Comparing Feature Sets for Small Business Benefits
Among the myriad of tools available, Microsoft 365 stands out as a comprehensive suite that addresses various business needs. However, within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, choosing between Business Standard and Business Premium can be a nuanced decision. This article explores the feature sets of both plans and highlights the distinctive benefits they offer for small businesses.
Overview of Microsoft 365 Business Plans
Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium are both designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security within organizations. They offer a range of applications and services that cater to different business requirements. Understanding the core differences between these two plans is essential for selecting the one that aligns best with your business objectives.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Microsoft 365 Business Standard is tailored for businesses that require robust productivity tools and collaboration features. It includes the following key components:
- Office Applications: Access to desktop versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, along with Access and Publisher (PC only).
- Email and Calendar: Business-class email through Outlook with a 50 GB mailbox per user and shared calendars.
- File Storage and Sharing: 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user for file storage and sharing.
- Collaboration Tools: Teams for chat, meetings, and collaboration, SharePoint for creating team sites and managing content, and Planner for task management.
- Business Services: Microsoft Bookings for scheduling and managing appointments, and Forms for surveys and polls.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Microsoft 365 Business Premium encompasses all the features of Business Standard while adding advanced security and device management capabilities. Key components include:
- Office Applications: Same access to desktop versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, and Publisher.
- Email and Calendar: Business-class email with a 50 GB mailbox per user and shared calendars.
- File Storage and Sharing: 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user for file storage and sharing.
- Collaboration Tools: Teams, SharePoint, and Planner for enhanced collaboration and task management.
- Advanced Security: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to protect against malware, phishing, and cyber threats.
- Device Management: Intune for mobile device management, allowing control over company data on various devices.
- Identity and Access Management: Azure Active Directory Premium Plan 1 for advanced security features like conditional access and MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).
- Information Protection: Azure Information Protection to classify, label, and protect documents and emails.
Benefits for Small Businesses
Both Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium offer significant advantages to small businesses, though their benefits cater to slightly different needs.
Enhanced Productivity
- Both plans provide access to the full suite of Office applications, enabling employees to create, edit, and share documents seamlessly.
- Business Standard is ideal for companies focused on maximizing productivity and collaboration without requiring extensive security or device management features.
- Business Premium extends productivity by ensuring that employees can work securely from anywhere, with advanced protection for sensitive data.
Collaboration and Communication
- Teams is a powerful tool included in both plans, fostering real-time communication and collaboration through chat, video meetings, and file sharing.
- SharePoint enhances project management and content organization, helping teams stay aligned and informed.
- Planner simplifies task management, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and on time.
Security and Compliance
- Business Premium is particularly beneficial for small businesses with a heightened need for security. Microsoft Defender safeguards against evolving cyber threats.
- Intune allows businesses to manage and secure their devices, ensuring that company data remains protected even on personal devices.
- Azure Active Directory Premium Plan 1 offers advanced identity and access management, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Azure Information Protection helps businesses comply with regulatory requirements by protecting sensitive information.
Cost-Effectiveness
- Business Standard is a cost-effective solution for small businesses seeking powerful productivity tools at a lower price point.
- Business Premium, while more expensive, delivers value through its advanced security and device management features, potentially reducing costs associated with data breaches and IT support.
Who needs Premium?
Microsoft Business Premium is a necessity for anyone that has a compliance need because it provides data loss prevention, email encryption, and application management features. If your business is in one of the following industries, your business should be using premium:
- Healthcare
- Financial Services including Accounting
- Car or RV Dealerships
- Title Companies
- Law Firms
- Mortgage Lenders
- Home Appraisers
- Travel Agencies
If your business is a fully remote business, regardless of industry, we recommend you use premium to properly manage remote devices.
Feature Comparison Chart
| Feature | Business Standard | Business Premium |
| Office Applications | Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher | Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher |
| Email and Calendar | 50 GB mailbox, shared calendars | 50 GB mailbox, shared calendars |
| File Storage and Sharing | 1 TB OneDrive storage per user | 1 TB OneDrive storage per user |
| Collaboration Tools | Teams, SharePoint, Planner | Teams, SharePoint, Planner |
| Business Services | Bookings, Forms | Bookings, Forms |
| Advanced Security | N/A | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 |
| Device Management | N/A | Intune |
| Identity and Access Management | N/A | Azure Active Directory Premium Plan 1 |
| Information Protection | N/A | Azure Information Protection |
Conclusion
Choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium ultimately depends on the specific needs and priorities of your small business. Business Standard is an excellent choice for companies seeking robust productivity and collaboration tools at an affordable price. On the other hand, Business Premium offers enhanced security, device management, and information protection, making it ideal for businesses that handle sensitive data or require advanced security measures. By carefully evaluating your business requirements, you can select the plan that best aligns with your goals and ensures long-term success.
