What Switching to Microsoft 365 Delivers

When Local Software Starts to Feel Like a Burden, It’s Time to Think Cloud. When working with locally stored files and on-prem software begins to feel cumbersome, it’s usually the right moment to consider a cloud strategy. Research and advisory firm Forrester has put the numbers on the table. According to their US-based study, a Microsoft 365 for Business subscription pays for itself in under six months and generates a 223% ROI over three years. Per user, it saves an average of 1.5 hours on collaboration tasks and reduces IT support workload by 686 hours annually. Baggenstos specialist Sven Heeb finds these figures highly credible, as he explains in a short interview.

Where Enterprises Save with the Cloud

Over three years, organisations can save half a million dollars. The main drivers: productivity gains (1.5 hours per user, per week), fewer IT support requests, and cost reductions of around USD 300,000 in hardware, software, and maintenance. Beyond the hard numbers, Forrester points to qualitative benefits: streamlined workflows with Power Automate and better decision-making through Power BI. With these tools, teams cut administrative overhead, focus on strategic priorities, and leverage data-driven insights to boost both efficiency and growth.

Read the interview below for Sven Heeb’s perspective.

"Productivity with the Cloud Is Higher"

The Forrester study strongly supports the case for the cloud and Microsoft 365. How does this compare with Baggenstos’ experience in the Swiss market?

Interview: Jennifer Mete

Sven Heeb, does the Forrester study on the ROI of Microsoft 365 reflect the Swiss reality?

Not in exactly the same numbers, but the direction is identical. I’m convinced that productivity with cloud solutions is multiple times higher than with traditional on-prem models. Among Swiss clients we see similar patterns: faster payback, productivity gains, and lower IT overhead. The exact figures differ, but the trend is consistent.

At what point does a move to M365 make sense?

As soon as local installations or on-prem servers start to slow you down, or when more advanced security and collaboration tools are required. For distributed teams and hybrid working models, the transition pays off especially quickly.

How can data protection and security be ensured in the cloud?

Through a well-designed concept: Swiss or European data centres, encryption, access controls, multi-factor authentication, and continuous security monitoring. Clear policies and regular employee training are equally essential.

In which cases would Baggenstos advise against a move to the cloud?

Where legal requirements prohibit the use of cloud services, or if a business is heavily dependent on locally installed, non-cloud-capable specialist applications. In such cases, we first explore alternatives or hybrid scenarios.

Why is Microsoft 365 Copilot a strong reason to switch?

Copilot saves time, improves quality, and helps users find information or create content more quickly. These AI capabilities only realise their full potential within a modern, integrated M365 environment.