What exactly is included in Microsoft 365?
Depending on the plan: the Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) in the browser and/or as desktop programs, email via Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams for chat and video calls, OneDrive as personal cloud storage and SharePoint as shared file storage. From the Premium plan onwards, advanced security and device protection features are added.
What does Microsoft 365 cost for my business?
That depends on the plan you choose and the number of workstations – and on which features you genuinely need. Instead of blanket list prices we look at what you require and licence accordingly: not every workstation needs the same plan, and a mix of Basic, Standard and Premium is often the most economical. We give you the current terms openly in advance, with no hidden costs.
Can Microsoft 365 be used in a GDPR-compliant way?
Yes, with the right configuration. What matters is a signed data processing agreement with Microsoft, the EU data location, multi-factor authentication switched on and documentation of the processing. We actively take the US CLOUD Act into account and set M365 up so that you meet the data protection basics reliably – with clear, honest advice.
How long does the migration take and is there any downtime?
For small and medium-sized businesses the move is usually done within a few days, often over a weekend. We copy the data into the cloud in full beforehand and only switch over once it has been checked – as a rule outside working hours. Your team carries on as normal the next morning; planned downtime is not necessary.
Will emails or data be lost during the switchover?
No. Your old system stays untouched during the migration; we only copy the data. We switch over once all mailboxes, contacts, calendars and files are in the cloud in full and have been checked. If anything is not right, the old state is still available at any time.
Does Microsoft 365 back up my data – do I need a backup?
Microsoft ensures the platform is available but expressly does not back up your content – that is the "shared responsibility model". Deleted mail and files stay in the recycle bin for 93 days at most, after which they are gone. For real protection against accidental deletion, ransomware or staff who have left, we recommend an additional third-party backup.
Can I keep my existing email address?
Yes. Your domain (for example @your-company.de) and all existing addresses move across to Microsoft 365. Nothing changes on the outside – your customers write to the same address as before, only the technology behind it is more modern and in sync everywhere.
Do I need new hardware for Microsoft 365?
In most cases, no. Microsoft 365 runs on your existing Windows and Mac computers as well as on smartphones and tablets. The web apps need nothing more than a browser. If individual devices are too old, we tell you so honestly – but usually your current equipment is enough.
What is Microsoft 365 Copilot and is it worth it?
Copilot is the AI assistant in Microsoft 365: it summarises long email threads, drafts text in Word, analyses Excel spreadsheets and takes minutes in Teams meetings. Copilot is a paid add-on licence. Whether it pays off depends on your work – we advise honestly which workstations gain a real benefit from it.
Do you support Microsoft 365 after the setup as well?
Yes. We stay your personal contact: for new staff and mailboxes, licence changes, security questions and everyday hiccups. You reach a person who knows your setup – not an anonymous hotline.
Is Microsoft 365 worth it for small businesses too?
Especially then. From a single workstation upwards you get professional email with your own domain, cloud storage and the ability to work anywhere – with no server of your own in the basement. The monthly costs are predictable, and you only pay for the workstations you actually use.