If you’ve used Microsoft Office on your computer or phone, you know how important it is for productivity. But when you’re running a business, you need more than just basic tools – you need a solution that enhances collaboration, security and efficiency. That’s where Microsoft 365 business plans come in.
Business Microsoft offers a range of solutions designed specifically for business users. With Microsoft 365, you get productivity apps combined with secure cloud services, and IT management capabilities tailored for organisations. Security solutions like Microsoft Defender for Business provide advanced protection and management tools.
With multiple plans to choose from, it can be confusing. In this guide we’ll break down the key differences between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Microsoft 365 Business Premium so you can make the best decision for your business. Business Premium includes additional features not found in Business Standard.
Microsoft 365 Business Plans Overview
Business Microsoft offers a range of solutions specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses with up to 300 employees. Microsoft 365 Business provides various applications and services to improve productivity, communication, and security.
The Four Business Plans
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Business – Office apps only.
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic – Web-based Office apps and collaboration tools.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard – Desktop Office apps and business email.
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium – All Standard features plus advanced security and device management tools.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard vs Business Premium: What’s the Difference
1. Number of Applications
Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes:
- Word – Document creation and editing.
- Excel – Spreadsheets and data analysis.
- PowerPoint – Presentation creation.
- Outlook – Business email and calendar management.
- Teams – Virtual meetings and collaboration.
- OneDrive – 1TB cloud storage per user.
- SharePoint – Secure file sharing and team collaboration.
- Exchange – Business-class email hosting.
- Loop – Collaborative workspaces.
- Clipchamp – Video editing software.
It includes desktop office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which are crucial for enhancing business processes and collaboration.
Business Premium includes all the above advanced features plus additional security and management applications:
- Microsoft Intune – Mobile device and application management.
- Microsoft Defender for Business – Advanced threat protection and security.
- Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) – Identity and access management.
- Information Protection – Data security and classification, including Azure Information Protection (AIP), which allows businesses to discover, classify, and protect documents and emails.
2. Advanced Security Features and Data Protection
Security is a big factor when choosing between Standard and Premium:
- Business Standard offers basic protection against phishing, malware and spam. Business Standard also provides increased data control for users who prefer downloadable software.
- Business Premium provides enterprise-grade security protections not available in Business Standard.
- Business Premium adds advanced features, including:
- Endpoint protection via Microsoft Defender for Business, part of the broader business Microsoft security solutions.
- Device and application control with Intune.
- Access and identity management with Entra ID.
- Data loss prevention and sensitivity labelling with Information Protection.
- Conditional access, which manages user access to sensitive files and folders.
- Business Premium adds advanced features, including:
3. User and Device Management
- Business Standard offers basic user management, including business email and cloud storage.
- Business Premium provides full device management with Intune, so your employees’ devices are secure even when working remotely. Business Premium provides full device management for both company-owned and personal devices.
Managing mobile devices is crucial to ensure secure access to organisational data.
4. Subscription Cost
Cost is a big factor:
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: £9.60 per user/month
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: £16.90 per user/month
For a business with 300 employees, annual costs would be:
- Standard: 300 x £9.60 x 12 = £34,560/year
- Premium: 300 x £16.90 x 12 = £60,840/year
Since Microsoft requires an annual commitment, make sure you choose the plan that fits your security and productivity needs.
Security and Compliance Features
When it comes to protecting your business data and ensuring compliance, both Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium offer robust solutions. Business Standard includes essential security features like Exchange Online Protection, which safeguards your organisational data against spam, malware, and other online threats. This ensures that your business communications remain secure and uninterrupted. Business Premium also allows admins to set custom permissions to manage user access effectively.
However, if your business requires more advanced security measures, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the way to go. It includes Microsoft Defender, providing next-generation protection against sophisticated cyber threats. Additionally, Business Premium offers conditional access, allowing you to control access to sensitive data and applications based on user identity, location, and device.
This advanced security feature ensures that only authorised users can access critical business information, enhancing your company devices overall data protection strategy. Business Premium also integrates with organisational data for enhanced productivity and security.
Device Management and Intune
Managing employee and personal devices is crucial for maintaining security and productivity, especially in a remote work environment. Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes Intune, a powerful cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) service. With Intune, businesses can control how mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are used, ensuring that company policies are enforced across all devices. Business Premium enhances enterprise mobility by integrating applications and security features.
Intune also simplifies update and patch management, reducing the risks associated with shadow IT and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs. One of the standout features of Intune is its ability to manage lost or stolen devices. If a device is compromised, you can remotely wipe sensitive data, ensuring that your business’ sensitive information remains secure. Administrators can limit access to sensitive applications and data using Intune, ensuring that corporate information remains secure while allowing controlled usage. This level of control and security is essential for businesses that handle sensitive data and need to comply with regulatory requirements.
Cloud Services and Desktop Versions
Both Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium offer a suite of cloud services designed to enhance collaboration and productivity. These services include Microsoft Teams for communication, Exchange for business email, OneDrive for cloud storage, and SharePoint for secure file sharing and team collaboration.
In addition to mobile devices, Intune can manage Windows PCs, ensuring comprehensive device management. One key difference between the two plans is the availability of desktop versions of the Office suite. Business Standard includes web and mobile versions of the office applications, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, providing flexibility for users who work on the go. In contrast, Business Premium includes desktop versions of these applications, allowing users to work offline and take full advantage of the powerful features available in the desktop apps. Additionally, Business Premium offers advanced cloud storage features, such as 1 TB of cloud storage per user, making it easy for businesses to store and share large files securely.
Microsoft 365 Implementation
Implementing Microsoft 365 requires careful planning and execution to ensure a seamless transition for businesses. The first step is to assess your current IT infrastructure and identify areas for improvement. Both Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium offer advanced tools and features, including desktop versions of Office applications and cloud storage, which can significantly enhance your business operations.
Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool for enhancing collaboration and communication among employees. With features like chat, video conferencing, and file sharing, Teams can help your team stay connected and productive. Additionally, conditional access and mobile device management are essential for protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure access to company resources.
Implementing Microsoft 365 can streamline your operations, improve productivity, and reduce costs. Advanced security features like Azure Information Protection and Microsoft Defender are critical for protecting your business data. These tools help you classify, label, and protect sensitive information, ensuring that only authorised users have access.
Microsoft Forms and Microsoft Bookings are also valuable tools for enhancing your operations and improving customer engagement. Forms can be used for surveys, feedback, and data collection, while Bookings allows customers to schedule appointments easily.
Ongoing support and maintenance are crucial to ensure that your Microsoft 365 system runs smoothly and securely. Working with a Microsoft partner can help you achieve a successful implementation and get the most out of your investment.
Microsoft 365 Support
Microsoft 365 offers various support options to help businesses troubleshoot issues and maximise their investment. Business Premium users have access to advanced support options, including 24/7 phone and online support, ensuring that help is always available when needed. Business Standard users can access online support and community forums, providing a wealth of information and peer assistance.
Microsoft 365 provides a range of resources, including tutorials, videos, and documentation, to help businesses get started with the platform. These resources are invaluable for training employees and ensuring that everyone can use the tools effectively.
For more customised support and guidance, businesses can work with a Microsoft partner. These partners offer tailored solutions and expert advice to help you make the most of Microsoft 365.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic users have access to limited support options, including online support and community forums. However, they can still benefit from the extensive resources available to all Microsoft 365 users.
Microsoft Purview is a powerful tool for managing data and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Endpoint detection and response are critical components of Microsoft 365 that help protect sensitive information from cyber threats. Advanced threat protection features further enhance your security posture, safeguarding your business data.
Microsoft Intune is essential for managing employee devices and ensuring secure access to company resources. With Intune, you can enforce security policies, manage updates, and remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices.
Which Plan is Right for Your Business?
Choosing between Business Standard and Business Premium depends on your specific business needs and the offerings from business Microsoft:
- Choose Business Standard if:
- You need productivity tools without advanced security features.
- You don’t need device and user management.
- You have a small budget.
- Choose Business Premium if:
- You need extra security for sensitive business data, such as Microsoft Defender for Business.
- Your employees work remotely and need device management.
- Your business handles confidential or regulated data that requires advanced protection.
You can also mix and match plans based on employee roles. For example, high-risk departments (such as finance and HR) may need Business Premium, while others can use Business Standard.
Business Operations and Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 can significantly streamline business operations and improve productivity. Business Premium offers advanced features like Azure Information Protection and Microsoft Defender, which are essential for protecting sensitive data. These tools help you classify, label, and protect information, ensuring that only authorised users have access.
Business Standard users can leverage Microsoft Teams to enhance collaboration and communication among employees. Teams provides a platform for chat, video conferencing, and file sharing, making it easier for teams to work together, regardless of their location.
Microsoft Forms and Microsoft Bookings are valuable tools for enhancing operations and improving customer engagement. Forms can be used for surveys, feedback, and data collection, while Bookings allows customers to schedule appointments easily.
Cloud storage and file storage are essential components of Microsoft 365, helping businesses store and share data securely. With OneDrive and SharePoint, your team can access and collaborate on documents in real-time, from any location.
Mobile device management and conditional access are critical features for protecting data and ensuring secure access to company resources. These tools help you enforce security policies, manage updates, and remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices.
Microsoft 365 offers advanced security features, including endpoint detection and response, to protect your data from cyber threats. These features are essential for maintaining a strong security posture and safeguarding your business data.
Small businesses can benefit from Microsoft 365 Business Basic, which provides essential productivity tools and a cost-effective way to get started with the platform. Microsoft 365 offers a range of productivity tools, including office applications and web apps, to help businesses streamline their operations and improve productivity.
Top Applications in Microsoft 365
Regardless of the plan you choose, Microsoft 365 has some of the most powerful business apps:
- Teams – The go-to platform for business collaboration and video conferencing.
- Outlook – Enterprise-grade email and calendar management.
- SharePoint – Secure file storage and sharing.
- OneDrive – Cloud storage for file access.* Defender for Business (Premium only) – Advanced security.
Why Choose Rydal Group for Microsoft 365?
At Rydal Group we help businesses choose the right Microsoft 365 plan for their business. Whether you need advice on your security policies, productivity tools or licensing, we have the expertise to maximise your IT investment.
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan is key to your business success. Let Rydal Group take the hassle out of the decision for you.
Let us future-proof your business with the right Microsoft 365 solution!