Digital transformation is a phrase you may have heard over the years. But what does it mean, how do you know if you need a transformation, and how can Office 365 help your business achieve it?

Understanding Digital 

At its most basic ‘digital’ refers to the ways people connect with machines, and the technology that makes it possible. Technology advances at a rapid pace, and it’s easy to get left behind.

Consider Windows updates. Each one is because Microsoft identifies something it could do better, then adapts its programming. The commonest examples are security patches to fight new cyberthreats.

Understanding Transformation

Everyone knows the basic definition of a transformation. Transformation happens when something becomes something else.

In business, transformation refers to big changes in the ways the business operates. From business model, to products, processes and services, all are affected through transformation.

Transformation doesn’t happen through mergers, finding new markets or changing a customer base. Those are normal business activities. Companies that alter their working practises to reflect current demands don’t need to transform. They are already keeping pace with a changing market place.

Those that don’t identify changes and adapt reach a tipping point. At the tipping point it’s too late to transform because all the customers have gone elsewhere. HMV is an example of a large company this happened to.

A report by Mckinsey argues that companies who fail to integrate digital strategies will be the ones who lose.

Putting Digital and Transformation Together with Office 365

The tools needed for a digital transformation are readily accessible through Office 365. Any subscription level brings digital advantages to the way your business operates.

For one thing, it meets the societal demands of the modern workforce. In private life, we communicate through:

• Online chat.
• Text messaging.
• Face time or Skype telephoning.
• Cloud sharing our files and photos.
• Automatic syncing between mobile devices.

When similar but more powerful applications are available at work too, adapting is second nature. Office 365 satisfies the need for speed in computer communications, making basic work tasks more efficient:

• Complete projects faster.
• Collaborate and chat with colleagues in real time.
• Access files on any device, anywhere, anytime.
• Find information on a company-wide basis
• Always have the latest version of a file to hand.

Add managed IT services to Office 365 cloud computing, and your business is technology future-proofed.

Managed IT services not only help you figure out what level and type of IT system would best suit your organisation, it then monitors usage and performance, keeping everything optimised for efficiency.

Digital transformation is here to stay, and will become more integrated with personal and business life in future. Don’t let your company reach the tipping point. If you need advice on how Office 365 will transform your business, please get in touch today.