Microsoft 365 is a productivity tool suite that has transformed how organizations, large or small, conduct their workflows through a combination of productivity applications, collaboration tools, cloud services, and management of online security. There are three important plans that Microsoft provides under the Business subcategory to suitably serve small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs): Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium. All the plans are customized according to various operational requirements and volumes of IT complexity.
It is important to understand the difference between the plans in selecting the most appropriate one to be used by your organization. This article will outline the characteristics, advantages, and optimal applications of each plan to help you in deciding.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Overview
The Microsoft 365 Business Basic is an entry level plan. It is suitable to cater to the needs of a small business that requires cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools. In addition, it does not require PC-based installations of the Office application suite.
Key Features
- Mobile and web versions of PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Chat, meetings, and calls with Microsoft Teams
- Windows Office 365 professional email hosting (50 GB mailbox per user)
- OneDrive for Business, including 1 TB of cloud storage per user
- Intranet and document sharing in SharePoint Online
- Fundamental security and compliance functions
Best For
This plan is perfect when the business has remote or mobile staff and wants the services of web-based applications and requires effective collaborative tools. It also works well on startups or those businesses with little IT infrastructure.
Limitations
The lack of desktop apps is one of the key drawbacks. It is not possible to install the complete version of Office apps such as Word or Excel on a computer. This may not be an advantage for teams that need offline services or complicated Office installations.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Overview
Microsoft 365 Business Standard is one level up from the Basic plan, and it fits into a business that requires cloud and desktop applications in the office, together with extended productivity features.
Key Features
It includes everything that Business Basic contains, and:
- Office applications desktop
- Appointment scheduling with Microsoft Bookings
- Improved email features with custom domains
- Microsoft Publisher (PC only)
Best For
This plan works well with businesses that have higher demands in terms of productivity. Business Standard is probably the right solution, in case your team needs to work offline, has the full abilities of working in Office applications, or deals with complex documents and spreadsheets.
Limitations
Although the Business Standard plan provides more functionality, it lacks the advanced security options and continued device management tools of the Premium plan.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Overview
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the best business plan and has the whole set of features of Business Standard with the addition of extra protection and device management. It is meant to support businesses with sensitive data, remote employees, or those working in industries with high regulations.
Key Features
It includes everything that Business Standard contains, and:
· Mobile management and app management with Microsoft Intune
· Data classification and protection by Azure Information Protection
· Endpoint security in Microsoft Defender Business
· Proprietary protection and security policies
· Data loss prevention and compliance management tools
· Policy of conditional access and multifactor authentication
Best For
Business Premium is most appropriate for organizations that need an integrated solution that encompasses productivity applications alongside highly effective cybersecurity. It is particularly suitable for companies in the field of healthcare, finance, law, as well as those that must adhere to regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.
Limitations
The added features come with increased complexity, which may require IT personnel to manage properly. It might be more than necessary for small businesses with basic needs.
How to Choose the Right Plan
When selecting between Business Basic, Standard, and Premium, companies should consider the following:
Work Style
If your employees work mostly online and remotely, then the Business Basic plan will most likely be sufficient.
However, if your team needs to work offline or use advanced Office tools, the Business Standard plan will serve as a better choice.
Security Needs
If your company handles sensitive or confidential information, the Business Premium’s security measures will be critical.
On the other hand, for businesses less concerned with data governance, the Standard plan would be more than enough.
IT Capabilities
Smaller teams with limited IT help may find Business Basic or Standard easier to handle.
Meanwhile, enterprises who have greater IT resources or stricter standards can benefit from Premium’s advanced management tools.
Scalability
It is critical to consider future development. If you expect your company to grow and encounter advanced security challenges, even in just the initial phase, it is best to start with the Premium plan, as it may be more cost-effective in the long term.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft 365 Business plans are aimed to support businesses in different growth and complexity levels. Business Basic enables the fundamentals of collaboration and communication. Business Standard comes as a balanced strategy that suits the larger activities of the majority of medium and small-sized firms that require comprehensive productivity features. Business Premium is even more comprehensive as it adds more powerful security and compliance features that are growing to be more crucial in the modern threat environment.
In the end, it is advisable to allocate some time analysing your requirements so that the plan you choose has added value, increased productivity and offers security to your digital world.
