Microsoft 365 Business Standard vs. Premium

Microsoft 365 Business Standard vs. Premium: A Quick Comparison Guide

Your business needs to stay connected and efficient in today’s fast-paced world. Microsoft 365 offers different plans to suit your specific needs, but choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium can be daunting. Let’s look at each plan to help you make an informed decision for your organization.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard provides a full suite of productivity tools, including web apps, support for up to 300 users, and 1TB of cloud storage per user. This plan goes beyond the Basic offering by adding desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps with premium features, ensuring your team can work seamlessly across devices and platforms. Video conferencing and online meetings are also included, boosting collaboration between your team members.

On the other hand, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is an all-in-one solution for those prioritizing productivity and security. In addition to everything offered in the Business Standard plan, the Premium option also includes Microsoft Defender for Business and Defender for Office 365 Plan 1. This advanced security offering is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses (1-300 employees), keeping your organization’s data, devices, and users safe from ever-evolving cyber threats.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard For Canadian Companies

Features and Capabilities

With Microsoft 365 Business Standard, your company can access a wide range of features to boost productivity and collaboration within your organization. This includes:

• Desktop apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access (PC only)
• Web versions of these apps for added flexibility and on-the-go use
• Communication and collaboration tools such as Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange
• 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user

Whether you’re working from your office, a coffee shop, or your home, Microsoft 365 Business Standard provides the tools your team needs to excel.

Security and Protection

Your organization’s data security is a top priority, and Microsoft 365 Business Standard offers robust protection to keep your information secure. This includes:

• Built-in security measures for email and documents
• Advanced threat protection and encryption
• Compliance solutions to help meet industry regulations

Rest assured, knowing your company’s sensitive information is safeguarded with Microsoft 365 Business Standard.

Device Compatibility

A diverse range of devices is essential in today’s modern workplace. With Microsoft 365 Business Standard, you can easily access your apps and services across various platforms and devices, including:

• Windows PCs
• Mac computers
• iOS and Android smartphones and tablets

No matter your device preference, Microsoft 365 Business Standard ensures a seamless experience for your team members.

Pricing and Plans

Microsoft 365 Business Standard is available at a competitive price to help your Canadian company improve its productivity and collaboration capabilities.

Please note that you can change or cancel your subscription at any time on the monthly commitment plan. With Microsoft 365 Business Standard, you can scale your organization’s digital resources as needed.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium In Calgary

Advanced Security and Compliance

With Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you can protect your business in Calgary from potential security threats. This subscription includes advanced security features such as Microsoft Defender for Business and Defender for Office 365 Plan 1. These tools provide:

• Threat protection: Safeguard your data from malware, viruses, and phishing attacks.
• Identity and access management: Manage and control access to sensitive information.
• Information protection: Utilize Azure Information Protection to classify, label, and protect your documents.

Enhanced Productivity

Microsoft 365 Business Premium also offers enhanced productivity tools for your business in Calgary, including:

• Microsoft Teams: Empower your team to communicate and collaborate effortlessly.
• Desktop and mobile apps: Access Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) on the go and from any device.
• 1 TB of cloud storage per user: Store, access, and share your files securely with OneDrive.
• AI capabilities: Improve productivity with AI-driven features like intelligent search and automated workflows.

Business Application Integrations

Integrate your favorite business apps into Microsoft 365 Business Premium to further improve your operations in Calgary. Some popular integrations include:

• SharePoint: Collaborate on documents, share files, and manage projects with the help of this powerful tool.
• Power BI: Transform raw data into actionable insights and make data-driven decisions.
• Flow: Automate tasks and business processes by connecting your apps and services.

By choosing Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you’re ensuring your business in Calgary stays productive, secure, and efficient.

Comparing Business Standard and Premium

Feature Differences

When choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium, examining the differences in features is essential. Both plans include access to core Office desktop apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. However, there are a few key differences:

• Business Standard offers web and mobile versions of Office apps, 1 TB of cloud storage per user, and support for up to 300 users.
• Business Premium includes all Business Standard features, advanced security capabilities, device management, and more.

Regarding collaboration, both plans provide access to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive for a seamless communication and file-sharing experience.

Security Capabilities

Regarding safeguarding your organization’s data, security plays a crucial role. Business Premium takes the lead in providing enhanced security features, such as:

• Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to guard against threats like malware and phishing attacks.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) helps prevent sensitive information from unintentional disclosure.
• Device Management to enable remote management and protection of your company devices.

On the other hand, Business Standard offers standard security features, which might be satisfactory for organizations with fewer security needs.

Pricing Considerations

The difference in features translates to different pricing structures for Business Standard and Business Premium.

You should weigh your organization’s needs and budget when selecting the appropriate plan. Remember that both plans provide a monthly or annual commitment payment option, so you can decide how you’d like to handle your subscription payments.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Business

Assessing Business Needs

First, you need to evaluate your organization’s specific needs. Start by identifying the size of your team, which office applications are essential, and how your team will collaborate. Consider the level of functionality you require and whether you need advanced features, such as team management, automation, or integrations with external tools.

Evaluating Storage and Device Requirements

Next, consider your storage and device requirements. Microsoft 365 Business Standard offers 1 TB of cloud storage per user, while the Premium plan provides additional configurations. Assess how much space your organization requires based on projected data storage growth and employee expansion.

Also, consider the devices your team will use to access their data and applications, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, or mobile phones. Review compatibility with Microsoft 365 offerings, and ensure your chosen plan meets your team’s device requirements.

Considering Security and Compliance Needs

Lastly, evaluate your organization’s security and compliance needs regarding data protection and regulatory requirements. Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers granular control over devices and features enhanced security settings for sensitive data.

It is crucial to keep the following points in mind:

• Standard security features are included in all Microsoft 365 plans, but advanced security options are available in the Business Premium plan.
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers additional features like management and security of devices connected to your organization’s network.
• Consider customer requirements and regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA compliance, when deciding between Business Standard and Business Premium. Check if the available features meet your industry’s legal and regulatory needs.

By carefully assessing your organization’s needs in terms of licenses, business plans, devices, storage, security, and compliance, you can choose the most appropriate Microsoft 365 for Business plan that caters to your specific requirements.

How Pure IT Helps With Microsoft 365 Support In Calgary

Microsoft Cloud Experts

At Pure IT, we provide the assistance you need to understand and utilize Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium. Our team of Microsoft Cloud Experts can guide you through implementing and managing these powerful tools for your digital transformation. We’ll help clear up any confusion and ensure your organization fully benefits from the features and capabilities of Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium.

Microsoft Azure Specialists

As part of our comprehensive support, our Microsoft Azure Specialists can help you unlock additional benefits for your organization by integrating Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Azure. With your Azure services and 365 applications working seamlessly together, you can leverage advanced capabilities to enhance your business’s productivity, security, and scalability. Our specialists are here to guide you through this integration process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.

Microsoft 365 Consultants

Our Microsoft 365 Consultants are knowledgeable about both Business Standard and Premium versions, and they can help you determine the best option for your organization. We will work with you to:

• Assess your organization’s needs and objectives
• Evaluate the features and benefits of Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium
• Determine the best-fit solution for your specific situation
• Implement and manage the chosen solution to maximize its value for your business

By partnering with Pure IT, you can be confident that your Microsoft 365 experience in Calgary will be well-supported, efficient, and beneficial for your organization’s overall success.

Pure IT: We make your data magic. We serve Calgary, Airdrie, Red Deer, Sundre, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Alberta.