Microsoft 365 Business Standard vs Premium

Navigating your business needs and choosing the right Microsoft 365 subscription is crucial for businesses looking to leverage Microsoft's suite of productivity tools. Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium offer different levels of services and security, tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses today. In this blog, we'll compare these two plans to help you decide which is the best fit for your organization.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

The Productivity Booster

Microsoft 365 Business Standard is designed for businesses that need the core suite of Office applications plus cloud-based file storage and sharing. Priced at $12.50 per user per month (as of November 2023), it includes:

• Desktop versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Host webinars with attendee registration and reporting tools.
• 1 TB of cloud storage per user.
• Standard security features.

Top 3 Benefits of Microsoft 365 Business Standard:

1. Comprehensive Office Applications
   Access to the latest full desktop versions of Office applications, which can be installed across multiple devices.
2. Enhanced Collaboration
   Tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint facilitate seamless collaboration and communication within teams.
3. Cost-Effective Solution
   Offers a balance of essential features at a price point that is manageable for small to medium-sized businesses.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

The Productivity Booster

At $22.00 per user per month (as of November 2023), Microsoft 365 Business Premium builds upon the Standard plan and adds advanced security features for businesses that require robust cyberthreat protection. It includes:

• All features in Business Standard.
• Advanced security with access and data control.
• Cyberthreat protection with Intune and Azure Information Protection.

Top 3 Benefits of Microsoft 365 Business Premium

1. Advanced Security
   Provides comprehensive cyberthreat protection to safeguard business data across devices.
2. Device Management
   With Intune and Azure Information Protection, you can manage and secure company devices and apps.
3. Compliance and Control
   Tools to help you manage data governance and compliance with legal or regulatory standards.

Voice for Microsoft Teams

Transforming Business Communication

Unified Communication with Voice Capabilities

Both Business Standard and Premium can integrate with Voice for Microsoft Teams, offering a comprehensive communication system that can replace traditional business phone systems.

Examples of Enhanced Communication

• Direct calling within Teams with a global dial plan.
• Integrated call management with voicemail and transcription services.
• Advanced features like call queues and auto-attendants for a professional customer experience.
• The Necessity of License Assessments

Regular Assessments for Optimized IT Spending

Regular Microsoft license assessments are vital for enterprise companies to ensure they are getting the most value out of their subscriptions.

Benefits of License Assessments

1. Identify unused or underutilized licenses to reduce costs.
2. Ensure compliance with licensing terms and avoid penalties.
3. Stay updated with the latest features and security measures.

Conclusions for Microsoft 365 Business Standard vs Premium

The decision between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium should be based on your specific business needs. If your priority is productivity with a need for standard security, Business Standard may suffice. However, for those requiring advanced security measures, Business Premium is the clear choice. Additionally, integrating voice capabilities with Microsoft Teams can significantly enhance your business's communication infrastructure, making it a consideration regardless of the plan you choose. Lastly, regular license assessments are crucial for maintaining cost-efficiency and compliance within your organization.

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References:

Compare All Microsoft 365 Plans | Microsoft