Let’s face it, Microsoft 365 licensing is complicated! There are several options to choose from that offer a variety of tools and costs. The Business line is targeted at small and medium sized organizations with less than 300 users. There are 4 main offerings available in the Business line:
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium
M365 Apps for Business
If you only need desktop versions of Office apps without any cloud services or security features, then Apps for Business might be the plan for you. With Apps for Business, you get:
- Installable desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher (PC only), and Access (PC only).
- 1 TB of cloud storage per user using OneDrive.
- Standard security features such as firewall protection and antivirus software.
However, Apps for Business does not include any cloud services such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Exchange, or Bookings. You also need to buy your own domain name if you want a custom email address.
M365 Business Basic
If you are looking for a low-cost option that provides web and mobile versions of Microsoft Office apps, along with cloud services such as Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Exchange, then Business Basic might be the plan for you. With Business Basic, you can:
- Chat, call, and meet with up to 300 attendees using Microsoft Teams.
- Store and share files with 1 TB of cloud storage per user using OneDrive.
- Create team sites to share information, files, and resources using SharePoint.
- Work smarter with business-class email and calendaring using Exchange.
- Manage customer appointments using Microsoft Bookings.
- Create surveys, polls, and quizzes using Microsoft Forms.
- Organize tasks and projects using Microsoft Planner.
- Access web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
However, Business Basic does not include desktop versions of Office apps or advanced security features. You also need an internet connection to access your files and apps.
M365 Business Standard
If you want to get the full benefits of Microsoft Office apps on your desktop, as well as web and mobile devices, then Business Standard might be the plan for you. With Business Standard, you get everything in Business Basic, plus:
- Installable desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher (PC only), and Access (PC only).
- Ability to work offline and upload changes to the cloud when you reconnect.
- Tools for creating marketing materials using Microsoft Publisher (PC only).
- Hosting capabilities for webinars and large meetings using Microsoft Teams.
- Attendee registration and reporting tools for webinars using Microsoft Teams.
- Database and data visualization tools using Microsoft Access (PC only).
Business Standard is a great choice for businesses that need the full power and flexibility of Office apps on multiple devices.
M365 Business Premium
If you are looking for the most comprehensive and secure plan that includes advanced security features and device management capabilities, then Business Premium might be the plan for you. With Business Premium, you get everything in Business Standard, plus:
- Advanced security features such as:
- Protection against phishing, ransomware, malware, and other cyberthreats using Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest using Microsoft 365 Message Encryption.
- Control over who can access your data and devices using Azure Information Protection and Intune.
- Compliance with data protection regulations using Data Loss Prevention and eDiscovery.
- Device management features such as:
- Ability to set up and manage Windows 10 devices remotely using Windows Autopilot and Intune.
- Ability to wipe company data from lost or stolen devices using Intune.
- Ability to enforce security policies on devices using Intune.
Business Premium is the best choice for businesses that need the highest level of security and control over their data and devices.
We strongly encourage every customer to consider this option. While it is the most expensive option, it also provides tremendous value in protecting your valuable data. The cost of a breach or losing corporate data is worth the additional costs.
Conclusion
Microsoft 365 offers a variety of plans for different business needs and budgets. Depending on your choice of service, you can get access to web and mobile apps, desktop apps, cloud services, security features, device management features, or a combination of them. To help you choose the right plan for your business, you can use the Microsoft 365 plan chooser tool or compare all Microsoft 365 business plans here.