What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that combines the best of Microsoft’s software and services in one package. With Microsoft 365, you can access the latest versions of Office apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, on any device. You also get cloud storage, email, online meetings, collaboration tools, security features, and business apps that can help you run your business more efficiently and securely.
Microsoft 365 is designed to meet the needs of several types of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. Depending on your business size and goals, you can choose from different plans and options that offer various levels of functionality and support.
What is the Microsoft 365 Business Suite?
Microsoft 365 Business Suites are a set of plans that are tailored for small and medium businesses (SMBs) with up to 300 users. These plans offer the core features of Microsoft 365, such as Office apps, cloud storage, email, online meetings, and security, at an affordable price. They also include some additional features and benefits that are specific to SMBs, such as simplified setup and management, device and app management, advanced security and compliance, and business insights.
There are three main Microsoft 365 Business Suites: Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Each plan has atypical features and capabilities, depending on your business needs and budget.
What are the key differences between the Microsoft 365 Business Suites?
The table below summarizes the main differences between the Microsoft 365 Business Suites in terms of features and pricing. For a more detailed comparison, you can visit the Microsoft 365 website or contact a Microsoft partner.
| Feature | Microsoft 365 Business Basic | Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 Business Premium |
| Office apps | Web and mobile versions only | Web, mobile, and desktop versions | Web, mobile, and desktop versions |
| Cloud storage | 1 TB per user | 1 TB per user | 1 TB per user |
| Email and calendar | Yes, with 50 GB mailbox per user | Yes, with 50 GB mailbox per user | Yes, with 50 GB mailbox per user |
| Online meetings and chat | Yes, with up to 300 participants | Yes, with up to 300 participants | Yes, with up to 300 participants |
| Collaboration tools | Yes, with Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Planner | Yes, with Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Planner, and Yammer | Yes, with Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Planner, Yammer, and Stream |
| Business apps | No | Yes, with Outlook Customer Manager, Bookings, Loop, Clipchamp | Yes, with Outlook Customer Manager, Bookings, Loop, Clipchamp, Power BI Pro |
| Device and app management | No | No | Yes, with Intune and Azure Information Protection |
| Advanced security and compliance | No | No | Yes, with Advanced Threat Protection, Data Loss Prevention, and more |
| Product Summary |  |  |  |
Starting April 2024, Microsoft has introduced three new license plans without “Microsoft Teams” for SMB customers:
- Microsoft Business Basic (Without Teams)
- Microsoft Business Standard (Without Teams)
- Microsoft Business Premium (Without Teams)
To know more about this please refer to this link.
How to choose the right Microsoft 365 Business Suite for your business?
The best way to choose the right Microsoft 365 Business Suite for your business is to consider your business goals, needs, and budget. Here are some questions that can help you make the right decision:
- How many users do you have or plan to have in your business?
- What kind of devices do you and your employees use or plan to use?
- How often do you and your employees need to use Office apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook?
- Do you and your employees need to access Office apps offline or on multiple devices?
- How much cloud storage do you and your employees need or plan to use?
- How important is email and calendar for your business communication and productivity?
- How often do you and your employees need to conduct online meetings and chat with colleagues, customers, or partners?
- What kind of collaboration tools do you and your employees need or plan to use, such as Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Planner, Yammer, or Stream?
- What kind of business apps do you and your employees need or plan to use, such as Outlook Customer Manager, Bookings, MileIQ, Invoicing, or Power BI Pro?
- How much do you value device and app management, such as Intune and Azure Information Protection, for your business security and efficiency?
- How much do you value advanced security and compliance features, such as Advanced Threat Protection, Data Loss Prevention, and more, for your business protection and reputation?
- How much can you afford to spend on Microsoft 365 per user per month?
Conclusion
Microsoft 365 Business Suites are a great option for small and medium businesses that want to leverage the power of Microsoft’s software and services in one package. They offer the core features of Microsoft 365, such as Office apps, cloud storage, email, online meetings, and security, as well as some additional features and benefits that are specific to SMBs. Depending on your business size, needs, and budget, you can choose from three different plans: Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Still not sure what Business plan to purchase, or need demonstration around the products, or need help with licensing cost, please drop a note at salesconnect@schnelltechnocraft.com.
