Having the right tools is a must for any small business. And when it comes to productivity, communication, and collaboration, Microsoft 365 is a great option. But with so many different plans available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your specific needs.
Introduction
Running a business can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right tools for your organization. One of the most critical decisions you need to make is selecting the software suite that meets your needs. Microsoft has been among the top choices for companies when it comes to office solutions. But with so many options available, the decision can become overwhelming. This blog post aims to help you identify the differences between Microsoft’s E3, Business Premium, Business Standard, and Business Basic plans. We’ll highlight the pros and cons of each and help you determine which one is the right fit for your organization.
MS E3
One of the most comprehensive plans from Microsoft 365, E3 includes all the features of Business Premium and more. Designed for larger businesses with advanced security and compliance needs, E3 includes advanced security features such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), as well as compliance features such as eDiscovery and litigation hold.
Pros
One of the main advantages of E3 is its flexibility and scalability, allowing you to upgrade or downgrade as your business needs change.
Cons
On the downside, this plan is considerably more expensive than the other options, and may not be necessary for smaller businesses that don’t have complex security and compliance requirements.
MS Business Premium
Business Premium is the most popular of the four plans due to its comprehensive suite of productivity and collaboration tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive. It also includes advanced security features such as device management and threat protection, making it perfect for small and medium sized businesses that need to protect sensitive data. With Business Premium, you’ll also have access to all the latest updates and improvements to the Microsoft 365 suite.
Pros
This plan is ideal for organizations with teams working remotely, thanks to its comprehensive communication tools. The plan provides some great security and reporting features.
Cons
The downside is that it can be cost-prohibitive for businesses with a limited budget.
MS Business Standard
Business Standard is very similar to Business Premium, with the main difference being that it excludes some reporting features and advanced security features such as device management and threat protection. This plan would be ideal for small businesses that don’t need all the advanced security features and reporting functions of Business Premium, but still want access to all the productivity and collaboration tools of Microsoft 365. Like Business Premium, it includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, making it perfect for remote workers or small teams that need to collaborate on projects together.
Pros
The Business Standard plan is an excellent option for businesses that require basic productivity tools at a lower cost.
Cons
MS Business Standard does not provide all of the features that are available in the E3 and Premium plans. This includes some of the security features and the reporting capabilities.
MS Business Basics
Business Basic is the most affordable and basic plan available from Microsoft 365, and only includes web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Outlook and OneDrive. This plan would be ideal for small businesses that have basic productivity and collaboration needs and don’t require the advanced security and compliance features of E3 or Business Premium. However, the limited features compared to the other plans may not be enough for businesses that need to do more than basic document editing and sharing.
Pros
It’s perfect for organizations with limited budgets and a few employees. It may be worth considering if your employees mostly only need to use email.
Cons
The main disadvantage of this plan is that it has limited features and does not cover the desktop versions of the productivity suite. This could be a big problem for employees who are working with the basic Microsoft suite of tools on a regular basis as the desktop versions are a little easier to use. The Business Basic plan also does not have some of the security and reporting features that some of the other plans has.
How to Choose the Right Plan
When choosing the plan that is right for your organization you really need to consider what your business needs are. You may for example be in a highly regulated industry and require higher security and reporting that MS business Premium is able to provide you. In another instance you may be in an organization where your company does not need the advanced functions that Business Premium or E3 provides. Business Standard or Business Basic may suite your needs. You may also want to consider a combination of licenses for you and your employees depending on your business.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Microsoft Office plan for your business can be a daunting task, but by assessing your needs, you can make an informed decision. If you’re a large organization with data compliance requirements and a large pool of employees, then the E3 plan is the best bet. If your business requires flexible communication tools and remote access, then Business Premium is an excellent choice. Business Standard is suitable for organizations with basic productivity needs, and Business Basic is a cost-effective option for smaller organizations. Take some time to consider your requirements before making your decisions.
