Choose a plan for Microsoft 365 Business

In today's digital age, businesses rely heavily on technology to streamline their operations. Microsoft 365 emerges as a comprehensive suite of office tools available on the cloud, offering a range of applications to facilitate work processes. This article aims to dissect the key features and disparities among the various editions of Microsoft 365, aiding businesses in selecting the most suitable option for their operations.

Table of contents

Microsoft offers three distinct editions of Microsoft 365, each tailored to cater to diverse business requirements: Basic, Standard, and Premium. The choice of edition depends on the specific needs and scale of the business.

Features and Benefits of Microsoft 365 Business

Cloud Applications and Collaboration

• Microsoft Office Apps: The suite encompasses essential Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, all accessible through the cloud. This facilitates seamless document access across multiple devices, enhancing workforce mobility and flexibility.
• Teams: A unified collaboration platform enabling text messaging, video conferencing, and real-time document collaboration. Teams foster efficient communication and collaboration among team members, irrespective of geographical barriers.

Convenient Email and Calendar Management

• Exchange Online: An integrated email, calendar, and contacts management platform offering robust security and reliability. Exchange Online ensures streamlined communication channels within the organization while safeguarding sensitive information.
• Outlook: A feature-rich email client equipped with advanced task management functionalities. Outlook empowers users with efficient email organization and productivity enhancement tools.

Project and Task Management

• Planner: A task management tool facilitating effective project planning and team collaboration. Visual progress tracking and task allocation features enhance productivity and project management efficiency.

Data and Device Security

• Microsoft Defender: A comprehensive security solution safeguarding company data against various cyber threats. From viruses to spyware, Microsoft Defender ensures robust protection for organizational data.
• Intune: Remote device management tool ensuring security and uniformity across all employee devices. Intune enables centralized device management, mitigating security risks and enhancing operational efficiency.

Data Storage and Sharing

• OneDrive for Business: Cloud-based storage solution enabling secure file storage and seamless synchronization across devices. OneDrive facilitates efficient data sharing and collaboration, promoting workflow efficiency.
• SharePoint: Document management and sharing platform offering centralized content management capabilities. SharePoint streamlines document storage and collaboration, fostering enhanced productivity within the organization.

Simplified Infrastructure Management

• Azure Active Directory: Identity and access management platform enhancing security and reducing operational risks. Azure Active Directory streamlines resource access management, promoting organizational security and efficiency.

Available Tariff Plans

Microsoft 365 Business is available in various editions, each catering to specific business needs. Users can select from different options, each offering a comprehensive toolkit aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

This plan is tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering essential features to facilitate day-to-day operations. The Basic plan includes browser versions of Office applications, 1 TB OneDrive cloud storage, Exchange email service, and Microsoft Teams.

Key features of the tariff:

• Web and mobile versions of essential Office applications.
• 1 TB OneDrive cloud storage per user with file-sharing capabilities.
• Exchange Online Protection ensuring email security against spam and malware.
• Business-class email with personalized domain names and ample mailbox storage.
• Microsoft Forms for collecting customer feedback and insights.
• Task scheduling and management through Microsoft Teams and Lists.

By leveraging the combined prowess of cloud services, security measures, and advanced communication tools, Microsoft 365 Business empowers organizations to optimize their operations, streamline workflows, and fortify data security

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Microsoft 365 Business Standard offers a comprehensive software package encompassing core business functionalities, coupled with robust security measures. This subscription includes a suite of essential programs such as Microsoft Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Exchange, Publisher (desktop version only), and Access (desktop version only).

Key features of the tariff:

• Access to current versions of Microsoft 365 for both Windows and Mac operating systems, usable on up to 5 PCs per employee.
• 1 TB of available OneDrive cloud storage per employee, ensuring ample space for data storage and collaboration.
• Dynamic changes and automatic saving feature to enhance workflow efficiency.
• 24/7 technical support for prompt assistance with any software-related issues.
• Limit of 300 users per subscription.
• Flexible email setup options, including customization for new users, account restoration, and script preparation.
• Business email services with personalized domain names and mailboxes offering up to 50 GB of storage capacity.
• Calendar management, meeting scheduling, and reminders functionalities.
• Microsoft Forms service for efficient collection of feedback.
• Task scheduling and management capabilities through Microsoft Teams and Lists.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Microsoft 365 Business Premium extends the functionalities available in the Business and Standard editions, offering advanced data security features tailored for organizations with remote employees. This subscription includes additional security measures such as Azure AD Premium, Advanced Threat Protection, Azure Information Protection, and Intune, designed to mitigate risks while ensuring high employee productivity.

Key features of the tariff:

• Access to the same suite of programs as Business and Standard editions, along with advanced security capabilities.
• Enterprise-grade endpoint security measures to safeguard organizational data.
• Restrictions on unauthorized copying and saving of organization data.
• Advanced phishing attack protection with Defender technology.
• 1 TB OneDrive cloud storage per user, coupled with dynamic changes and auto-save options.
• Remote data wiping capabilities through Intune in the event of device loss or theft.
• Customizable security policies to protect information across all devices.
• Simplified policy controls compatible with Windows 10 and 11 computers.
• Large cloud archives and long-term retention policies available with Exchange online archiving (exclusive to this plan).
• Business-class email services accessible across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop PCs.
• Microsoft Forms for efficient feedback collection.
• Task scheduling and management functionalities through Microsoft Teams and Lists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft 365 presents itself as an indispensable tool for businesses, offering a range of subscription options tailored to meet diverse needs. Whether it's the essential functionalities of Business Standard or the advanced security measures of Business Premium, Microsoft 365 provides a comprehensive solution to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and safeguard organizational data. With its array of tariff plans, organizations can select the option that best aligns with their specific requirements, ensuring optimal utilization of Microsoft's suite of business tools.

FAQ

What are the different editions of Microsoft 365 Business?

Microsoft offers three editions of Microsoft 365 Business: Basic, Standard, and Premium.

What are some key features of Microsoft 365 Business?

Key features include cloud applications, collaboration tools, email and calendar management, project and task management, data and device security, and data storage and sharing.

What is included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic?

Microsoft 365 Business Basic includes browser versions of Office applications, 1 TB OneDrive cloud storage, Exchange email service, and Microsoft Teams.

What is included in Microsoft 365 Business Standard?

Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes programs such as Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Exchange, Publisher, and Access.

What is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium?

Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes advanced security features such as Azure AD Premium, Advanced Threat Protection, Azure Information Protection, and Intune.