We’ve helped countless organisations — from fast-moving nonprofits to professional services firms — successfully transition to the cloud with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Across industries, the shift to Microsoft 365 has empowered teams to collaborate more effectively, reduce risk, and eliminate the headaches of on-premise infrastructure.
Through these migrations, we’ve been asked the same core questions time and time again. So, whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already planning your move, here are the five most commonly asked questions about Microsoft 365 migration — and our expert answers.
1. Is Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) secure, particularly compared to having a server in our own office?
Using the cloud-based Microsoft 365 is much safer than storing your data on your on-premise server, both physically and in regards to attack.
With Microsoft 365, your data is stored in a secure, fully redundant data centre based in Australia.
With your on-premise server, it’s likely stored in the corner of your office and is vulnerable to break-in and theft. It’s also unlikely to be built with as much redundancy as the servers in Microsoft’s data centres, so is more vulnerable to hardware failure.
In terms of cyber-attack, most small businesses use entry-level routers and firewalls that offer minimal protection. Microsoft’s data centres use state-of-the-art hardware that is fully updated with patches to keep your data safe.
Microsoft 365 also has many security features that can be switched on, like two-factor authentication and Advanced Threat Protection. These features will help mitigate against malicious attacks.
It also comes with Secure Score – a feature that recommends actions you can take on your setup to improve security. It enhances security from the default settings.
2. How much storage do I get with Microsoft 365? Will I have enough space?
There are several types of storage with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), each with their own limits.
Mailbox storage
The Microsoft 365 Business Standard (formerly Office 365 Business Premium) and Microsoft 365 Business Basic licences include 50GB of mailbox storage per user.
Enterprise licences (such as Microsoft 365 E3 and E5) include 100GB plus an unlimited online archive, providing effectively unlimited email storage.
File storage
With OneDrive for Business, each user is allocated 1TB of storage for personal files. For team files, Sharepoint offers 1TB of storage per organisation plus 10Gb of storage per licence.
3. How can I access my files if they are in the cloud?
Before you can access your files, you need firstly to be authenticated. After that, there are a few different ways you can access your cloud-based files.
Web browser
You can access your files via the web browser from any computer with web access.
Synchronise your files to your computer
Synchronising your files allows you to access them from your local hard drive. They’re synchronised on the fly so they only get downloaded when you access them. This saves on save hard drive space and bandwidth.
4. Will my employees have to do anything differently when we move to Microsoft 365?
For email, there will be no difference for your users between using an on-premise or a cloud server.
For file access, there will be some difference in the way they access files. If they choose to access files via the web, the process will be different. If they use synchronised files, the process will be similar to using a networked drive of the normal on-premise server.
5. Which subscription should I choose and what is included in each one?
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan depends on the size of your organisation and the features you need. Microsoft offers plans under both Business and Enterprise tiers to suit different business requirements.
🧑💼 Microsoft 365 Business Plans (up to 300 users)
These are ideal for small to medium-sized organisations:
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
Includes desktop versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook. No cloud-based services like Exchange or SharePoint are included.
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Offers cloud-based services only — including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Microsoft Teams — but no desktop apps.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard (previously known as Office 365 Business Premium)
A hybrid of the two — includes both desktop Office apps and cloud services, making it the most popular choice for SMEs.
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Includes everything in Business Standard, plus advanced security features, device management tools, and Windows 11 Pro — great if you’re also looking to upgrade older PCs.
🏢 Microsoft 365 Enterprise Plans (E1, E3, E5)
Designed for organisations with more than 300 users, or those needing more advanced compliance and security:
E1 Plan
Cloud-only services like Teams and Exchange, but no desktop Office apps.
- E3 Plan
Adds full desktop Office apps, 100GB mailbox storage, advanced compliance features, and access to unlimited archiving.
- E5 Plan
Includes all E3 features plus advanced security, analytics, and voice capabilities like phone system and audio conferencing.
What are the benefits of implementing Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) offers a wide range of benefits for small to medium-sized businesses looking to modernise their workplace and improve security, productivity, and flexibility. Here are some of the key advantages:
Work from Anywhere
Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based platform, which means your team can access emails, files, and collaboration tools from virtually anywhere — whether they’re in the office, working remotely, or on the go. All you need is an internet connection.
Enterprise-Grade Security and Redundancy
With Microsoft’s secure data centres and built-in features like Advanced Threat Protection, multi-factor authentication, and data loss prevention, your business stays protected from both physical and digital threats. You also benefit from Microsoft’s extensive compliance and security certifications.
Seamless Collaboration
Tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint Online make real-time collaboration simple. Share documents, chat with colleagues, co-author files, and manage projects — all in one connected ecosystem.
Cost-Effective and Scalable
A Microsoft 365 subscription gives you access to professional tools without the upfront cost of on-premise infrastructure. Plans start from just $18.70 per user per month, offering predictable monthly costs and easy scalability as your business grows.
Increased Productivity
By streamlining communication and reducing time spent managing infrastructure or patching outdated software, Microsoft 365 frees up your team to focus on what matters — driving your business forward.
Our Microsoft 365 implementation tips
Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) implementation and migration requires careful planning and consideration. It pays to talk to an expert before you start the process.
Of particular concern for small business is security. It’s important to make sure you have the right settings switched on to make sure your data is secure. You also need to make sure any computers you use are fully patched and up-to-date.
How can Nexio Group help you implement Microsoft 365?
We’re the experts in end-to-end IT services for small to medium enterprises. We’ve migrated over a thousand users to Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). We can ensure your path to the cloud is smooth.
We can help from consulting on your project, through to implementation and ongoing support. Our helpdesk is able to assist you with any help you may need post-migration.
To see how Microsoft Office 365 can help your business, get in touch today.
