Seriously, Don’t Overcomplicate How Your Users Access Microsoft Services

Posted on 5 March 2021

With a vast suite of solutions under their banner, and a reputation for innovative excellence to boot, it’s no surprise that so many organisations are turning to Microsoft services. But are they complicating the wider journey? 

It’s no exaggeration that there’s no version of this world where you’re not familiar with at least one Microsoft product. From contemporary collaboration via Teams and SharePoint, to Windows’ continued reign over market share (76.56% and counting), it’s clear that Microsoft’s product suites have cemented their place in our day-to-day work lives.

We can also thank accelerated digital transformation for an uptake in Microsoft’s popularity. Organisations scrambling to offer secure, stable remote working bought into the hype, and now they’re joining the rest of us on our Microsoft journey.

But is it the same journey? Or have they complicated matters – and if so, how?

Taking a Detour 

Although the end result is largely the same – we’re all accessing Microsoft’s solutions and applying them to the various areas of our organisation which can benefit – for some users, it’s a far more complicated relationship than is necessary. This is due to the way in which they’re accessing Microsoft’s services – namely, through the likes of additional identity providers, such as Okta.

Why is this issue? The simple answer is that the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way to access Microsoft services is through Microsoft. Why? Because it’s a single identity, using a single login, on a single platform, with a single reliance on continued service, and with a single cost centre.

The last two points on particularly important at a time when organisations have needed to prove their agility and cost effectiveness. If, for example, an organisation accessed Microsoft products through Okta, they would need both services to be running successfully to ensure continuity of business. Meanwhile, can organisations justify spend on two sets of licences for the same single suite?

Aside from the additional cost, complexity, required skillsets, and additional IT debt, there’s a case for a smoother experience too, with consistency for IT teams and users alike. By removing obstacles – such as additional logins and environments – the organisation and its employees, contractors, and suppliers can all be more productive in a secure way.

The Longer Journey

 Of course, there’s more to this Microsoft adoption journey than just your team making the most of Word and Outlook without paying two providers for the same experience.

Part of what keeps us coming back to Microsoft is the ongoing drive towards true single sign-on and wider cloud/hybrid possibilities; the destination is always digital transformation, but there are plenty of sights to see along the way, and the road needn’t be complicated. 

For example, imagine logging onto your machine in the morning, coffee in hand, using only Windows Hello’s facial recognition – no other passwords required for the rest of the day. Need to access Salesforce, Workday, SAP, or hundreds of other cloud-based apps? Not a problem; your early morning mugshot was all the credential you needed.

So, if you’re in the process of plotting a course towards Microsoft adoption, a proactive stance on digital transformation, and maybe even a move to the cloud, make that journey as simple as possible – access Microsoft services via Microsoft. After all, why wouldn’t you take the path of least resistance?

To find out how our team can help you to map this journey and make the road more straightforward, get in touch with our experts – or feel free to explore our website

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