The Unseen Cost of Your Google & Microsoft Mix-Up

Walk into almost any small or medium-sized business today, and you’ll likely find a mix of technology. Marketing teams might live in Google Docs and Sheets, while the finance and operations departments rely on Microsoft Excel and Teams.

On the surface, this blend of tools seems flexible and convenient. Everyone gets to use what they’re most comfortable with. But what you might not see is the hidden mess this mix-up is creating behind the scenes. This isn't just about a preference for one app over another; it's about a series of "unseen costs" that are hurting your business.

Let's pull back the curtain and look at the real problems.

1. Wasted Time and Lost Productivity

Ever tried to share a Google Doc with a colleague who only uses Microsoft Teams? What about trying to find a file someone saved to SharePoint when you’re used to Google Drive? These small moments of friction add up. The time your team spends searching for the right file, converting documents, and trying to communicate across two different systems is a constant drag on productivity. It’s like having two sets of tools that don't quite fit together, and everyone is fumbling to make them work.

2. The Big Security Risk

Managing security across two separate platforms is a nightmare. It’s nearly impossible to set up consistent security rules when one team is in Google and another is in Microsoft. This creates security gaps that can be exploited. Sensitive data can accidentally be shared or lost, and enforcing simple policies like multi-factor authentication becomes a confusing mess. The more platforms you use, the more doors you have to lock—and the more likely you are to leave one of them open.

3. Paying for Duplicate Services

Are you paying for cloud storage in Google Drive and again in OneDrive? Do you have different subscription plans that don't quite match up? When you have a mix of services, you often end up paying for duplicate features or premium tools that nobody is using because they're on the other platform. It's a textbook example of inefficient spending, and it can add up to a significant amount of money that's just leaking from your budget.

4. The Management Headache

If your business has a mix of platforms, your IT team or internal "tech person" has double the work. They have to manage two different sets of user accounts, handle two different billing systems, and troubleshoot two different types of problems. This is complex, time-consuming, and a major source of stress. It's an unnecessary drain on your team's energy and resources.

This confusion and inefficiency isn't a problem you have to live with. It’s a common issue that has a very clear solution. You don’t need to get rid of your favorite tools; you just need an expert to bring order to the chaos.

The good news is, you don’t have to keep struggling with these issues. The solution isn't to get rid of your favorite tools, but to bring in a partner who can connect them all. A trusted team like Interlock IT specializes in solving exactly these kinds of mix-ups. Interlock IT can help you create a unified system that works for everyone, bringing clarity and control to your technology. By letting experts handle the complexity, you're not just fixing a technical problem—you're making a smart business decision.

The Takeaway 

You don't have to choose between a mix of tools that causes headaches or a single platform that doesn't fit your needs. By working with a skilled partner like Interlock IT, you can achieve the best of both worlds: a streamlined, secure, and cost-effective digital environment that truly works for your business.

Contact Interlock IT today.

The Smart Way to Buy Microsoft 365 Licenses: A Guide to Resellers

If your business needs Microsoft 365, you have two main options: you can buy your licenses directly from Microsoft, or you can buy them through a third-party seller, also known as a reseller or a Microsoft Partner.

For many businesses, the idea of buying directly from the source seems simplest. But what if there was a smarter, more cost-effective way to get the licenses you need, with a lot of added benefits?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the pros, the cons, and the smart approach to buying Microsoft 365 licenses through a reseller.

Why It's a Great Idea

1. Expert Guidance (No More Guessing!) Microsoft offers dozens of different license types—from Business Basic to E5 plans—and it’s easy to get lost. A good reseller doesn't just sell you a license; they act as a consultant. They'll take the time to understand your team's needs and recommend the exact right plan, so you don't overpay for features you won't use or buy a plan that's missing something critical.

2. Flexible Billing and Potential Savings Buying from Microsoft often means a yearly commitment. Resellers frequently offer more flexible monthly payment options, which is great for managing your cash flow. Plus, many resellers bundle licenses with other essential services like security management, IT support, or data backups, often for a better total price than if you bought everything separately.

3. Dedicated Support When You Need It When you have a technical question or a problem, would you rather call a massive, anonymous tech giant or a local team that knows your business? A key benefit of a reseller is having a dedicated support team on your side. This means faster response times and personalized service from people who understand your unique setup.

What to Watch Out For

Not All Resellers Are Equal This is the single most important "con." The experience you have completely depends on who you choose to work with. Some resellers might just sell you a license and disappear, leaving you with no support. Others might lack the expertise to set up your security correctly. This is why it's critical to partner with a reputable, certified, and experienced company.

Conclusion

The potential benefits of using a reseller—expert advice, flexible billing, and dedicated support—far outweigh the risk of going it alone. The secret is to avoid the pitfalls by choosing a partner you can trust.

If you're ready to get the right Microsoft 365 licenses and the expert support to go with them, look no further. A team like Interlock IT specializes in helping businesses like yours thrive by providing the perfect licenses and the hands-on partnership you deserve.

Takeaway 

Don't just buy a license; invest in a partnership. Choosing to buy your Microsoft 365 licenses through a trusted partner is a smart business decision that provides expert advice, dedicated support, and cost savings—all while taking the tech headaches off your plate.

Contact Interlock IT today.

Why Going Solo on Microsoft Tech Might Be a Bad Idea for Your Business

 

You've probably heard of Microsoft. From the office apps you use every day to the cloud services that run the biggest companies, they’re everywhere. And for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), using Microsoft's technology can be a huge step up.

But here’s a mistake many businesses make: they try to figure it all out themselves.

It seems like a good way to save money, right? Just buy the software and start using it. But what you save in the short term, you often pay for in frustration, wasted time, and even security risks.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t build your own house without an architect or a contractor. So why would you build your company’s digital foundation without an expert?

Here’s what you’re likely missing out on when you don’t partner with a Microsoft expert.

1. Your Cloud Environment Isn’t Built Right

When you set up Microsoft's technology on your own, it's easy to miss key details. You might get the basic apps working, but an expert ensures everything is set up perfectly for your business. They'll make sure your security settings are locked down, your files are organized correctly, and all your tools—like email and team chat—talk to each other smoothly. Without a clear plan, you're left with a system that's not quite optimized and has some serious weak spots.

2. You’re an Easy Target for Cybercriminals

Small businesses are a big target for hackers. Microsoft provides a ton of built-in security features, but they only work if you know how to turn them on and use them correctly.

A Microsoft Partner is like a security guard for your digital environment. They'll set up things like "two-factor authentication" (that text message code you get when you log in) and monitor for any suspicious activity. Trying to do it all yourself is like leaving your doors unlocked—you're just hoping nobody tries to get in.

3. You're Wasting Your Most Valuable Asset: Time

As a business owner, your time is money. Do you really want to spend hours on the phone with tech support, watching YouTube tutorials, or trying to fix a problem that keeps coming back?

A Microsoft Partner is your personal IT department. When something breaks, you make one call and it gets fixed. They handle the tech headaches so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

4. You Might Be Using the Wrong Tools

Microsoft has hundreds of products and different subscription plans. It can be like walking into a huge hardware store with no one to help you. Are you buying the right tools for the job? Are you paying too much for features you'll never use?

A Partner helps you choose the perfect plan and the right products for your business. They act as your guide, making sure you're not wasting money on a subscription that doesn't fit your needs and showing you helpful tools you didn't even know existed.

5. You Have No Guide for the Future

Technology is always changing. Without an expert by your side, you could get left behind. A Microsoft Partner isn’t just there to fix things; they’re there to help you grow.

They'll keep you updated on new tools, suggest ways to use technology to become more efficient, and make sure your systems can grow with your business. They're not just a one-time helper; they're a long-term advisor who wants to see you succeed.

The Takeaway

All of these points lead to one clear conclusion: you don’t have to face these challenges alone. A trusted partner can provide the expert guidance and support you need to maximize your Microsoft investment. By working with a team like Interlock IT, you can confidently build a secure, efficient, and scalable digital environment.

Going it alone with Microsoft might feel like you're saving money, but the cost of bad security, wasted time, and missed opportunities can be much higher. A Microsoft Partner is a valuable investment—a guide who helps you build a strong, secure, and efficient digital foundation so you can focus on building your business.

Contact Interlock IT today.