For small and medium-sized businesses in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, choosing the right Microsoft 365 subscription is crucial to meeting their specific needs and maximizing productivity. With an array of options available, including Business Basic, Standard, and Premium, it’s essential to understand the differences between these plans to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the distinctions between Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium, helping SMBs in the region choose the perfect fit for their requirements.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Microsoft 365 Business Basic, formerly known as Office 365 Business Essentials, is the entry-level subscription designed for SMBs that primarily require cloud-based productivity and communication tools. Key features of Business Basic include:
- Exchange Online: Hosted email with a 50 GB mailbox per user and custom email domain addresses.
- Microsoft Teams: Collaboration platform for chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and collaboration across teams.
- OneDrive for Business: Cloud storage for individual users, offering 1 TB of storage per user.
- Web and Mobile Versions: Access to web and mobile versions of Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for basic document editing and collaboration.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Microsoft 365 Business Standard, formerly known as Office 365 Business Premium, offers a more comprehensive suite of productivity tools, including everything in Business Basic, plus additional features such as:
- Office Desktop Applications: Full desktop versions of Office applications for up to five devices per user, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access.
- Microsoft Exchange: Enhanced email hosting with a 100 GB mailbox per user, advanced email security, and compliance features.
- SharePoint Online: Document management and collaboration platform for creating intranet sites, team sites, and project management.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Microsoft 365 Business Premium combines the features of Business Basic and Standard while adding advanced security and device management capabilities tailored for SMBs. Key features of Business Premium include:
- Advanced Security Features: Protection against cyber threats with features like Advanced Threat Protection, Data Loss Prevention, and Azure Information Protection.
- Device Management: Simplified device management and security policies through Microsoft Intune, enabling businesses to secure company data on personal and company-owned devices.
- Windows Virtual Desktop: Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution for accessing Windows desktops and applications from anywhere, on any device.
Choosing the Right Plan with Bandicoot
With the myriad of options available, selecting the right Microsoft 365 plan can be daunting for SMBs. That’s where Bandicoot comes in. As your trusted IT partner, we specialize in helping businesses in Lancashire and Greater Manchester navigate the complexities of Microsoft 365 subscriptions. From understanding your specific requirements to recommending the most suitable plan and providing seamless implementation and ongoing support, Bandicoot is here to ensure you get the most out of your Microsoft 365 investment.
In conclusion, Microsoft 365 offers a range of subscription options tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. Whether you require basic cloud productivity tools, comprehensive Office applications, or advanced security and device management capabilities, there’s a Microsoft 365 plan that’s right for you. Contact Bandicoot today to discover how we can help you choose and leverage the perfect Microsoft 365 solution for your business.
