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Top Tips for Maximizing Productivity with Office 365

Office 365 is a powerful suite of productivity tools that can greatly enhance the efficiency and collaboration within any organization. However, in order to make the most out of this platform, it is essential to follow best practices that can help maximize its potential.

One of the best practices for Office 365 is to regularly update the software and ensure that all users are using the latest versions. This ensures that they have access to the latest features and security patches, keeping their data safe and their workflows optimized. It is also important to train all users on how to effectively use the various tools in Office 365, as this can greatly boost productivity and efficiency across the organization.

Another important best practice is to establish clear guidelines and policies for the use of Office 365 within the organization. This includes defining access permissions, setting up proper data governance, and outlining acceptable use policies. By doing so, organizations can ensure that sensitive data is protected, data loss prevention measures are in place, and the overall usage of Office 365 aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives.

Lastly, it is crucial to regularly monitor the usage and performance of Office 365. This can be done through the use of built-in analytics and reporting tools, which provide valuable insights into user behavior, resource consumption, and potential bottlenecks. By analyzing this data, organizations can identify areas for improvement and optimize their Office 365 deployment to better meet their needs.

In conclusion, following best practices for Office 365 can greatly enhance productivity and collaboration within an organization. By staying up to date, providing proper training, establishing clear guidelines, and monitoring performance, organizations can make the most out of this powerful suite of tools.

Setting Up Office 365

When it comes to setting up Office 365, there are a few best practices that can help ensure a smooth and successful implementation.

1. Plan and Strategize

Before diving into the set-up process, it’s important to take the time to plan and strategize your Office 365 deployment. Define your goals, evaluate your current infrastructure, and consider any customization or migration needs. This will help you create a roadmap and ensure that your Office 365 deployment aligns with your organization’s specific requirements.

2. User Training and Adoption

One of the key factors for a successful Office 365 implementation is user adoption. Take the time to train your users on the new features and capabilities of Office 365. This can help them fully utilize the tools and maximize productivity. Consider creating user guides or organizing training sessions to help users navigate the new environment effectively.

Additionally, it’s important to provide ongoing support and encourage employees to provide feedback. This will help address any issues or concerns and ensure that everyone is comfortable using Office 365.

In conclusion, following these best practices for setting up Office 365 can help ensure a smooth implementation and maximize the benefits of the platform for your organization.

Configuring Email in Office 365

When it comes to configuring email in Office 365, there are several best practices that can help ensure a smooth setup and optimal functionality.

1. Set up DNS records

Before setting up email in Office 365, it is important to configure the necessary DNS records. These records include the MX (Mail Exchanger) record, which directs incoming mail to the Office 365 servers, as well as other records such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) for email authentication. Properly configuring DNS records is crucial for reliable email delivery and security.

2. Configure mailbox settings

Once the DNS records are set up, it is time to configure the mailbox settings in Office 365. This includes setting up email addresses and aliases, defining mailbox storage limits, configuring email forwarding and auto-reply options, and managing spam filters and security settings. Taking the time to properly configure these settings will help ensure efficient email management and a seamless user experience.

Note: It is recommended to regularly review and update these settings as needed to meet changing business requirements and security needs.

3. Enable mobile device access

In today’s mobile-centric world, it is important to allow users to access their email on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Office 365 provides various options for enabling mobile device access, including native email apps, Outlook mobile app, and mobile device management (MDM) policies. By enabling mobile device access, users can stay connected and productive on the go while ensuring data security.

Overall, following these best practices for configuring email in Office 365 will help organizations maximize the benefits of the platform and provide a reliable and efficient email system for users.

Managing User Accounts

When it comes to managing user accounts in Office 365, it is important to follow the best practices to ensure a secure and efficient environment. Here are some tips to help you manage user accounts effectively:

  • Create strong and unique passwords for each user account. This helps to prevent unauthorized access and protects sensitive information.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their password.
  • Regularly review user account permissions to ensure that users have the appropriate access rights. Remove any unnecessary privileges to minimize the risk of data breaches.
  • Implement a password expiration policy. This ensures that users change their passwords regularly, reducing the risk of compromised accounts.
  • Monitor user account activity for any suspicious or abnormal behavior. This can be done through auditing and alerting features in Office 365.
  • Regularly educate users about best practices for password hygiene and security awareness. This includes avoiding common passwords, not sharing passwords, and being cautious of phishing attempts.
  • Enable self-service password reset for users. This allows users to reset their passwords themselves, reducing the burden on IT support.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your Office 365 user accounts are managed efficiently and securely, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Setting Up Document Libraries

Document libraries are an essential component of Office 365, providing a central location for storing and managing documents within your organization. By following best practices for setting up document libraries, you can ensure efficient document collaboration and retrieval.

1. Structure your document libraries

Before setting up document libraries, take the time to plan and structure them in a logical and intuitive manner. This will make it easier for users to navigate and find the documents they need. Consider organizing documents by department, project, or document type using folders or metadata.

2. Define permissions and access controls

Setting up proper permissions and access controls is crucial for protecting sensitive information and ensuring that only authorized users can access certain documents. Use Office 365’s built-in security features to assign user permissions at the library, folder, or document level.

3. Enable version control

Enabling version control in document libraries allows you to track changes made to documents over time. This is especially useful when multiple people are collaborating on a document, as it helps to avoid confusion and ensures that everyone is working on the latest version.

4. Implement metadata

Metadata provides additional information about documents, making it easier to classify and search for them. Use custom metadata fields to capture relevant information such as document type, author, and project name. This will enhance search capabilities and improve document management.

By following these best practices, you can effectively set up document libraries in Office 365 and optimize your organization’s document management process.

Collaborating with Office 365

Office 365 offers a wide range of tools and features to enhance collaboration in the workplace. With its cloud-based platform, users can easily share and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time. This ensures that everyone is working on the latest version of a file, eliminating the need for back-and-forth emailing and version control issues.

One of the best features of Office 365 is the ability to co-author documents. Whether you’re working on a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, or PowerPoint presentation, multiple users can work on the same file simultaneously. This fosters teamwork and increases productivity, as multiple perspectives and ideas can be incorporated into the document in real-time.

Version History

Another valuable feature of Office 365 for collaboration is the version history. With this feature, you can easily access and restore previous versions of a document. This ensures that no changes are lost and allows you to track the progress of a document over time. Additionally, the version history feature provides a useful audit trail, allowing you to see who made changes and when.

Shared Calendars and To-Do Lists

Office 365 also includes shared calendars and to-do lists, which are essential for coordinating schedules and tasks within a team. With shared calendars, team members can easily view each other’s availability and schedule meetings accordingly. Shared to-do lists allow team members to assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress. This helps to prioritize work and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

In conclusion, Office 365 offers a robust set of tools and features to facilitate collaboration in the workplace. From real-time co-authoring to version history and shared calendars, these features enhance teamwork and productivity. By leveraging the best practices of Office 365, organizations can create a more efficient and collaborative work environment.

Securing Your Office 365 Environment

When it comes to securing your Office 365 environment, there are a number of best practices you should follow. By implementing these practices, you can help ensure the privacy and safety of your data, as well as protect against cybersecurity threats.

1. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

One of the most effective ways to secure your Office 365 environment is by enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple factors, such as a password and a verification code sent to their mobile device. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your Office 365 accounts.

2. Regularly Update and Patch Your Office 365 Applications

Keeping your Office 365 applications up to date is essential for maintaining a secure environment. Microsoft regularly releases updates and patches that address security vulnerabilities and improve the overall performance of their applications. By regularly updating your Office 365 applications, you can ensure that you have the latest security features and protections in place.

3. Educate Your Users on Security Best Practices

While implementing security measures is important, it’s also crucial to educate your users on security best practices. This includes teaching them about the importance of creating strong passwords, avoiding suspicious email attachments or links, and being cautious when sharing sensitive information. By promoting a culture of security awareness, you can help prevent many common security breaches.

4. Monitor and Audit Your Office 365 Environment

Regular monitoring and auditing of your Office 365 environment is key to detecting and addressing any security threats or vulnerabilities. This includes monitoring for unusual account activity, analyzing logs for suspicious behavior, and conducting regular security audits. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can quickly identify and mitigate potential security risks.

5. Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies

Data loss prevention (DLP) policies allow you to proactively protect sensitive information and prevent its unauthorized disclosure. By implementing DLP policies in your Office 365 environment, you can identify and control sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, and define actions to be taken if this data is being shared or accessed improperly.

6. Use Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is a powerful security feature that helps protect your organization against advanced threats, such as malware and phishing attacks. ATP includes features like Safe Links, which proactively scans and blocks malicious links, and Safe Attachments, which provides protection against unknown malware and viruses.

By following these best practices, you can enhance the security of your Office 365 environment and better protect your organization’s data and systems from cyber threats.

Creating and Managing Teams

Office 365 offers a powerful collaboration tool called Microsoft Teams. With Teams, you can create virtual workspaces where your team members can communicate, collaborate on files, and hold video meetings.

When creating a team in Office 365, it’s important to carefully plan its structure and permissions. Start by determining the purpose and members of the team. Consider what channels and tabs you’ll need to organize conversations and files effectively.

Once you have a clear plan, you can easily create a team in the Teams app. Simply click on the “Teams” option in the left-hand menu, and then click on the “Join or create a team” button. Enter a team name, description, and privacy settings, and invite your team members to join.

Once the team is created, you can customize it further by adding channels, tabs, and connectors. Channels allow you to organize conversations by topic, while tabs give you quick access to files, websites, and other tools. Connectors enable you to integrate external services, such as Jira or Trello, into your team.

Effective team management in Teams involves setting clear guidelines and expectations for team members. Encourage them to use channels for specific topics, regularly update files, and participate in conversations. As a manager, you can also schedule regular check-ins or team meetings to keep everyone aligned and address any issues.

Remember to regularly review and adjust your team’s settings and permissions as your organization’s needs evolve. You can add or remove team members, update privacy settings, and manage channel moderation settings to ensure a secure and efficient collaboration experience.

By following these best practices for creating and managing teams in Office 365, you can enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity within your organization.

Integrating Office 365 with Other Applications

When it comes to maximizing the benefits of Office 365, integrating it with other applications is a best practice that shouldn’t be overlooked. By seamlessly connecting Office 365 with your organization’s existing applications, you can create a powerful and efficient digital workplace.

  • One of the key advantages of integrating Office 365 with other applications is the ability to streamline workflows. By connecting different tools and software, you can automate tasks and eliminate manual processes, saving time and increasing productivity.
  • Another benefit of integration is the ability to access and share data across multiple platforms. Whether it’s integrating with CRM systems, project management tools, or collaboration platforms, Office 365 allows you to bring data from different sources together in a centralized location, making it easily accessible for collaboration and decision-making.
  • Integrating Office 365 also enables seamless communication and collaboration with external stakeholders. By integrating with email marketing platforms, customer support systems, or social media tools, you can ensure that your organization stays connected with customers and partners, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
  • Furthermore, integration allows you to leverage the power of Office 365 alongside other specialized applications. For example, by integrating with data analytics tools or business intelligence platforms, you can gain valuable insights and make data-driven decisions more effectively.
  • Finally, integrating Office 365 with other applications enhances security and compliance. By integrating with identity management systems or data governance tools, you can strengthen data protection and ensure regulatory compliance.

In conclusion, integrating Office 365 with other applications is a best practice that can greatly enhance the functionality and efficiency of your digital workplace. By streamlining workflows, accessing and sharing data, enabling communication with external stakeholders, leveraging specialized applications, and enhancing security and compliance, integrating Office 365 with other applications is essential for maximizing the benefits of this powerful productivity suite.

Managing Office 365 Licenses

When it comes to managing Office 365 licenses, it is important to follow best practices to ensure that your organization is utilizing its available licenses effectively. Here are some tips to help you manage your Office 365 licenses efficiently:

1. Regularly review license usage: It is crucial to monitor and analyze the usage of your Office 365 licenses. This will help you identify any unused licenses or over-allocated licenses that can be reallocated to users who need them. Regularly reviewing license usage will also help you optimize costs and ensure that you’re not paying for licenses that are not being utilized.

2. Assign licenses to specific users: Rather than assigning licenses at the tenant level, it is recommended to assign licenses to specific users based on their role and requirements. This approach allows for better license management and ensures that users only have access to the applications and services they need for their work.

3. Utilize license groups: Office 365 offers the ability to create license groups, which can simplify the management of licenses. By creating license groups based on user roles or departments, you can easily assign or remove licenses for a group of users, saving you time and effort.

4. Automate license management: Office 365 provides several tools and APIs that allow you to automate license management processes. By leveraging these tools, you can streamline the process of assigning, reassigning, and revoking licenses, reducing the manual effort required for license management.

5. Monitor license expirations: Keep track of license expiration dates to ensure that licenses are renewed or reallocated on time. By monitoring license expirations, you can prevent any disruption in service caused by expired licenses and ensure that users have continuous access to Office 365 applications and services.

6. Train and educate users: It is essential to educate users about the importance of license management and encourage them to use Office 365 applications responsibly. Providing training sessions and resources can help users understand the value of the licenses they have been assigned and how to make the most of Office 365 features.

By following these best practices, you can effectively manage Office 365 licenses, optimize costs, and ensure that users have the necessary tools to be productive in their work.

Backing Up and Restoring Office 365

When it comes to Office 365, it’s important to have best practices in place for backing up and restoring your data. As with any cloud-based platform, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unforeseen circumstances.

One of the key practices for backing up Office 365 is to regularly back up your data to an external location. This ensures that you have a copy of your data that is separate from the cloud environment, providing an extra layer of protection. It’s also recommended to have multiple backup copies in case one becomes corrupted or compromised.

In addition to regular backups, it’s important to have a restoration plan in place. This involves having a clear process for restoring data from your backups in the event of data loss or system failure. Having a documented plan can significantly reduce downtime and ensure a smooth recovery process.

Another best practice for backing up and restoring Office 365 is to test your backups and restoration process regularly. This allows you to identify any potential issues or gaps in your backup strategy, ensuring that your data is truly recoverable when you need it most.

Finally, it’s worth considering a third-party backup solution for Office 365. While Microsoft does provide some native backup and restore features, a third-party solution can often offer additional functionality and flexibility. These solutions can provide granular backups, faster restoration times, and additional security measures.

In conclusion, implementing best practices for backing up and restoring Office 365 is crucial for safeguarding your data and ensuring business continuity. Regular backups, a clear restoration plan, testing, and considering a third-party backup solution are all key components of an effective backup strategy for Office 365.

Monitoring Office 365 Performance

When using Office 365, it’s important to monitor its performance to ensure optimal productivity and efficiency for your organization. By implementing best practices for monitoring, you can proactively identify and address any issues that may arise.

1. Set up performance monitoring tools

Start by selecting and setting up performance monitoring tools for your Office 365 environment. These tools will help you track and analyze key metrics, such as response times, server load, and user adoption rates. Microsoft provides built-in monitoring tools like the Office 365 Admin Center and Azure Monitor, but you may also consider third-party tools for more comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

2. Define performance thresholds

Establishing performance thresholds is crucial to effectively monitor your Office 365 performance. By defining acceptable levels of performance for your organization, you can set alerts to be triggered when thresholds are exceeded. This enables you to quickly identify and address any performance issues before they impact user experience.

3. Monitor network connectivity

Office 365 heavily relies on network connectivity, so it’s important to monitor your network infrastructure. Monitor bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss rates to ensure a smooth and reliable connection to Office 365 services. This will help you identify any network-related issues that may affect performance.

4. Regularly check service health and incident reports

Stay informed about the health of Office 365 services by regularly checking the Service Health Dashboard provided by Microsoft. This dashboard provides real-time information about any service disruptions or incidents. Additionally, review the incident reports to understand the root causes of any past performance issues and take preventive measures accordingly.

5. Leverage user feedback

Your users are the ones directly affected by any performance issues with Office 365. Encourage them to provide feedback on any usability or performance issues they encounter. This feedback can help you identify any underlying issues that may require further investigation and resolution.

  • Regularly communicate with users about any scheduled maintenance or updates that may impact performance.
  • Provide guidance on best practices for optimizing Office 365 usage and performance.

By implementing these best practices for monitoring Office 365 performance, you can ensure a smooth and efficient user experience for your organization.

Configuring Data Loss Prevention in Office 365

Best Practices for Office:

Office 365 offers a wide range of powerful tools to help organizations manage their data and protect against potential loss. One such tool is Data Loss Prevention (DLP), which allows administrators to set policies and rules to prevent sensitive information from being leaked or shared inappropriately.

Here are some best practices for configuring DLP in Office 365:

1. Understand your data: Before implementing DLP policies, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the types of data your organization handles and the potential risks associated with it. This will help you determine what needs to be protected and what policies should be put in place.

2. Define your requirements: Clearly define your organization’s data protection requirements. Consider regulatory compliance, industry standards, and internal policies when establishing your DLP policies.

3. Classify sensitive information: Classify your sensitive information based on its level of sensitivity or potential impact if leaked. This will help you prioritize your DLP policies and assign appropriate protection measures to different types of data.

4. Create DLP policies: Use the DLP features in Office 365 to create policies that define how sensitive information should be handled. This can include rules for email communications, file sharing, or other collaboration activities. Ensure that your policies align with your organization’s requirements and are easily understandable and enforceable.

5. Test and refine: Once your DLP policies are in place, regularly test and refine them to ensure they are working effectively. Monitor the system for any false positives or negatives and make adjustments as necessary to strike the right balance between security and usability.

6. Educate users: Provide training and education to your users about the importance of data protection and the role they play in maintaining it. Make sure they are aware of the DLP policies and understand how to comply with them.

7. Monitor and respond: Implement a system for monitoring and responding to DLP incidents. This can include real-time alerts, logging, and reporting mechanisms. Promptly investigate and take appropriate action in case of any potential data breaches or policy violations.

Conclusion:

Configuring Data Loss Prevention in Office 365 is crucial for any organization that wants to safeguard its sensitive information. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your DLP policies are effective and aligned with your organization’s data protection requirements.

Troubleshooting Common Office 365 Issues

As Office 365 continues to grow in popularity and usage, it is important to be prepared for any issues that may arise. Here are some best practices for troubleshooting common Office 365 issues:

1. Connectivity issues: If you are experiencing issues connecting to Office 365, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Check if other websites and applications are working fine. If the issue persists, try restarting your computer or device, as well as your router or modem.

2. Login problems: If you are having trouble logging into your Office 365 account, double-check that you are using the correct username and password. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it through the Office 365 password recovery process. If the problem persists, contact your system administrator for further assistance.

3. Email issues: If you are experiencing problems with your Office 365 email, first ensure that you have a stable internet connection and that you are using a supported web browser. Clear your browser cache and cookies, as they can sometimes cause email issues. If the problem persists, contact your IT support team or Office 365 provider for further assistance.

4. Slow performance: If you are noticing slow performance in Office 365, try closing any unnecessary applications or browser tabs. Clear your browser cache and cookies, as mentioned earlier. You can also try accessing Office 365 from a different browser or device to see if the issue is specific to one platform. If the problem continues, it may be worth checking your internet connection speed or contacting your IT support team.

5. Updates and compatibility: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Office 365 and that your operating system and other software are up to date. Check for any compatibility issues between different versions of Office 365 and other applications or plugins that you may be using. Updating to the latest versions can often resolve compatibility issues.

6. Security concerns: Office 365 offers robust security features, but it is important to be vigilant and follow best practices to protect your data. Regularly review your security settings and ensure that multi-factor authentication is enabled for all users. Keep an eye out for any suspicious emails or phishing attempts and report them to your IT team.

By following these best practices, you can troubleshoot common Office 365 issues and ensure a smooth experience for yourself and your colleagues. Remember to reach out to your IT support team or Office 365 provider if you require further assistance.

Migrating to Office 365

Migrating your organization to Office 365 can be a complex process. However, by following some best practices, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Planning and Preparation

Before starting the migration process, it is important to plan and prepare. This includes assessing your current environment, identifying the goals and objectives for migrating to Office 365, and creating a detailed migration plan. It is also crucial to communicate the migration process and timeline with all stakeholders.

Data Backup and Security

Prior to the migration, it is essential to backup all your data to prevent any loss or corruption. This includes emails, documents, and other important files. Additionally, it is important to review and implement security measures to protect your data during and after the migration process.

During the migration, it is recommended to migrate your data in phases rather than all at once. This allows for easier troubleshooting and minimizes any potential disruptions. Testing the migration process with a small subset of users can also help identify and address any issues before migrating the entire organization.

Once the migration is complete, it is important to provide training and support to your users to ensure they are comfortable with the new Office 365 environment. This can include conducting training sessions, providing user guides, and offering ongoing support.

By following these best practices, your organization can successfully migrate to Office 365 and take advantage of its many benefits and features.

Question-answer:

What are some best practices for managing user accounts in Office 365?

When managing user accounts in Office 365, it is important to follow some best practices. One of the key best practices is to set strong and unique passwords for each user account, and enable multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. It is also recommended to regularly review and update user permissions to ensure that employees only have access to the necessary resources. Additionally, it is important to keep user information up to date and disable or remove inactive user accounts.

How can I ensure data security in Office 365?

Data security is a top priority when using Office 365. One best practice is to enable data encryption, both when data is in transit and at rest. This helps safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access. It is also recommended to regularly back up data stored in Office 365, either using built-in backup features or a third-party solution. Furthermore, implementing a comprehensive security policy that includes regular security training for employees can help prevent data breaches and account compromises.

What are the benefits of using Office 365 for email communication?

Office 365 offers several benefits for email communication. Firstly, it provides a reliable and secure email platform that ensures high deliverability and minimal downtime. Additionally, Office 365 offers advanced spam filtering and email protection features to reduce the risk of phishing attacks and malware infections. With Office 365, users can access their emails from anywhere, using any device, as long as they have an internet connection. Collaborative features like shared mailboxes and calendars also make it easier for teams to work together effectively.

How can I ensure compliance with data protection regulations in Office 365?

Compliance with data protection regulations is crucial for businesses using Office 365. One best practice is to familiarize oneself with the specific regulations that apply to the business and ensure that the necessary controls and policies are in place. Office 365 offers built-in features to help with compliance, such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, retention policies, and eDiscovery tools. It is important to regularly review and update these settings to ensure ongoing compliance. Additionally, working with a knowledgeable IT professional or consultant can provide valuable guidance in navigating data protection regulations.

What are some best practices for managing SharePoint Online sites in Office 365?

Managing SharePoint Online sites in Office 365 efficiently requires following some best practices. Firstly, it is important to plan the structure and organization of sites and sub-sites to ensure easy navigation and efficient document management. Utilizing metadata and content types can make it easier to categorize and find documents. Regularly reviewing and cleaning up unused or outdated content can also help maintain a clean and efficient SharePoint environment. Finally, providing user training and documentation on best practices for using SharePoint can ensure that employees can make the most out of the platform.

What are some best practices for managing Office 365?

Some best practices for managing Office 365 include regularly monitoring and optimizing the usage and performance of your Office 365 environment, training users on how to effectively use the Office 365 applications, implementing strong security measures to protect data in Office 365, regularly backing up your data to ensure its availability, and staying up-to-date with the latest updates and features in Office 365.

How can I secure my data in Office 365?

To secure your data in Office 365, you can implement strong password policies, enable multi-factor authentication, enable data loss prevention policies to prevent the sharing of sensitive information, use encryption for emails and files, implement mobile device management to control access to corporate data on mobile devices, regularly monitor and review access rights and permissions, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.