It’s impossible to pick up a business magazine or read an IT blog without seeing “Digital Transformation” in the headlines. And while it’s garnering a lot of ink and pixels, many professionals aren’t quite sure what this means for their business.

When we need technology answers, we go right to Mike Balatzis. He’s Red Level’s Microsoft Solutions Manager and besides being a nice guy with a big brain, he talks in plain English so even the non-geeks can understand.

We peppered him with a few questions about Digital Transformation and what it really means for business owners and executives. Here’s the scoop.

What is the Digital Transformation?
In simple terms, every business is a Digital Business and the importance of technology as a driver for business value has never been greater. This is especially important when there is an outage or another business impact. Everyone wants the ability to connect from any device anywhere and be productive.

How long will this Digital transformation be going on?
The digital transformation has been going on for years and will be constantly evolving. From email to instant messaging, to accessing documents from multiple devices. Also, let’s think about smart TV’s, thermometers, even are our cars are Digital devices which are constantly evolving.

How does the Digital Transformation affect my business and my productivity?
Every business has data and information. Depending on where that data is stored and accessed this will affect productivity and profitability. Is this data secure? Is this data redundant? Is this data stored on a server or computer in my data center or is it in the cloud? Do I have a hybrid cloud? Do I have a modern workplace?

What is a Modern Workplace?
The goal of the modern workplace is to unleash creativity through new models of empowerment and new ways of working. The Modern Workplace is how we access and work with our company’s information. The Modern Workplace is a combination of Email, Collaboration, Operating system, and Security. Primary products and technologies for the modern workplace include Office 365, Microsoft 365

What is the difference between Office 365 and Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 differs from Office 365 in that it provides a superset of functionality relative to Office 365. Any of the Microsoft 365 subscriptions include the corresponding Office 365 subscription (for example, Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 includes Office 365 Enterprise E3), plus additional capabilities—specifically Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Windows 10 provides the leading operating system for business, while Enterprise Mobility + Security provides identity-driven innovations to help customers stay secure and productive on their favorite apps and devices.

Microsoft 365 is an integrated, complete solution that brings together the best of Windows 10, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Microsoft 365 empowers everyone to be creative and work together, securely. Microsoft 365 helps small and medium-sized businesses achieve more together, be productive anywhere it matters, stay protected with always-on security, and manage users and devices in a simplified manner. Microsoft 365 has intelligence built-in, whether it’s artificial intelligence (AI) to drive user creativity or to help secure and manage the environment. Microsoft 365 represents a fundamental shift in how Microsoft designs, builds, delivers, and supports these products.

Is Microsoft 365 Secure?
Yes absolutely. M365 is secure. Microsoft 365 Enterprise provides intelligent security built into all levels – the physical layer, the network layer, the infrastructure, and the apps. An evolving cyber-threat landscape and security challenges can have real impact on individuals and businesses. Microsoft 365 Enterprise can identify, block and tackle evolving malware and hacking threats. This helps keep customer data and IP secure, without impeding productivity. With a highly compliant infrastructure, Microsoft 365 Enterprise adheres to industry standards and offers advanced compliance functionality.

How does the intelligent Cloud come into play with the Digital Transformation?
Microsoft Azure is the largest cloud services provider in the world. Only Azure provides flexible and cost-effective migration paths with first-class hybrid support, to help customers migrate their apps, data, and infrastructure at your own pace and with high confidence. Azure provides Hybrid connectivity to your on-premises data. You can reach out to Red Level as a Microsoft Gold partner to help with an assessment or even a POC to help see what with will take to either migrate your data. With your data safely in the cloud, this enables you to access it anytime from anywhere.

How can I test Azure?
Red Level will be more than happy to perform an assessment or even a POC so a customer can test and use Azure.

What is the advantage of using Red Level to help us with our Digital Transformation Journey?
Red Level your Digital Transformation Partner. We are a Microsoft Gold Partner and a Microsoft Direct Cloud Solutions Provider. We also provide 24 X 7 managed services. Red Level provides unparalleled IT Services for your Organization. Red Level provides a full suite of Microsoft IT services, assessments, training, design, implementation, helpdesk support and managed services.

Thanks for sharing your expertise, Mike!