SOFTWARE REVIEW: MICROSOFT 365

Part of every job is to use different software and hardware tools. Unfortunately, some of these software and hardware are doing us more damage than good, and some are so useful that you cannot work without them. In this blog article, I will discuss the software and hardware I use as a mechanical design engineer. In this article, I will talk about Microsoft 365 and the apps that are part of it that I use every day.

Introduction

As a mechanical design engineer, you need a wide range of digital tools to do your job properly. One of the most valuable tools I have on my disposition is Microsoft 365. The first thing I do every morning before I start my working day is to check my e-mail (Outlook, Microsoft app). When I am creating different reports, I use Word (Microsoft app); when I am creating different presentations, I use PowerPoint (Microsoft app).

Furthermore, when I need to create different calculation sheets, I use Excel (Microsoft app). I maintain my knowledge base in OneNote (Microsoft app). Every day I use apps that are part of the Microsoft 365 package.

While it might take some time to get proficient in all these different tools, once you master them, the possibilities for solving various issues and communicating them are tremendous. If you did not have a chance to work with Microsoft 365, I would suggest you invest time learning how to work with these different apps. Microsoft apps are industry standard, and it is a skill that is easily transferable to other companies.

What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a subscription plan that includes different apps for working, learning, organizing, connecting, and creating. Microsoft 365 offers different plans for individuals, businesses, and enterprises. From e-mail apps and team collaboration apps to apps for creating documents, and presentations, Microsoft 365 covers all of them.

Features

There is a wide range of possible features that you could get based on the subscription plan that you choose. I am using Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and here is the list of some of the apps that I have access to:

Outlook (e-mail app),
Excel (spreadsheet app),
Word (word-processing app),
PowerPoint (presentation design app),
OneNote (digital notebook),
OneDrive (cloud service),
Whiteboard (cloud-based digital canvas), etc.

Buying options

There are three Microsoft 365 product groups that you can choose from: For home, for business, and for the enterprise.

Considering that I am using Microsoft 365 for business, I will only talk about the plans offered in that group.

There are three buying plans that you can choose from:

Microsoft 365 Business Basic,
Microsoft 365 Business Standard,
Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

All these plans are subscription-based plans with different options included. You can learn more about it here.

Personally, I am using Microsoft 365 Business Standard package, which is for my needs, the best ratio between the price and the services I need.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Wide range of apps available for small monthly payments,
Possibility to use apps both in the cloud and on the desktop,
Easy document sharing via cloud,
Industry standard – once you learn how to use it, skills are easily transferable to different companies.

Cons:

Learning curve – a lot of different apps with different functionality
From app to app, there are some shortcomings, but honestly, consider the price and value you receive; there is not too much negative to say about it.

Conclusion

I am using Microsoft 365 apps literally every day. The possibilities you get with those apps for a fraction of the price are incredible. I am using it both in the company and for my private business. Based on my private business needs, I have chosen Microsoft 365 Business Standard plan, and maybe some other plan will better fit your needs.

I am very satisfied with Microsoft apps, and even though Microsoft apps have their shortcomings, you must take into account the price that you pay and the value that you get for it. With that being said, Microsoft 365 subscription is definitely worth every penny.

This is my experience with using Microsoft 365. Do you have experience with it? Are you thinking about getting a plan? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!

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