What is Office 365?:
Office 365 is Microsoft's suite of cloud-based tools, including Office Web Apps, email and calendar support (that can connect with Outlook 2007 or 2010) powered by Microsoft Exchange Online, an online version of Microsoft SharePoint, and online meetings and IM support powered by Microsoft Lync Online. It's a comprehensive collection of online applications, available as a subscription service, for professionals and small businesses, particularly those who are accustomed to using Microsoft products. Office 365 went into public beta on April 17, 2011.
Cloud Productivity Service:
Microsoft says that Office 365 can help small businesses get up and running with Office, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Lync Online in 15 minutes. As with other cloud services, Office 365 saves users the hassle of tracking or syncing files across multiple devices and makes online collaboration with others easier.
Office 365 Features
Email and Calendar: Office 365 gives each users a 25 GB email inbox that can connect with Outlook, as well as an online Outlook-like calendar via Microsoft Outlook Web App. Other features include Microsoft Exchange-like filters and virus scanning.
Office Web Apps: A major component of Office 365 is Office Web Apps integration -- online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These are also accessible via Windows Phone 7. Learn more about Office Web Apps Advantages compared to other online office suites like Google Docs.
Websites and Collaboration: Office 365's online Microsoft SharePoint component lets users in remote locations share and collaborate on shared files online and via their Windows Phone 7 smartphones. It also brings Microsoft Access databases online.
IM and Online Meetings: Microsoft Lync Online is the company's enterprise tool for IM and video calling. Features like sharing presentations and screen sharing, as well as Windows Live Messenger are also part of Office 365.
Office 365 Pricing
Subscriptions for Office 365 (Plan P1) start at $6 per user per month. Microsoft is offering a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
