May 8, 2025
Growth Mode Tech
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At Growth Mode Technologies—home of your local IT department—one of the most common questions we hear from business owners is:

“Why am I paying for Microsoft 365 every month, and what am I actually getting for it?”

That’s a fair question. On the surface, Microsoft 365 might look like just another recurring expense. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see it’s actually one of the most powerful and cost-effective technology investments your business can make.

From CDs to the Cloud: A Look at How Microsoft Office Has Evolved

Remember the old days when you had to buy Microsoft Office on a CD? If you wanted it on multiple computers, you had to buy multiple licenses—often costing hundreds of dollars each. Then a new version would come out the following year, and the cycle would start all over again.

Microsoft 365 changed all that.

Now, with a cloud-based subscription model, you get continual updates, new features, and advanced tools for a low monthly fee. It’s not just cheaper in the long run—it’s smarter.

What’s Included in Microsoft 365?

Today’s Microsoft 365 subscription is far more than just Word, Excel, and Outlook. You’re getting a full productivity and security platform that can replace many of your legacy systems.

Here’s what’s under the hood:

✅ Microsoft Teams

A powerful communication and collaboration tool with chat, video calls, shared calendars, and integrated file storage.

✅ SharePoint & OneDrive

Your modern file server in the cloud. Forget VPNs and local drives—SharePoint allows your team to collaborate in real time from anywhere, securely.

✅ Advanced Cybersecurity Tools

Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes built-in security features like:

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Identity protection and multifactor authentication (MFA)
Conditional access and threat analytics

These tools help protect your business against email hacking, phishing, ransomware, and more—without needing third-party software.

✅ Microsoft Intune

Manage all your company devices—laptops, desktops, and mobile phones—from one central dashboard. This is modern cloud-based device management at its best.

✅ Seamless Authentication Across All Services

With Azure Active Directory integration, your Microsoft login becomes the master key to access Teams, Outlook, file shares, third-party apps, and more—simplifying your digital workspace.

Why We Recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium

For most small to midsize businesses, Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers the best mix of value, functionality, and security. It’s the ideal starting point for companies looking to modernize their IT without breaking the bank.

How Growth Mode Technologies Can Help

At Growth Mode Technologies, we specialize in Microsoft 365 migrations, user training, ongoing IT services, and cybersecurity strategy. As your local IT department based in East Syracuse, we help businesses throughout Central New York make the most of Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.

Whether you’re dealing with aging servers or just tired of juggling outdated systems, we can show you how to: