This is part of a series on MSP priorities for 2026.
Program Overview
To fulfill this priority, MSPs should standardize clients on Microsoft 365 Business Premium and fully leverage its cloud services. The following steps outline how to modernize IT operations and workflows using Business Premium’s capabilities. Each step focuses on core actions MSPs can take to deliver the outcomes described in item two of the blog post – namely, a more efficient, secure, and collaborative SMB workplace.
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Migrate to a Cloud-First Platform: Begin by moving clients off legacy systems and onto Microsoft 365 Business Premium for all core services. This means migrating email to Exchange Online, files to OneDrive/SharePoint Online, and adopting Teams for communications. Standardizing on Business Premium consolidates productivity apps and security tools into one suite, eliminating silos and legacy on-premise servers. Outcome: A unified, cloud-based environment that reduces maintenance overhead and improves reliability (no more patching local servers or managing disparate apps).
- Strengthen Identity and Access Management: Leverage Business Premium’s Azure AD Premium P1 features to secure and streamline user access. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users (if not already enforced via Security Defaults) and configure Conditional Access policies to allow only compliant, trusted sign-ins. Set up Self-Service Password Reset to empower users to resolve login issues without helpdesk intervention. Outcome: Tighter security with less friction – users enjoy single sign-on to cloud apps and self-service account management, while MSPs see fewer password reset tickets and reduced breach risk.
- Implement Modern Device Management: Use Intune (Endpoint Manager), which is included in Business Premium, to manage and secure all client devices centrally. Enroll Windows PCs via Azure AD Join and Windows Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning of new devices. Enforce standard security policies across endpoints – e.g. require antivirus (Defender for Business), enable BitLocker encryption on laptops, and push OS updates automatically. For mobile/BYOD, apply Intune App Protection (MAM) so users can work on personal devices without compromising company data. Outcome: Consistent, automated device configuration and compliance. New employees get productive faster with pre-configured devices, and ongoing device hygiene (updates, AV, encryption) is maintained without constant manual effort.
- Maximize Collaboration & Productivity Tools: Deploy and configure Microsoft Teams as the hub for teamwork (chat, meetings, and project collaboration) in each client organization. Create structured Teams/Channels for departments or projects to reduce email overload and improve knowledge sharing. Move shared files from old file servers or disparate cloud storage into SharePoint Online/Teams so everyone accesses the same cloud-stored documents with version control and easy sharing. Encourage use of OneDrive for Desktop (Known Folder Move) to automatically back up users’ PC files to the cloud, protecting data and enabling work-from-anywhere. Provide user training and best practices on using Office apps, Teams, and cloud storage effectively. Outcome: Employees work more efficiently and flexibly – they can co-edit documents in real time, find information quickly, and collaborate from any location. This improves overall business productivity and reduces time wasted on outdated workflows.
- Automate Workflows and Standardize Processes: Identify repetitive tasks that consume your team’s or the client’s time and automate them using Microsoft 365 tools. For example, use Power Automate (included with M365 with standard connectors) to create simple workflows like alerting the team of new client requests, or automating employee onboarding (provisioning accounts, Teams access, welcome emails). In Intune, set up compliance policies and auto-remediation (like auto-installing missing apps or settings) to minimize manual intervention on devices. Leverage Microsoft 365 Lighthouse (a free tool for partners managing multiple Business Premium tenants) to apply uniform security configurations and monitor all clients at scale. Outcome: Automation and consistent policies reduce human error and free up technician time. Routine actions (user setup, software updates, incident notifications) happen faster and more reliably, allowing the MSP to serve more clients without proportional headcount increases.
- Monitor, Optimize, and Evolve: Establish metrics to track the impact of these initiatives – e.g. reduction in support tickets, faster onboarding time, or increased Teams usage. Use the Microsoft 365 Admin Center reports and Secure Score to monitor security posture and product adoption. Regularly review these insights to spot areas for improvement. For instance, if Secure Score shows weak points (like users not enrolling in MFA or devices not compliant), fine-tune your policies or provide targeted user training. Stay up-to-date with Microsoft 365 updates (new features, deprecations, and best practices) by scheduling quarterly service reviews. Continuously refine the program: maybe introduce new capabilities like Microsoft Viva for employee experience or Copilot AI features as they become relevant for SMBs. Outcome: The MSP keeps clients’ environments running optimally and evolves their modern workplace over time. By proactively adapting to changes and iterating on policies, you ensure the efficiency gains and business benefits of the cloud-first approach are sustained and grow even further.
Why This Program Works: Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides an integrated suite of tools that cover the productivity, security, and management needs of SMBs. By executing the steps above, an MSP helps clients fully utilize what they’re already paying for – from Office apps to advanced security – instead of piecemeal solutions. The result is a streamlined IT environment where:
- Users have a seamless, productive experience (one login, access to all work resources anywhere, easy collaboration);
- SMB Owners see better outcomes (fewer disruptions, higher employee output, stronger protection of data); and
- The MSP can manage each client more efficiently (centralized policies, less firefighting, more time to focus on strategic improvements).
By focusing on this priority, MSPs turn the promise of digital transformation into tangible day-to-day improvements for small business clients, using the robust toolset of Microsoft 365 Business Premium as the enabler.
CIAOPS 