Choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Microsoft 365 Business Premium can be a challenge for many SMBs. According to Statista, by early 2024, there were over one million companies in the United States utilizing Microsoft 365. As more businesses adopt cloud solutions, selecting the right plan becomes essential to meet your company’s needs and security requirements.
As Kevin O’Connell, COO at PCS Managed Services, says, “Staying secure while maintaining flexibility is key for businesses in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.”
In this blog, we will compare the key features and differences between Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium, helping you make an informed decision.
Understanding Microsoft 365 for Business Plans
Microsoft 365 for Business offers three distinct plans tailored to different organizational needs. Whether you are considering Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, or Premium, each plan is designed to streamline your business operations. All plans include access to Microsoft’s productivity apps and cloud storage, but the key differences lie in the security, device management, and available apps.
According to CloudSecureTech, the global cloud computing market is expected to be valued at $832.1 billion by 2025. This statistic highlights the growing trend of businesses migrating to cloud solutions, underscoring the importance of selecting the right cloud services like Microsoft 365 to enhance business efficiency and productivity.
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Key Features of Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Microsoft 365 Business Basic is ideal for smaller businesses that need essential tools for productivity but don’t require advanced features. With Basic, you get access to:
- Web and mobile versions of core productivity apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Email and calendar management through Exchange.
- 1TB of cloud storage per user for easy file sharing and collaboration.
- Microsoft Teams for video conferencing and collaboration.
While Microsoft 365 Business Basic is cost-effective, it lacks desktop versions of the apps and has minimal security features, making it suitable for smaller teams with limited IT needs.
Core Features of Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Microsoft 365 Business Standard is designed for businesses that require more than the basic tools, including full desktop versions of apps and additional collaboration features. Standard includes:
- Full desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for enhanced functionality.
- Outlook and Publisher for advanced email and business management.
- Hosting webinars and managing appointments with integrated scheduling tools.
- Advanced collaboration features such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
- 1TB of cloud storage per user, making it easy to store and share files across devices.
Standard offers more robust tools for managing your business operations, making it a better choice for medium-sized teams with growing needs.
Enhanced Features in Microsoft 365 Business Premium
For businesses that prioritize security and device management, Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers the best solution. Premium builds upon Standard and adds:
- Advanced threat protection to guard against cyber threats and protect sensitive information.
- Information rights management to control how your documents are used and shared.
- Advanced device management with Microsoft Intune, enabling you to secure and manage employee devices.
- Remote access for employees to securely access business apps and data from anywhere.
Premium is ideal for larger teams or businesses handling sensitive data, offering enhanced security and management tools to protect your organization from threats.
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Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs. Standard vs. Premium: A Detailed Comparison
When comparing Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs. Standard vs. Premium, the most significant differences revolve around security, device management, and app functionality. Here’s how the three editions compare:
- Basic offers web and mobile versions of core apps with limited security features, making it suitable for small teams.
- Standard includes desktop versions of apps and enhanced collaboration tools, suitable for medium-sized teams with higher productivity needs.
- Premium builds upon Standard by adding advanced security and device management, ideal for businesses with complex security and remote work requirements.
Actionable Advice: Which Edition is Right for You?
Each plan offers a unique set of features that cater to different business needs, so be sure to assess your organization’s size, security requirements, and collaboration needs before making a decision.
How Microsoft 365 Business Editions Address Security
Security is a top concern for many businesses, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers the most comprehensive protection with advanced security features like threat protection, Information Rights Management, and device management.
Regular security evaluations are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Both Standard and Premium allow employees to access business apps securely, but Premium provides more robust tools to manage and protect data, even when devices are lost or stolen.
Cost and Value of Microsoft 365 Plans
The cost of Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium reflects the added features and security each plan offers. While Basic is cost-effective for small businesses with minimal IT needs, Standard and Premium offer more value for growing businesses that require advanced tools and protection. Microsoft 365 Premium, though priced higher, provides peace of mind with its advanced security features and device management capabilities.
Source: Microsoft
Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs. Standard vs. Premium: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Microsoft 365 Business Basic | Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 Business Premium |
| Productivity apps | Web & mobile versions | Desktop & web versions | Desktop & web versions |
| Cloud storage | 1TB per user | 1TB per user | 1TB per user |
| Security features | Basic | Basic | Advanced (Threat protection, Device management) |
| Device management | Limited | Basic | Advanced (Microsoft Intune) |
| Collaboration tools | Teams, SharePoint | Teams, SharePoint, Outlook | Teams, SharePoint, Outlook |
| Cost | Lower cost | Medium cost | Higher cost |
Select the Best Microsoft 365 Plan with the Guidance of PCS Managed Services
Choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Basic vs. Standard vs. Premium depends on your business’s specific needs. Basic offers affordable productivity tools, Standard provides desktop versions and enhanced collaboration, while Premium adds advanced security and device management. Understanding these differences can help you select the best plan for your business.
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PCS Managed Services can help you choose and implement the right Microsoft 365 plan. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a consultation.
