tools by Microsoft for SMBs. So, by the end of this write-up, you’ll be able to have an explicit understanding of the tools and features you’ve been missing out on.

Why shall SMBs use Microsoft’s tools?

Over a million businesses globally are regular Microsoft users. If your company is still not one of those, then you must know the impeccable benefits of using Microsoft tools. The cloud-based interface of Microsoft is an excellent advancement in technology. It lifts the worries of losing your data due to server crashes or malware. Due to the cloud-based interface, all the data is secured online within a cloud. Additionally, you can access information from anywhere in the world through a stable internet connection.

Regarding security, there’s no need to worry as Microsoft's lock and key system won’t allow a single breach in your stored data. Given the exceptional benefits, you might be worried about the expenses associated with such tools, especially if you run a small to mid-sized setup.

You’ll be stunned to know that Microsoft offers cost-effective subscription plans for its services. Such subscription plans can fit into the limited IT budgets of small to mid-sized businesses.

7 Best Microsoft Tools for SMBs

We have shortlisted the most helpful tools by Microsoft. You won't regret using any of these tools as they will substantially surge the productivity of your business. Without any further due, let’s begin.

1.    Microsoft SharePoint

This tool is built on two types of interfaces, i.e., cloud-based and on-premises. However, 86 percent of Microsoft SharePoint’s users prefer working on the cloud-based interface rather than the on-premise one. This tool has been specifically designed to promote a communicatory environment among businesses.

Purpose of this tool: It enables users to share information with colleagues, clients, and customers in a secure way. On top of that, it allows users to create custom apps and sites that primarily target their ongoing business complications.

Attributes:

●      Protection from unauthorized breaches.

●      Mobile-friendly user experience.

●      Compliance with the policies of individual companies.

●      Effortless navigation.

●      Advanced security system.

Compatibility: It is compatible with the latest versions of major browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer. That is not all - it also comes with integrated access to Power BI.

Working interface: Its working interface might seem complicated at first. However, the accessibility features and keyboard shortcuts make it easy for the users to adapt to it.

2.    Microsoft Teams

An extraordinary tool by Microsoft that targets SMBs and enterprises of every scale. Microsoft Teams encourages businesses to promote a hybrid work environment. If your business struggles to maintain an effective communication among employees, then Microsoft Teams is all you need. A study held by the Institute for Corporate Productivity concluded that companies with a collaborative work environment are five times more productive.

Purpose of this tool: It enables users to swiftly communicate with each other via video conferences, messaging, calls, and file sharing.

Attributes:

●      Cloud-based telephony.

●      One-on-one chat threads.

●      Screen sharing.

●      Host moderation controls for team webinars.

●      Access to external collaboration.

Compatibility: This tool not only works in compliance with other Microsoft tools but with those tools as well that are outside the Microsoft domain, like Zoom.

Working interface: Microsoft Teams is exceptionally user-friendly and does not require any complex IT setups.

3.    OneDrive

Nowadays, one of the most critical things for businesses is to securely back up their data. Many businesses fail to do it in the right way and end up losing everything when their system crashes. One Drive has completely eradicated this issue due to its cloud-based interface. 41 percent of businesses use OneDrive due to its high-end integrated security system. No doubt, it's one of the most reliable tools when it comes to backing up data.

Purpose of this tool: It enables users to back up data in the cloud and swiftly share files via links.

Attributes:

●      Synchronization with desktop.

●      Personal vault and file encryption.

●      Advanced security and access from anywhere.

Compatibility: It offers diverse compatibility with web browsers, mobile devices, and computers.

Working interface: One Drive has an extremely accessible and uncomplicated working interface.

4.    Bookings

It can be tiring to keep continuous track of bookings and appointments in an organized way but not with Bookings by Microsoft. An impeccable tool that allows businesses to efficiently and productively align their appointments according to their team's availability. Ultimately, the chances of double-booking or missing a booking are entirely eradicated.

Purpose of this tool: It enables users to schedule their appointments through an integrated calendar effortlessly. On top of that, users can conduct virtual meetings on Microsoft Teams or Skype directly.

Attributes:

●      Automated notifications.

●      Customizable branding.

●      Reminders and third-party integrations.

●      Features for rescheduling and cancellation.

Compatibility: This tool works in compliance with Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.

Working interface: Users can quickly learn and adapt to its flexible interface.

5.    Microsoft Project

This tool by Microsoft is recognized by two other names as well, which are Project Professional and MS Project. One of the biggest hurdles SMBs face while managing their workload is losing track of time. That is why Microsoft introduced this impeccable tool. It has the potential to transform business dynamics substantially.

Purpose of this tool: It enables users to manage and execute projects effectively. Its collaborative interface makes it easy to create schedules and allot tasks to team members.

Attributes:

●      Gantt charts and Kanban boards for professional project management.

●      Three different types of views, i.e., Grid, Board, and Timeline.

Compatibility: This tool works in compliance with other Microsoft tools like SharePoint, Skype, and Office 365.

Working interface: If you have worked on Excel, then understanding the working interface of Microsoft Project won’t be a big deal. Otherwise, you’ll require intensive training to get a hold of this tool.

6.    Microsoft Power Automate

If your employees cannot manage work efficiently due to extreme workloads, then Microsoft Power Automate is the solution to all your problems. Through Microsoft Power Automate, businesses can automate repetitive tasks like answering customers’ queries. Resultantly, your employees will be able to focus on the more important things while automated responses will take care of the rest.

Purpose of this tool: It enables users to create automated workflows for repetitive tasks within the cloud. Such computerized responses can be in the form of messages, emails, notifications, alerts, and approvals.

Attributes:

●      Create flows that are automatically or manually triggered.

●      Flows can be scheduled for a specific time.

●      Scheduled automation can be recurring as well.

Compatibility: Its diverse compatibility allows users to work with servers like Dropbox, Slack, and Google Drive.

Working interface: Its easy-to-use interface makes it possible to create automated responses without the assistance of developers or programmers.

7.    Microsoft Planner

Last but not least, we have a tool by Microsoft that helps SMBs stay one step ahead of their deadlines, tasks, meetings, and appointments. This tool also allows users to assign work to the respective candidate of their team without any added complexities. Microsoft Planner also has kanban boards, making it easy for users to manage tasks and to-do lists efficiently.

Purpose of this tool: It enables users to share files, execute small projects, and communicate with colleagues through a visual interface. The planner also makes it easy for teams to stay updated regarding the progress of their projects. Ultimately, it makes it easy to track that no one is lagging behind and everyone is working at the same pace.

Attributes:

●      Integrated with the latest scheduling system, i.e., Kanban.

●      Analyze tasks via dashboards.

●      Color-coded shortcuts to highlight the important stuff.

●      Automated visualized insights.

Compatibility: Its interface is compatible with Outlook, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams.

Working interface: Users need no experience or training to use Microsoft Planner. However, previous exposure to other Microsoft 365 tools would be a plus point in getting used to the working interface of Microsoft Planner.

Conclusion

To conclude, we can say that Microsoft tools are exceptional products of modern technology. All the tools mentioned above can substantially surge the productivity and growth of every SMB and enterprise.