Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan can be challenging, especially when balancing features, budget, and business needs. Two popular options are 365 Business Premium and 365 Business Standard. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between these plans to help you decide which is best for your organisation.
What is Microsoft 365 Business Premium?
Businesses that need advanced protection, management tools, and full access to Microsoft’s productivity suite can sign up for Microsoft 365 Business Premium, which covers everything. It offers core Office applications, cloud services, and enhanced security features to protect your company’s data in the office and remotely.
This plan is ideal for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution that supports hybrid work environments, data security, and mobile device management. 365 Business Premium is especially beneficial for companies that handle sensitive data and want enterprise-level security at an affordable price.
In contrast, 365 Business Standard is tailored to companies that need Office applications and cloud storage but only require a partial range of security and device management features. It’s a cost-effective choice for businesses primarily focused on productivity rather than security.
How Many Users Are on Microsoft Business Premium?
People often ask, “How many users can I have on 365 Business Premium?” The Premium and Standard plans are great for small to medium-sized businesses because they can handle up to 300 people. If your company grows beyond this threshold, you must consider upgrading to an enterprise plan that supports more users.
The key difference here is not in the number of users, but in the features, each user has access to. With 365 Business Premium, users benefit from advanced security features and device management tools, while 365 Business Standard users will not have access to these additional layers of protection.
What Do You Get with a Business Premium License?
Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes a full range of features that extend beyond the basic productivity tools available in Business Standard. These features make it easier for businesses to handle their IT and keep their data safe. Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
- Advanced Security: With 365 Business Premium, your company receives tools like conditional access, multifactor authentication, and threat protection to guard against cyberattacks. You also get access to Web Protection, which provides real-time protection against web-based threats like malware and phishing attacks.
- Mobile Device Management: The plan includes Microsoft Intune, allowing you to securely manage your employees’ mobile devices. This is essential for companies with remote workers or those with a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy.
- Office Applications: You can access the full suite of Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with advanced features like document sharing and real-time collaboration across multiple platforms.
- Email and Calendar: Like 365 Business Standard, Premium includes hosted Exchange for email, allowing for professional email addresses, shared calendars, and 50 GB of storage per user.
- Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): ATP scans emails for malicious links and attachments, providing your organisation with an extra layer of security.
- Cloud Services: The plan includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user, enabling file storage and sharing in the cloud. This is the same for Business Standard, but 365 Business Premium also integrates with Office 365 Backup, ensuring your critical business data is safe from accidental deletions or cyber threats.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Another standout feature is EDR, which provides comprehensive protection against advanced threats and helps detect, respond to, and neutralise security incidents before they escalate.
What Are the Limits for Microsoft Business Premium?
While 365 Business Premium offers extensive features, it has some limitations, primarily around user capacity and software. As previously mentioned, the plan supports up to 300 users. You must examine Microsoft’s enterprise plans to see if your business exceeds this limit.
Another limitation is that some advanced security features may require additional setup or integration with existing IT systems. Businesses with complex IT environments might find that implementing all the features of Premium requires more technical know-how or third-party support.
Choosing Between Business Premium and Standard
Now that we’ve explored what 365 Business Premium offers, it’s essential to weigh it against 365 Business Standard to see which aligns better with your needs.
- Productivity Features: Both plans provide core Office apps and cloud storage access. If your primary goal is to provide your team with the tools to create documents, manage emails, and collaborate on projects, 365 Business Standard may suffice.
- Security and Management: If your business handles sensitive data or is required to comply with regulations like GDPR, 365 Business Premium is the better option. Its advanced security and device management features will ensure your data is protected.
- Cost: While 365 Business Premium provides more features, it comes at a higher price than Business Standard. Businesses that don’t need the additional security and management tools can save by opting for the Standard plan.
- Scalability: Both plans can accommodate up to 300 users, but if your business is growing fast or you foresee needing more users, you might want to evaluate whether an enterprise plan will be necessary.
Our Recommendation
At RingIT, we work closely with small and medium-sized businesses to ensure they choose the right IT solutions. If your business handles sensitive information, operates in a regulated industry, or has employees working remotely, 365 Business Premium is worth the investment for its advanced security features and mobile device management tools.
For companies that need solid productivity tools without the need for enhanced security, 365 Business Standard offers excellent value. However, before making a decision, we always recommend reviewing your business requirements and speaking with an expert to assess the long-term benefits of each plan.