Overview: Microsoft Office 365 Services and Applications (Part 2)

Archive for Microsoft – Page 2

Overview: Microsoft Office 365 Services and Applications (Part 2)

This is the second part of our overview of the different plans for Microsoft Office 365 and the Office 365 applications and services that are included in those plans. Our emphasis this time is on the Office 365 services, which focus on collaboration, organization and communication among different users (e.g. team members), especially for business purposes.

Collaboration and Communication with the Office 365 Services

OneDrive

OneDrive is a cloud-based file-hosting service.Teamwork with Office 365 Services

Skype/Skype for Business

Skype is a communication software providing the possibility of video and voice calls/messaging, as well as instant messaging/text chats and the exchange of files between the users. It also allows for making calls to regular telephones

Skype for Business includes the already mentioned features, but with advanced functionalities especially in the area of call handling (routing, forwarding). In contrast to the basic Skype version, Skype for Business could manage the tasks of a corporate/enterprise phone system.

SharePoint

SharePoint is an online platform for the storage and management of documents. It features functionalities to enable collaboration within teams/organizations (intranet, wikis, process management), as well as, options for customization/configuration.

Exchange

Exchange is a service for “business class email and calendaring”. Additional add-ins provide the option for further extension and customization of the service,

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams provides the function of a hub for teamwork and collaboration in Office 365.

Office 365 Applications: Access and Publisher

There are also two more Microsoft applications included in some of the Office 365 plans (though only available for PC, not for Mac). They have both been part of the Microsoft Office Suite for decades as well (i.e. the early 1990’s).

Access:

Microsoft Access is a well-known software tool to create databases. It allows you to collect, organize, store and access information electronically.

Publisher:

Microsoft Publisher is a desktop-publishing application that allows for word processing tasks with an emphasis on design and layout.

Mastering Microsoft Office 365 with TechSherpas

We at TechSherpas are your competent partner for IT certification and learning solutions. As a Microsoft Gold Partner we are specifically certified to provide instruction for Microsoft products. If you want to enhance your skill set by achieving in-depth knowledge about the various Microsoft Office 365 applications and features, you can find a variety of Microsoft Office 365 certification and training courses in our course catalogue.

If you have any further questions – just let us know!

 

Sources:

https://www.tecfac.net/2015/10/29/skype-for-business/the-difference-between-skype-and-skype-for-business/

https://products.office.com/en-us/compare-all-microsoft-office-products?tab=2&OCID=AID717974_SEM_RsukckXV&lnkd=Google_O365SMB_NI

The Microsoft Office 365 Applications and Services – an Overview (Part 1)

Office 365 applicationsIn last week’s post, we have already given you a first overview of the various Microsoft Office 365 plans and the Office 365 applications and services that are included in those plans.

Below you will find a few more details about the use and the benefits of the different applications and services, so you can make an even better informed choice.

Available Microsoft Office 365 Applications and Services

These are the different applications and services available for Microsoft Office 365 and part of the Office 365 plans. Depending on the particular plan, the variation of the included applications and services differs. In addition, some of the applications are only available for PC, not for Mac.

Applications:

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Outlook
  • OneNote
  • Access (only available for PC)
  • Publisher (only available for PC)

Services:

  • OneDrive
  • Skype
  • Skype for Business
  • SharePoint
  • Exchange
  • Microsoft Teams

A Closer Look at the Different Office 365 Applications

Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Word (for word processing tasks), Excel (spreadsheets for calculation, graphing tools and pivot tables, and PowerPoint (for the creation of presentation slides) are probably the best-known Microsoft Applications. They have been around in various versions since the 1990’s (PowerPoint) and even 1980’s (Word and Excel).

Outlook

Outlook is another classic among the Microsoft Office Applications. Microsoft released the first version in the early 90’s. Outlook is widely known as an email application, but it also features a calendar, contact organizing and note taking function.

OneNote

We have already written more extensively about the benefits and use of Microsoft OneNote in one of our previous blog posts. One of its main purposes is the organization of notes, but users can also embed various other files (audio, video, graphics etc.), create free-hand drawings and record audio. In addition, it allows the sharing of the so-called “workbooks” with other users, which makes OneNote a great tool for team collaborations.

How to Master Microsoft Office 365

We will continue this overview of the different Office 365 applications and services in our next post.

In the meantime, have a look at our trainings and certification courses for Microsoft Office 365 to find out how to make the most of its features. TechSherpas are certified Microsoft Gold Partners and provide you with competent and professional instructors, for in-house learning as well as learning solutions on-demand and live/online.

 

Sources:

https://products.office.com/en-us/compare-all-microsoft-office-products?tab=2&OCID=AID717974_SEM_RsukckXV&lnkd=Google_O365SMB_NI

Which of the Microsoft Office 365 Plans Is Right For Me?

Microsoft Office 365 PlansTo decide, which of the available Microsoft Office 365 Plans is the right one for your requirements, let us go through the various selection criteria to point you into the right direction.

Microsoft Office 365 Plans for Home and Business

First of all, there is the option for home use:

  • Office 365 Home
  • Office 365 Personal

with a special version

  • Office Home and Students 2016 for PC

For business purposes, you have the choice between three different options:

  • Office 365 Business
  • Office 365 Premium Business
  • Office 365 Business Essentials

Microsoft Office 365 is available for PC and Mac. The Homes and Students version (only for PC) can be purchased for a one-time payment. All other versions are paid for on a monthly basis, with a minimum commitment of one year.

Which of the Microsoft Office 365 Applications and Services do you need?

Depending on which of the Microsoft Office 365 plans you select, an array of different Microsoft applications and services is included in the plan.

Applications:

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • OneNote
  • Outlook
  • Publisher (only for PC)
  • Access (only for PC)

All of these applications are included in Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal, as well as (except Publisher) in Office 365 Business and Office 365 Premium Business.

The Office Home and Students 2016 for PC plan includes a limited selection:

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • OneNote

The Office 365 Business Essentials plan does not include any application.

Services:

  • OneDrive
  • Skype/Skype for Business
  • Exchange
  • SharePoint
  • Microsoft Teams

Office Home and Students 2016 for PC does not include any service.

For the other plans, a differing selection applies:

OneDrive is included in each of the plans (except Office Home and Students 2016 for PC). Apart from Office 365 Business (and the student version), Skype or Skype for Business are part of all plans. Office 365 Premium Business and Office 365 Business Essentials both also include SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.

Getting the best use out of Microsoft Office 365

Finding the right Microsoft Office 365 plan is only the first step though. We, at TechSherpas , are certified Microsoft Gold Partners. In order to get the best use out of the selected plans and its individual features for home and business, have a look at our various Microsoft Office 365 trainings, certification courses and boot camps.

 

Sources:

https://products.office.com/en-us/compare-all-microsoft-office-products?tab=2&OCID=AID717974_SEM_RsukckXV&lnkd=Google_O365SMB_NI

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/help-me-choose-office

Microsoft Azure Certification Training Courses with TechSherpas

Microsoft Azure is a suite of cloud computing services. IT experts have the option to obtain a Microsoft Azure Certification – or several – for example to boost their professional credentials as well as their careers.

Microsoft Azure Certification – An Overview of the Options

Microsoft Azure Certification

The following is an overview of the currently issued Microsoft Azure Certifications. To make the navigation as easy as possible for you, we have linked the certification titles to information about TechSherpas 365’s respective training course (where applicable).

  • Designing and Implementing Cloud Data Platform Solutions (Microsoft Certification exam 70-473)
  • Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions (Microsoft Certification exam 70-475)
  • Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services (Microsoft Certification exam 70-487)
  • Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions (Microsoft Certification exam 70-532)
  • Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions (Microsoft Certification exam 70-533)
  • Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions (Microsoft Certification exam 70-535)
  • Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack (Microsoft Certification exam 70-537)
  • Perform Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning (Microsoft Certification exam 70-774)
  • Perform Data Engineering on Microsoft HDInsight (Microsoft Certification exam 70-775)
  • Engineering Data with Microsoft Cloud Service (Microsoft Certification exam 70-776)

TechSherpa’s Microsoft Azure Training Courses

As certified Microsoft Gold Partners for learning solutions, TechSherpas provides a range of Azure-related trainings for IT professionals. These training courses prepare you for the respective Microsoft Azure Certifications. They include options for boot camp courses, remote on-demand learning, as well as the possibility to choose In-Classroom Learning (ICL) or Virtual Live Training (VLT). The availability of these options depends on the specific courses. Please make sure to read the respective course description and ICL/VLT markers for details.

Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers

Azure is a certification issued by Microsoft. Therefore, there are Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers (SATVs) available for eligible customers and courses taught by Microsoft-certified Learning Partners. These vouchers are part of Microsoft’s Software Assurance Benefits for their Volume Licensing. Most of our Microsoft-related software classes are eligible for the use of such a training voucher.

Are you already one of Microsoft’s Volume Licensing customers? Then you can find out more about your benefits at Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Services Center (VLSC) and/or the Business Center.

Any Questions?

Contact us, if you

  • need assistance regarding the Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers
  • need additional information that you did not find on our website
  • or have any questions regarding the registration or our courses

Give us a call, or use our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Sources:

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/overview/what-is-azure/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/get-started/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Azure

Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers (SATVs)

Microsoft Training VouchersMicrosoft Training Vouchers (or “Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers”/SATVs) are a great help to limit the costs of professional IT training for Microsoft products. The purchase of software – especially in large volumes – means a financial investment for a company or organization.

The Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers are one way to enhance the value and the return on such investments: They allow businesses and organizations to ensure that their employees receive the proper training in order to use the Microsoft software. They are also an important tool that provides necessary training without having to dip too deeply into the organization’s software training budget.

How do I get Microsoft Training Vouchers?

The Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers (in short: “SATVs”) are among the Software Assurance Benefits for Microsoft Volume Licensing. Current Volume Licensing customers can get detailed information about their particular benefits online via Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Services Center (VLSC) and/or the Business Center. This is also the way to access your benefits.

How do I use the training vouchers?

The training vouchers are available for a range of eligible courses taught by especially certified Microsoft Learning Partners like TechSherpas 365 . Most of the Microsoft-related technology classes are eligible for the use of a Microsoft training voucher. We are a Gold Microsoft Learning Partner. At TechSherpas , we offer a broad range of Microsoft training classes and certifications aimed at IT professionals. Some examples for our Microsoft classes are: Azure, Skype, Office and Project Management, but also SharePoint, Windows OS and Windows Server Training.

Any further questions?

Microsoft provides download options for several resources/guides to give you an overview about their Software Assurance Program and their Volume Licensing terms, for example:

Software Assurance at a Glance” and the “Software Assurance Program Guide”, as well as a “Software Assurance Benefits Chart” and more.

You can of course also contact us here at TechSherpas if you need further information or assistance with redeeming the Microsoft Training Vouchers. Simply call us or use our contact form.

Have you already used Microsoft Software Assurance Training Vouchers before? Let us know about your experience in the comments section.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Licensing/licensing-programs/FAQ-Software-Assurance.aspx
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/software-assurance-default.aspx
https://techsherpas.com/software-assurance-training-vouchers/
https://techsherpas.com/technology/microsoft-training/
https://techsherpas.com/technology/microsoft-training/certification-programs/

MCSA Certification – How to become a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate

Microsoft’s MCSA Certification is a stepping-stone for IT professionals to obtain their MCSE Certification. This is a part of the certification program for Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP). A certification as MCSA also provides you with the necessary core skills that qualifies you for entry-level positions as an IT professional/developer. While MCSE stands for “Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert”, the “A” in MCSA marks the status of an “Associate”. A MCSA is therefore a “Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate”. Such a certification as MCSA is a prerequisite to become an MCSE, which we have already covered the subject of MCSE in last week’s post.

Overview of the different MCSA Certification Focus Areas

  • MCSA – BI Reporting
  • MCSA – Cloud Platform
  • MCSA – Data Engineering with Azure
  • MCSA – Linux on Azure
  • MCSA – Machine Learning
  • MCSA – Microsoft Dynamics 365
  • MCSA – Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations
  • MCSA – Office 365
  • MCSA – SQL 2016 BI Development
  • MCSA – SQL 2016 Database Administration
  • MCSA – SQL 2016 Database Development
  • MCSA – SQL Server 2012/2014
  • MCSA – Universal Windows Platform
  • MCSA – Web Applications
  • MCSA – Windows 10
  • MCSA – Windows Server 2012
  • MCSA – Windows Server 2016

MCSA Certification at TechSherpas

As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we at TechSherpas are certified by Microsoft to operate as a training and certification provider for various Microsoft products, including MCSA and MCSE. MCSA Certification

Are you still undecided whether you want to aim for the expert level (MCSE) right away, or whether you will be fine with the MCSA Certification alone? No problem, you do not have to decide right away! However, if you already do have a more concrete plan geared towards a MCSE certification, please take a look at our certification map. It gives you an overview about which courses and certifications to select/aim for in order to obtain these Microsoft certifications. Simply click on the preview to get to an enlarged view of the map.

MCSA Certification Boot Camps

Our boot camp learning solutions offer you the possibility to obtain your MCSA certification over the course of just a few days. You have two options to do so:

  • Locally, in the classroom environment of our training facilities (see the “ICL”/“In-Classroom Learning” marker in our course catalogue). We offer our courses at various locations and various dates throughout the year.
  • Virtually, from the comfort of your own computer at home or the office. See our Virtual Live Training (“VLT) option.

Do you have further questions or need assistance with enrolling? Simply contact us, either by phone or via our contact form.

 

Sources:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcsa-certification.aspx
https://techsherpas.com/microsoft-certification-map/
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/microsoft-certified-professional.aspx

All about the MCSE Certification

Among IT professionals, “MCSE Certification” has certainly become a buzzword with a certain ring to it. But what is the MCSE Certification? How do you achieve it, and what are your career options once you are certified? Let us look into that a bit more closely!

MCSE Certification

First of all: What does “MCSE Certification” actually mean?

MCSE is a part of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification program. It stands for “Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert”. You can either use it as a certification on its own or consider it one of the “building blocks” of the MCP certification.

For your MCSE Certification you have the choice among five different focus areas:

  • MCSE: Business Applications (key technologies: Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft SQL Server)
  • MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (key technologies: Microsoft Azure and Windows Server Virtualization, incl. data center, identity and systems management, cloud technologies, virtualization and storage as well as networking)
  • MCSE: Data Management and Analytics (key technology: Microsoft SQL Server, incl. SQL administration, data solutions etc., cloud-based and on-site)
  • MCSE: Mobility (key technology: Windows System Center, incl. device management in respect to “BYOD” (as in: “bring your own device” work environment)
  • MCSE: Productivity (key technologies: Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office 365, incl. skill development for moving your business into the cloud to increase productivity as well as flexibility while also reducing data loss and improving the security of your data)

MCSE Certification at TechSherpas

Techsherpas offers a variety of MCSE certification learning solutions, especially in the character of boot camps. These offer you the possibility to achieve the required skills within a very short but focused period of time (i.e. a few days). You can read about the benefits of learning boot camp-style in our blog post about the boot camp learning method.

If you prefer a classroom environment, you can make use of our training course options in one of our local training facilities. (For more information, see the “ICL” marker in our course catalog, which stands for “In-Classroom Learning”). We offer our courses at various locations and various dates throughout the year. However, if you prefer to participate from your own computer at home or the office, we provide Virtual Live Training (“VLT”) as well.

You also have the option to start with an MCSA certification (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) first, which as such is a stepping-stone to obtain the certification of MCSE.

 

Sources:

Https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcse-certification.aspx
https://techsherpas.com/microsoft-certification-map/
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/microsoft-certified-professional.aspx

Cloud Computing with Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is a set of cloud computing services in the Microsoft Cloud. It groups Azure services as well as third-party applications.

About Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is becoming an increasingly important topic, for regular computer users as well as IT professionals. One of the most common and familiar uses of a cloud is online data storage: Instead of saving their files directly to their computer or external storage devices, they can upload it to “the cloud”, which provides the functions of a virtual storage device.

cloud computing Microsoft Azure

The benefits are obvious:

  1. The user requires less space for file storage on their own computers.
  2. Even while using a different computer, the user can still access their files via online-access to the cloud.

What is Microsoft Azure?

File storage options like the ones mentioned above are of course only a small and basic part of what cloud computing can do. While these cloud storage functions save the users space on their computers hard drives, of greater importance for many is the use of other cloud computing services and applications.

The following are just some examples of the solutions Microsoft Azure provides:

  • Virtual Machines: supported by IBM, Linux, SAP, Oracle, as well as Windows Server and SQL Server
  • Databases: Azure SQL Database and Azure Cosmos DB
  • Apps: solutions to create cloud-based apps for mobile and web use
  • Blockchain: connection of your blockchain to the cloud with the Blockchain Workbench
  • Azure DNS: to host your DNS Domain
  • Network Watcher: monitors and diagnoses your network performance
  • Media Services: for encoding, streaming and storing media files (video and audio)

Microsoft Azure Training Courses with TechSherpas

As certified Microsoft Gold Partners for learning solutions, TechSherpas provide a range of Azure-related trainings aimed at IT professionals. This includes boot camp courses and on-demand learning, as well as options to choose either In-Classroom Learning (ICL) or Virtual Live Training (VLT). The availability of these options depends on the specific courses, so please make sure to read the respective course description for details.

If you have any further questions or need information that you did not find there, simply contact us. You can either give us a call, or use the provided contact form.

The technical possibilities of cloud computing have once more revolutionized the way we work with computers. What kind of positive impact did it have on you? Let us know in the comments!

Sources:

https://azure.microsoft.com/
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/get-started/

Take a few simple steps to earn an MCSA/MCSE Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Microsoft Certifications

Certified IT professionals, now more than ever, are being sought out by corporations to ensure they get qualified individuals to run their organizations more efficiently. The streamlined Microsoft Certifications were created with job roles in mind. Depending on the role an IT professional will have, there are certification pathways in place to get them the skills sets and qualifications they will need to fill their role.

Here, we will breakdown the Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification tracks. There are four pathways to earn the MCSA, which is the first step in earning the MCSE.

 Microsoft Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Certification Pathway

  Microsoft Certifications:

  • MCSA Windows Server 2012,
  • MCSA Windows Server 2016
  • MCSA Linux on Azure (including LFCS)
  • MCSA Cloud Platform
  • MCSE Cloud Platform & Infrastructure

Earning an MCSA requires you to take 2-3 courses/exams (depending on the certificate you are going for). Once you have earned any of the MCSA’s listed above, you only need to take 1 elective course/exam to earn the MCSE.

Target job roles:

  • MCSA level: Cloud administrator, network or computer systems administrator, computer network specialist, cloud specialist in Linux
  • MCSE level: Senior cloud administrator, cloud architect, cloud engineer in Linux, computer support specialist, information security analyst

You can earn an MCSA by taking a bootcamp, or purchasing a bundle. There are Live instructor-led options as well as On-Demand options – all created with you in mind, so there is something to fit every budget and schedule. Sign up today! Get certified!

Boot Camps

Bundles

  • MCSA: Cloud Platform / MCSE: Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
  • MCSA: Linux on Azure / MCSE: Cloud Platform & Infrastructure
  • MCSA: Windows Server 2016 / MCSE: Cloud Platform & Infrastructure

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us! Our team is ready to guide you towards the right path to fit your learning goals, budget, and schedule.

 

A Brief History on Microsoft

With almost three decades worth of history, Microsoft still stands as one of the biggest tech companies in the world. In 1990, the same year the Hubble telescope was launched, Microsoft Office was officially introduced to the public. Since then, it has made so many contributions to the global population.  That’s why a Microsoft education offers so many opportunities. To better understand this company, here is a rundown of its milestones through the years.

Microsoft Education Starts with Understanding The History

The company was started by childhood buddies, Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Even before being tech savvy was mainstream, these two were already dedicated to mastering computers. During that time, that hobby was difficult to pursue because computers were hard to source. That’s why these two skipped classes just to spend time in the computer room. They were even caught hacking the school’s computer.

Classroom Heroes

Instead of getting expelled or earning their way to detention, they were let off with a warning if they both promised to improve the school computer’s performance. Because that meant unlimited computer access, they said yes. They were so good at it that they even sold the city of Seattle a computer that counted the city’s traffic.

It was in 1975, after Gates quit Harvard and after the pair developed a programming language for Altair, that Microsoft was born. In a year, they were registered as a business, with Bill Gates as CEO and Allen as Executive VP.

Microsoft Begins

Their first standout product was the Microsoft’s Operating Systems which is a software that computers need to operate. The first operating system the company released was Xenix. This was a version of Unix that was released in 1980. The OS was then used as a basis for the company’s first word-processor, the Multi-Tool Word. This was prior to Microsoft Word.

What really catapulted them to the top in the 80s was the Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS). They developed it for IBM and patterned from the QDOS which was made by Tim Paterson. With this program, the company made landmark business decision. They only licensed the software, retaining the rights to it and earning them a lot of money.

A Company of Many Talents

During this time, the company was also developing Windows. This was Microsoft’s bread and butter, a multitasking environment and graphical user interface specifically made for IBM. With all these achievements, the company finally went public in 86m making Gates a billionaire at 31.

Almost into the 90s, they released Microsoft Office. This is a set of programs — including a spreadsheet, presentation software, word possessor and more — that are still relevant to this day. Granted, they’ve seen many changes, but they were all developed from this collection.

In 1995, Microsoft pioneered a program that allows you to access the internet through the Internet Explorer 1.0. Since then, they’ve branched out gaming devices like the Xbox and hardware devices like the Microsoft Surface.

With a full and rich history like this, it’s no wonder that Microsoft is still one of the main developers of software in business and in life.  With a Microsoft education, your potential is unlimited.

Sources:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/company