Credit: Choice Group (Facebook)
Victoria-based services provider Advance Computing has transitioned accountancy firm Choice Group to Microsoft 365 in an effort to boost its flexible working practises.
Based at a co-working space in Shepperton, Victoria, Choice Group was seeking a cloud-based solution with added security and privacy.
Following the death of an office server, the company turned to Microsoft partner Advance Computing to deploy Microsoft 365, an integrated solution based on Office 365 with built-in security capabilities.
As part of the solution, data is encrypted and “properly protected” in order to maintain trust among Choice’s clients. It also encompasses OneDrive and SharePoint for file-sharing, plus Advanced Threat Protection for security.
According to Microsoft, the solution also allows Choice’s 18 staff members to either work at the space, known as The Play Lab, or remotely using Microsoft Surface Pro laptops and tablets.
The offering has helped “shift the dial for staff”, according to Choice principal Jamie Cox. “The benefits of the more flexible working approach can’t be measured through a profit-and-loss statement or balance sheet – but it does pay dividends,” he said.
In order to maximise flexible working, the accounting firm has made Microsoft Teams “the backbone of communications” with other team members and clients and is now exploring how to integrate its phone system with Teams.
“We talk about enabling freedom,” Cox added. “The Microsoft products have enabled us to do that. Although the work gets done, it certainly doesn’t feel like it’s a chore anymore.”
