Microsoft 365: Moving Beyond Cloud Storage and Office Apps Subscription

 

Microsoft 365 has been go-to option for most businesses and executive individuals, offering a suite of office applications and 1TB cloud storage options. However, as the market continues to grow, it's time for Microsoft 365 to consider moving beyond traditional services and expanding into new areas, such as entertainment and photo cloud storage

The importance of being ahead of the competition

In today's rapidly changing technology landscape, it's important for businesses to stay ahead of the competition and deliver a unique value proposition. Microsoft 365, as the market leader in office productivity and cloud storage, has the potential to expand into new areas and continue to set itself apart from the competition.

The demand for OTT entertainment applications is increasing 

Demand for streaming entertainment services like Netflix and Disney+ has exploded in recent years. Microsoft 365 has an opportunity to capitalize on this trend by clubbing its office suite of application subscription with one of the leading OTT Platform. This will not only add value to existing subscribers but will also attract new customers looking for a single place for both all their entertainment needs and business requirements. 

Demand for improved photo storage options

Besides entertainment, there is a growing demand for better photo storage options, with the growing popularity of photography and the rise of smartphones, people are taking more photos than ever before. Microsoft 365 can provide advanced photo storage options, such as AI-powered photo organization and advanced editing tools, to meet these users need. By offering office suite of applications, OTT entertainment applications and advanced photo storage options, Microsoft 365 can provide additional value to its customers while setting itself apart from the competition. Customers will no longer have to subscribe to multiple services to get multiple features they want, making them more convenient and cost-effective.

Potential to increase revenue

Expansion into new areas, such as entertainment and photo storage, is likely to boost Microsoft 365's revenue. With growing demand for these services, Microsoft 365 has a chance to win the cloud storage market. 

The future of Microsoft 365

In short, it's time for Microsoft 365 to go beyond traditional cloud storage and desktop office suite of application subscriptions, and expand into new areas, such as entertainment and photo storage. By offering a bundled service plan, Microsoft 365 can deliver additional value to customers, differentiate themselves from competitors, and increase revenue. The future is bright for Microsoft 365 and this move will be a step in the right direction for their continued growth and success. To read more such articles and information, please feel free to check out the “G R Team Sites”

Looking out Android box vs Apple TV options

I have been using TV that was few years old and was mostly dependent on the first-generation Chromecast device for my streaming requirements. However, I was exploring two key streaming products available in the market and wanted to list both pros & cons for those products. Following are my reasons about advantages and disadvantages for both products.

• Apple 4K TV Box - Too expensive and high quality: The major advantage of Apple’s 4K TV box was the picture quality and its deep integration with iOS ecosystem & its devices. The disadvantage of the product was its cost, the price of the product was too expensive that we could offer couple of android boxes for a single Apple 4K TV.
• Android Box – Affordable and lack of iOS native support: The major advantage for opting to the Android box was its cost, the price of the product is so affordable that would meet all the streaming requirements and might break even in a year with promised software updates for next few years. The little bit of disadvantage about the android box was the native support for iOS devices and me owning lot of iOS devices ranging from iPhone, iPads, and Macs it was a huge bummer. 

The above comparison of both streaming devices was based on my day to data requirements and experience in using first generation Chromecast for past several years. To read more about my opinion or suggestions, please feel free to check out the articles published in “G R Team Sites”

Few additional disappointments in AirPods Pro 2 launch

I have already detailed my disappointment on the launch of 2nd generation AirPods Pro with lack of Lossless audio format support and unavailability of any new health monitoring or tracking solutions. In addition to it, there were few other concerns regarding the launch of new AirPods Pro and how it has disappointed the enthusiasts with additional rumors. Following are my additional concerns regarding the 2nd generation AirPods Pro. 

• No major re-design or colors compared to first generation: Since, the launch of the first generation 3 years back, there was no redesign or color option introduced on the product, while the competitors were launching the upgraded TWS headphones with new designs and exclusive color options. With transformation of iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watch, I thought Apple would launch newer version of AirPods Pro 2nd generation with exclusive new colors and slight re-design to differentiate it from the 1stgeneration AirPods Pro. To my disappointment, the second generation AirPods Pro had the same old design and the same color options. 
• Lack of USB-C connectivity support: Another disappointment on the 2nd generation AirPods Pro was the retention of Apple’s lightning cable to charge the device and the rumors were expecting that Apple would transition to USB Type-C cable support due to regulatory restrictions. To everyone’s disappointment Apple has not made or attempted for transition to USB Type-C cable or completely wireless charging options. 

With the above disappointment from Apple against the rumors and expectations from the enthusiasts, it becomes clear that Apple wanted to delay their transition to new features or re-design to its product for a longer period. To read more such articles, please feel free to check out the sites listed in “G R Team Sites”

iPhone and iPad dependency on laptops

The evolution of mobile phones has been phenomenal and now there was marketing strategy to promote users to be dependent only on handheld devices and can ignore the dependency for laptops. However, there were many instances where you have dependency on laptops and all those marketing stuff of ignoring dependency on laptops are applicable only till the device makes an issue. Once there is a complicated issue on your handheld device or if you had accidentally dropped your handheld device, there arises an increased dependency on laptops and following are my concerns. 

• Dependent on laptop to restoring backups: At times when iPhone acts weirdly or if iPhone battery quickly due to accidental drop, then iPhone needs to be plugged-in with laptop to restore to stable software version and ensure iOS files are not corrupted.

• iPhone refuses to turn ON: If iPhone stops working due to accidental drops, then the device needs to be plugged-in with laptop to detect any issues or to back-up important files. 

Hope Apple addresses the above concerns in their upcoming software updates and help users to be independent of laptop. To get latest updates about my articles, please feel free to check out “G R Team Sites”

Lack of Chromecast support in OneDrive for iPhone users

I have recently subscribed to Office 365 for their attractive bundled up features of 1TB storage for 6 family members and exclusive access to office suite of applications. However, when I had opted for OneDrive as my preferred online cloud storage platform in MacOS and iPhone, there was one important feature that was lacking it was none other than Chromecast support. Even though, the android version of OneDrive supports Chromecast, the iOS version or in the iPhone version of the OneDrive doesn’t support Chromecast. This was a major dealbreaker for iPhone users like me and was impacting my user experience. Following are my use case constraints 

• Not able to stream Photos: I use OneDrive for backing up system files and to store my mobile photos. However, when I had to stream my family photos or videos to TV, I had to switch to alternate solution like Google Phots for viewing. 

• Not able to stream documents: I use Mac as my primary system for my personal work and for official documents, however during important client presentation I feel constraint of streaming documents from my iPhone to TV's and often had to switch to alternative option like Google's Drive for streaming. 

Hope Microsoft addresses these concerns and introduces Chromecast support for OneDrive in iOS or iPhone and prevent users like me to switch back to Google as preferred online cloud platform. To read more articles like these, please feel free to check out the "G R Team Sites"

Introduction of Amazon Drive to Prime Subscription

 With the introduction of hi-tech mobiles and affordable internet services across globe, the online storage of files and easier access to old photos through cloud have become seamless. There are wide range of online cloud platform service providers and has often been dominated by Google, Microsoft, and OneDrive. I understand there are other cloud platform with affordable prices and storage plans, most of those are unreliable for long term and files protection in network breach is scarier. However, in this article I wanted to detail, why Amazon should launch their online cloud platform to enable its prime users to share files with ease. Here are my reasons why users would prefer Amazon drive over other competitors.  

• Lucrative bundled services: Amazon Prime has always been preferred subscription services for most users across globe and I prefer to select the prime subscription for the following reasons. 
• Shopping and free delivery: With Prime subscription can enjoy first access to shopping deals, order products at much discounted prices and Prime supported products delivery at FREE of cost. 
• Music Services: Most prime users were unaware about the availability of music subscription at FREE of cost and I prefer using the services frequently to enjoy ad-free music. 
• Prime video: With new movies and series launching every month, it has now become a necessity to have prime subscription to enjoy your favorite entertainment with Family. 
• Affordability: Amazon's prime subscription have always been the most affordable bundle services available right now and with introduction of Amazon Drive, it would be the must-have subscription for most users across globe.  

With above listed features, I hope one day Amazon would launch their own online cloud storage platform and enable its prime users to share files online. Amazon Drive would then be driving force for most users to select its subscription services and stay with the services forever. For more such articles, please feel free to check out the G R Team Sites. 

Problems while transferring Google Photos to OneDrive

As detailed in my earlier articles, I have completed on moving to OneDrive as my preferred online cloud storage platform and decided to move my older photos from Google to OneDrive. However, I was unaware about the complications and issues that would arise out of it. This article would help users to decide on how to move their photos from Google Photos to OneDrive. I have decided to use Google Photos takeout as a choice to move photos from Google to OneDrive. Here are my issues out of it: 

• Photo’s transfer does not happen at once: Once you check Google Photos transfer in the list of items that you want to takeout from Google, the transfer will not happen at once and will not long time from 1-2 days depending upon the size of phots to be transferred. 
• Transferred phots will not be accessible on OneDrive: Post confirmation mail from Google that the photos have been transferred to OneDrive, the most irritating part that I found out after the long wait for the photos was, all photos are transferred to OneDrive as .rar/.zip file and cannot be viewed in any of the synced OneDrive devices. Post analysis on web, I later figured out that OneDrive does not support .zip/.rar files and requires users to download large file to extract in their respective computer, which is a huge bummer. 

Hope Microsoft brings inherent support to extract the files from .rar/.zip files and if not, at least to view files shared in .rar files. To read more such articles, please feel free to check out the "G R Team Sites"

Must have features to be included in upcoming iPadOS

I have been advising my kids to use iPad for their online classes and for other activities like kids' games, videos etc. However, while my kid was using iPad, I feel there should have been some control options available to control kids' activities. Following are few options that should have been available. 

• Kids only mode: With single user mode it is difficult to restrict kids from using other unwanted applications and to restrict them from using YouTube application. The kids wanted to use YouTube to watch kids' videos, but the videos are interrupted with unwanted advertisements and incompetence videos.   
• Brightness control: My kids learned how to increase brightness and with their smartness, they increase brightness as they wish. iPad does not have control to lock brightness level and option to set specific brightness level for kids. 
• Unrated advertisements in applications: It can insert ads in application to earn revenue for developers, however most of those times kids were shown unrated advertisements and with paid applications. There is no option to restrict paid application advertisements in applications and to block unrated advertisements across iPadOS. 

Hope Apple addresses above concerns with kids only user mode and options to control screen brightness. For more such analysis, please feel free to check out G R Team Sites.

Reasons why I Love AirPods Pro

I have been using AirPods Pro for a long time now and I have not highlighted the benefits of the product till now. So, this blog post is completely dedicated for detailing things I like and features of the product. Let us get started with the advantage of AirPods Pro. 

• Sound quality: Sound quality from AirPods Pro was on next level and immersive experience of the song with noise cancellation turned on was next level. 
• Seamless connection between iOS products: The moment I wear AirPods Pro, I can be sure that it connects automatically to one of my devices like iPhone or iPad or my MacBook Pro. Also, the automatic audio routing between iPhone and iPad works fine. 
• Noise cancellation: the standout feature of AirPods Pro was the noise cancelling with such small architecture and the device does it extremely well. 
• Wearing for long time: I use AirPods Pro for a long time during my office working hours and not a single moment I felt discomfort or irritation due to the product. 

I also wanted to detail about the normal things I do with my AirPods Pro and how this product integrates into my day-to day activities. However, I will detail more about AirPods Pro with its uniqueness and disadvantages associated with it another blog post published in G R Team Sites. 

Reasons for staying with Mac and Apple Ecosystem

For a long time, I was looking to get a revamp for my older MacBook Pro and invest for a new machine that can hold for a long time. I feel comfortable in working on Mac operating system and wanted to continue work on this operating system for its reliability and security. The reason I like using MacBook Pro are as follows:

• Simplicity: The settings and all other aspects of operating system are simple to use, understand and apply. I have even worked on windows operating system and the simplicity or ease of using applications could not be matched. 
• Security: The major reason I prefer using Mac operating system was the security and Safari browser. The operating was so secured that the operating system does not require any separate anti-virus software to protect user credentials and by using Safari browser, users can be sure that ram is intelligently optimized and does not require any action from end user. 
• Mac-iOS ecosystem: as I use iPhone 11 as my regular phone, the ease of synchronization between devices and using laptop for mobile activities like taking calls and the ability to send messages was top notch. 

To know more about my decision on new machine, please feel free to check out the blog posts in “G R Team Sites”

How to migrate and convert data for new upgraded application

For most businesses, data conversion is one of the most complicated and frustrating process and IT vendors often fail in migrating existing data for seamless business operations. IT vendor should adopt to a process-oriented approach to use customized tools/technologies for performing the data migration activities from legacy to newer enterprise platform. IT vendor should also involve the business side key experts closely during the requirements gathering, data cleansing and conversion of data in to the final production data. IT vendor team should also share customized excel templates to capture the data from existing system. In addition, the IT vendor should also take the responsibility of uploading the completed excel sheets to enterprise Applications systematically using interfaces/tools or using DB links. Post completion, the IT vendor should completely validate the migrated data in the enterprise platform and ensure data accuracy. If you are looking to get more information, find out more such posts available at "G R Team Sites”

Things You Need to Start Printing Your Own Checks (Check Printing 101)

For a personal user printing checks at home may seem like an unnecessary hassle, but for a business enterprise, it’s almost essential. Running a successful business is all about keeping the costs low. Ordering pre-printed checks from banks is way more expensive than ordering blank checks and printing them in-house.

In this post, we will reveal the basic hardware and software requirements of printing checks in offices and other businesses locations. When it comes to printing your own checks, there are two ways to go forward.

Firstly, you can order blank check paper and print the entire check from scratch. In that case, you need a printer with MICR toner to print the routing number and other details. Blank check papers are available at supermarkets and online checks stores at really cheap prices, which makes taking the extra effort worthwhile.

If you want a simpler check printing process, then you can order printed checks and then print the payee and amount details using your computer. This frees you from the hassle of buying MICR toner for your printer and ensures a faster printing process.

Selecting a Check Printing Software

There is no law or banking regulation that mandates the use of special check printing software. You can design a check format on a regular word processors and then print them on check papers. While checks printed using your word processor is legally valid, it takes a lot of effort and skill to do correctly.

A much simpler way is to buy a check printing software. Now, if you are running a business then there is a good chance you use accounting software packages. Quickbooks, for example, has an in-built check printing feature that allows you to print on blank checks and printed business checks. You have to start by ordering Quickbooks checks online or from the bank. Once you have a check that’s compatible with the software, you can use a laser printer to start printing checks in bulk.

The great thing about Quickbooks is that it’s not just a check printing software. It keeps a database record of all the checks printed and attaches it to invoices.

The Basic Setup:

Before you can start printing checks, you do need to have a basic setup. Following is a brief list of all the things you need to start printing your own checks at home or office.

Printing on Printed Business Checks

Check Printing Software or an Accounting Software with Check Printing Feature

Computer or Laptop

Printed Business Checks with Pre-printed Routing and Account Number

Laser or Inkjet Printer

Printing on Blank Check Paper

Check Printing Software or an Accounting Software with Check Printing Feature

MICR Toner to Print Banking Details Such as Routing Number and Account Number

MICR Font to Ensure the Printed Character are Readable by MICR Scanners  (Can be downloaded for free from font websites)

Blank Check Paper

Computer or Laptop

Laser or Inkjet Printer

Once you have all the things you need you are ready to print your first check. Watch an online tutorial of the check printing software you are using to find out the exact steps you need to follow to print checks.

Suggestion on Lapdesk

The exclusive patented lapdesk design from allforcolor.com allows for you to have the ultimate workspace wherever you choose. The allforcolor.com online network's lap desk is perfect for studying, using your laptop computer and they are great for use with an iPad or similar tablet device. The All For Color lap desk is heat resistant so it prevents leg burns and a lot more stuff included.

Effective marketing through email

You may have known different marketing options available for your business. But most marketing services may be ineffective and may not reach target customer. So, make sure that you check out smart marketing service available for your business, product or service. With recent technology growth and Internet usage, the email marketing services would be the smart option. Usually email marketing can be considered any activity in which companies send out an email to promote or market a product or a service. There are different marketing approaches to the email is used for. Some companies use the email mainly to send regular updates and news in a “one-way” and direct manner to their clients. This kind of service is usually called “newsletter”. There are also more interactive ways to use the email, like offering the members of a list to discuss and interact each others, in which case the correct definition is “mailing list” or “newsgroup”. There are wide ranges of online networks available in market that offers email-marketing services for people and only few online networks offer effective marketing service for business. So, make sure that you refer and analyze online network that help users with effective and best email marketing services. For more information about these email marketing services please visit above mentioned link.

Suggestion on Boat Supplies & Email Marketing

Getting smart and quality boat covers, boat parts and boating supplies would reduce maintenance cost and improves performance of your boat. You may have come across various online shopping sites available in web that help users to find boat accessories. But most online shopping networks lack quality of products and collection of boat supplies being offered to users. So, make sure that you check out best and quality online shopping sites like boatinggearcenter.com for all boat supplier and gears shopping.

If you feel frustrated or worried of new marketing strategies for your business to match up with competitors, then email marketing would be the smart option. The email marketing services would the easier and smarter option to acquire and explore your customers across globe with exciting new business solutions and services. You may have come across wide ranges of online networks available in market that helps users with email marketing services. But most online networks out there in market lack quality of features and updated technical options. So, make sure that you check out best and quality online network like icontact.com for all your email marketing services. The icontact.com is one of the stand-alone online networks out there in market that offers best and exciting email marketing services with new tracking features at affordable price that no other competitor in its class could offer.

Embracing Technological Changes with Easy-to-Use Programs

Even the most tech savvy of individuals can still balk at the idea of upgrading their computer systems. They may hesitate for just the slightest moment because they are not sure how the upgraded programs actually work. You can embrace your own company's computer upgrade by choosing innovations like IBM I modernisation and other new programs available on the market. You could be surprised to learn that the upgrades will allow you to organize your business better and serve your clients faster.

A significant part of serving your customers involves having their information on hand at all times. You may need to know what products and services each person wants without having to dig extensively for the person's record on your computer system. When you make the upgrade, you have the satisfaction of knowing that the records are being stored in a virtual cloud, meaning that you can get what you need without worrying about a server malfunction or lengthy system updates. The cloud runs in real-time, allowing you instant access to details you need for good customer service.

Likewise, if your staff is not well versed in rewriting computer codes, you may worry that the new upgrade could be less than ideal for you. In fact, the programs do not require rewriting. Rather, you can convert your information just by following along with the software's guide. You do not have to hire a specialist for rewriting or train one of your staff members in this skill. You can transfer all of your records over and be assured that they will be available in an easy-to-use and easy-to-read format.

The last thing that might be holding you back from making the switch to the program could involve your own confusion about how to actually use the product. The website makes available a fun and interactive demo that gives you the chance to use it yourself before you actually buy it. You can try it out and figure out all of the nuances of it. You can take your time, write down questions that you may have, and get to know a product that is designed to make running a business easier. Once you have the questions written down, you can then contact the company for answers. Running your business requires that you stay on top of technology. You may succeed better with the software.

Three Simple Business Techniques That Can Keep Your Company In Growth Mode

If you want your business to become profoundly successful, it's important to implement growth strategies that enable you to realize the goal. While there are several expansion techniques you can implement to get your business going and growing like never before, you may find the following tips and tricks particularly helpful:

1. Update Your Broadband Equipment.

If you're serious about company growth, it's important to optimize your ability to communicate with your customers and prospective business partners. Updating your broadband equipment empowers you to do this very thing. Whether you're in need of a new hybrid combiner or some other broadband product, utilizing the latest and greatest models can ensure that you maintain high speed internet access. Companies like Werlatone can provide you with the broadband equipment you need to realize this objective.

2. Invest In Digital Marketing Services.

Another business technique you can deploy to keep your company in growth mode is investing in digital marketing services. These services empower your company to connect with prospective customers all over the world. The end result of a good internet marketing campaign is substantive conversion rates, a bigger base of loyal clients, and ever-increasing influence in the online domain. There are numerous digital services that marketing professionals offer to generate this outcome, and some of them include: web design and development, content marketing, search engine optimization, social media optimization, and responsive web design.

3. Write Down Your Goals.

People who write down their goals are more successful in realizing them, and that's why this strategy can prove extraordinarily effective in helping you keep your company in constant growth mode. When you start to write your goals down, make sure that they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-specific. An example of a good SMART goal would be: "I will hire two new sales people to increase our monthly conversion rates by 10%."

Conclusion

If you want your company to get and remain in constant growth mode, it's important to develop a strategic plan. Doing so empowers you to regularly access and implement strategies and systems that will enable you to realize goals and make changes that keep your company in an optimized, expanding state. Three of the growth strategies that can be particularly beneficial to your company include updating your broadband equipment, investing in digital marketing services, and writing down your goals

Movavi Video Converter Review

Once upon a time most people didn’t have to worry about video formats and settings – especially not on PCs. However nowadays videos have become more and more widely used, and odds are you deal with them in some way or other on a daily basis – whether for work or in your own leisure.

Because videos are being used so often, being able to convert them between formats has several advantages. Not only will it allow you to ensure the compatibility of your videos, but it will also give you the option of optimizing them for specific devices or platforms or compressing them to conserve storage space.

If you’d like to do that but feel as though you’re not sure where to start, the best place to begin is with the Movavi Video Converter.

Intuitive Video Conversion

In contrast to what you may expect, the Movavi Video Converter makes converting videos a piece of cake. All that you need to do is add the video that you want to convert, select and format, and start the process.

Assuming you feel that you don’t know enough about video formats to be able to pick and choose which one to use there are hundreds of presets available that will help you to automatically optimize your videos for any device or platform – including support for mobile devices and online video platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.

On top of all that, the software is also able to convert audio and image files, enhance the video quality, cut and combine video segments, create animated GIFs, extract audio from video, take screenshots from a video, and much more.

To put it simply: If you need a daily tool that can help you to deal with most (if not all) of your media needs when it comes to converting VOB to AVI or any other format then the Movavi Video Converter has you covered. All of its features are designed to be intuitive, so you should be able to become accustomed to them in a matter of minutes, or less. Give it a try and see firsthand what you’re able to get done with it at your fingertips.

Cheap Calls to India Suggestion

If you were worried of your high phone bills or looking for smart solution to make calls to India, then continue reading this post. There are wide ranges of online solutions available in market, helping users to make phone calls to India. But most online websites out there in market lack quality of phone calls and may have high tariff. So, make sure that you check out best and reliable online sites out there in market. Recently I came across interesting and reliable online site, which would be right place for people who were looking for affordable mobile calls to India, known as call2friends.com. The call2friends.com is one of the stand-alone online sites out there in market that help users with calls to India only $0.012. The call2friends.com help users with most affordable tariff at next to nothing with only at $0.012, which no other competitor in its class could offer. The online site help users to make crystal clear mobile calls at most affordable price on trusted network and ensures people stay in touch with your friends, colleagues and families in India. For more information on tariff details and services being offered by the online site, please feel free to check out the call2friends.com site.

Suggestion to Check Domain Name

If you were looking to select attractive and stylish domain names available in web, then make sure that you check out online networks about the domain name availability. You may have come across wide ranges of online networks available in web that helps users to search or check domain availability. But most online networks out there in the market may lack domain search indexing and may share with other vendors. So, make sure that you check out domain availability in high quality online network. The easier and smarter way to check domain name availability would be to check out best online network like pcnames.com. Recently I came across interesting online network that makes domain availability check easier and much simpler, known as pcnames.com. The pcnames.com is one of the stand-alone online networks available in web that help users to make easier and simpler domain availability check. The pcnames.com online network instantly checks the availability of .com, .net, .org,. info, .biz, .us, .mobi and .name domain names based on the query. The pcnames.com network also ensures that your search results are not shared with 3-rd parties and stores the history of your recent domain searches and favorite domain picks so you could easily follow up on all the important search results.