Microsoft 365 Glossary
Microsoft 365 is among the most popular productivity platforms available. It features numerous tools that businesses of all sizes rely on to facilitate creativity, communication, and collaboration while maintaining data and device security. To understand the platform’s key features and functionality, it’s important to become familiar with the company’s terminology. Below is our 2023 Microsoft 365 glossary.
Azure Active Directory
Microsoft 365 comes with a complimentary version of Azure Active Directory. This enterprise identity service allows authorized users to sign on from anywhere with the added security of multifactor authentication and conditional access controls. Azure AD allows businesses to unify their identity management efforts by providing a central location for managing access to all applications, whether on premises or in the cloud.
Azure Information Protection
Azure Information Protection allows businesses to classify and protect data according to its sensitivity. Administrators can control who can view, edit, and share information as well as track data access and sharing, create detailed reports, and revoke permissions as needed.
Azure Rights Management
Azure RMS is the technology that fuels Azure Information Protection. It uses encryption, identity, and authorization policies to protect data, no matter where it’s stored. Administrators can track use of encrypted files, even after they’ve left the boundaries of their organization.
BitLocker
BitLocker is an encryption feature that’s built into Windows. It is used to protect data from unauthorized individuals who gain physical access to data storage devices. This gives employers peace of mind in case work devices are lost or stolen.
Groups & Teams
Microsoft 365 lets you select people to form a collaborative group and compile sharable resources for that group. Groups can set up shared mailboxes, calendars, and document libraries using features like SharePoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Planner. When creating a group, users also have the option of creating an associated team. The team serves as a communication platform, providing chat, video, and voice conferencing.
Information Rights Management
IRM is a type of encryption available in Microsoft 365 that allows users to prevent messages from being printed, forwarded, or otherwise duplicated by unauthorized individuals. Azure RMS must be activated to use this feature.
Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based solution for managing user access across the many devices employees use to access business applications and data. It integrates with Azure AD to allow conditional access.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office was introduced in 1990 as a suite of productivity apps that included Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Additional applications followed, and in 2013, Office 365 was released as a subscription-based version. In 2020, Office 365 was renamed Microsoft 365.
OneDrive
OneDrive is a cloud-based file sharing and syncing app that allows employees to easily store, share, and access work from anywhere.
Purview Message Encryption
Microsoft 365 clients who have activated Azure RMS automatically get the benefit of Purview Message Encryption. This feature allows users to send protected messages to recipients using any device and a variety of email platforms.
SharePoint
SharePoint is a cloud-based collection site that integrates with Microsoft Office for advanced document management. Admins can manage permissions to ensure only authorized users access protected information.
Windows 11
Windows 11 was released in October 2021 as a free upgrade to Windows 10 and has undergone additional updates in 2022 and 2023. Another update, expected to include new AI features, is anticipated before the end of 2023.
As technology continues to evolve, business leaders must stay abreast of the latest developments that could impact their organizations. Familiarize yourself with the terms above to help ensure you’re making the most of your Microsoft 365 subscription.
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