Microsoft 365 has gone through significant changes in the past decade. Implementing cloud-based services into the Microsoft ecosystem has dramatically altered how businesses interact with critical apps and services.
In this post, we will explore the various plans offered by Microsoft 365 Business. We’ll cover the differences in pricing, functionality, and features. In addition, we provide our professional insights into what businesses need to upgrade to a Standard or Premium account.
Comparing Microsoft 365 Business Plans
We’ve broken our analysis of the three tiers of Microsoft 365 for business into four categories. These metrics will give you an idea of what plan works best for your business.
As the tiers progress, you’ll have access to all apps and features from the less expensive plans. For example, Standard plans offer everything in a Basic plan, and Premium provides everything in a Standard plan plus additional features.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Pricing
365 starts with a Basic plan starting at $6.00 per user per month.
Apps and Services
You’ll have access to most Microsoft apps and services, including:
- Outlook
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- OneDrive
- Teams
- Bookings
- Forms
- Lists
- Planner
- Exchange
- SharePoint
All apps and services in Basic are only available in web and mobile versions. You’ll have to upgrade to access the desktop versions of your favorite Microsoft applications.
Advanced Features
Basic plans come with a business email and 1 TB of cloud storage per user.
Security
You’ll have standard Microsoft security on your cloud-based 365 accounts with limited access to device management, control over data, and advanced security tools and services.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Pricing
365 Standard is available for $12.50 per user per month.
Apps and Services
The 2nd tier of Microsoft 365 Business is a significant upgrade, allowing all your users to download apps and services locally. You’ll also gain Microsoft Publisher and Access for PC.
Advanced Features
The biggest upgrade from Basic is the ability to work offline but still have access to the cloud. You can also host webinars and large meetings in Teams and create databases with access.
Security
Standard accounts still use the basic level of Microsoft security.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Pricing
Microsoft 365 Business Premium costs $22.00 per user per month.
Apps and Services
Premium account gain access to Microsoft Intune and Azure Information Protection.
Advanced Features
With a Premium account, you’ll have more control over your data and devices. For example, you can configure your PCs to automatically install Office and Windows 10 updates.
Security
Advanced security capabilities are the most significant difference between a Premium and Standard Microsoft 365 business account. You’ll have comprehensive protection against spam, malware, ransomware, and other known threats specific to Microsoft 365.
Businesses that Benefit Beyond Basic 365
A Basic account works for personal use but relies on an internet connection. Therefore, we highly recommend all businesses utilize at least a Standard 365 account.
Below is some guidance to help you decide between Standard and Premium.
Microsoft Business Standard
A Standard account is sufficient for small to medium-sized businesses that don’t use large datasets with highly sensitive information.
Microsoft Business Premium
Upgraded security is the number one reason your organization would benefit from a Microsoft 365 Business Premium account. If you want complete control over your data, devices, and access to advanced security, you should consider paying extra for Premium.
365 Management with Makios
Standard and Premium accounts can be overwhelming to manage for organizations unfamiliar with the complex cloud-based ecosystem. In addition, Microsoft
advanced IT support for companies using 365 Business Premium.
At Makios, we can help you decide and implement Microsoft 365 into your business. We offer
and advanced
protection to ensure you utilize all 365 features while keeping your data safe. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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