Unveiling the Difference Between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard: A Guide to Making an Informed Decision
Do you ever wonder about the difference between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard? If you’re like most business leaders, choosing the right software package for your organization can seem daunting. The key difference between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard primarily lies in their range of features, security enhancements, and pricing. Microsoft 365 Premium offers more advanced protection, premium features like Power Apps, Microsoft Bookings, and Exchange Online Protection, and more robust security than the Standard plan.
This article will delve deeper into the distinctions between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard. You will understand clearly their features, benefits, and how they can meet the unique needs of your business. With the insights and experience garnered from aiding numerous Florida organizations in successfully leveraging these Microsoft 365 options, GiaSpace stands as a testament to the efficacy and versatility of these platforms. As we navigate the various considerations such as security, mobility, and data control, you will garner insights influenced by GiaSpace’s proven track record, helping you make a more informed decision.
A Detailed Explanation of Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard
Microsoft 365, previously known as Office 365, is a suite of productivity apps provided by Microsoft as a cloud-based service. The suite includes typical desktop Office applications like Microsoft Word and business apps like Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Forms.
Microsoft 365 Standard
Also known as Microsoft 365 Business Standard, this plan offers a blend of Office apps and cloud services to fuel productivity in a business setting. The key features of this plan include business-class email through Exchange, file storage and sharing through OneDrive, and online meetings and instant messaging through Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft 365 Standard provides the full suite of Microsoft’s desktop office applications, web versions, and 1 TB of cloud storage per user. It’s a favorite for medium-sized businesses, providing collaboration tools without a hefty price tag.
However, its security offerings are somewhat limited. While it provides some basic security features, it lacks the advanced protection mechanisms and compliance offerings in the Premium plan.
Microsoft 365 Premium
Microsoft 365 Premium, also known as Microsoft 365 Business Premium, offers the same features as the Standard plan but adds robust security and device management features. It’s an all-in-one solution combining the best Office apps, advanced security, and device management capabilities.
The Premium plan introduces premium security features, such as Microsoft Defender for threat protection and Exchange Online Protection for email security. Furthermore, it offers advanced data control capabilities, including the ability to remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices, manage sharing of sensitive data, and enforce compliance policies.
Microsoft 365 Premium is ideal for businesses with more mobile devices or stricter security requirements. It allows IT operations to protect business data across multiple devices, including personal devices used in a business context. With its enterprise mobility features, businesses can securely manage their corporate data while ensuring productivity.
Here’s everything else you need to know about choosing the best Microsoft 365 plan for your needs.
Navigating Microsoft 365: Premium vs. Standard
Understanding Security Features
One of the significant differences between the Premium and Standard versions lies in their security features. Microsoft 365 Premium offers advanced protection, including Microsoft Defender and Exchange Online Protection.
Microsoft Defender is an integrated security solution that provides robust security across endpoints, email, and applications. It protects against threats such as phishing and ransomware, while Exchange Online Protection helps to secure your email against spam, malware, and known threats.
On the other hand, Microsoft 365 Standard, while offering basic security protections, lacks the depth of protection provided by the Premium version. For businesses handling sensitive data or operating in a highly regulated environment, the added security in the Premium plan can be a significant advantage.
Examining the Mobility Aspect
As we move towards a more mobile and remote work environment, the ability to work seamlessly across multiple devices is crucial. Microsoft 365 Premium offers comprehensive device management capabilities, allowing you to work securely across more mobile devices.
These device management features enable IT teams to manage and secure corporate data across different devices, whether company-owned, company-owned, or personal devices used for work. This includes the ability to remotely wipe data from a few company-owned devices or company devices, or devices if it’s lost or stolen, ensuring that your business data remains secure.
Microsoft 365 Standard, while offering mobile versions of Office apps and cloud storage, does not have the same level of device management features as the Premium version.
Delving into Business Applications and Tools
Both versions offer a suite of productivity apps and collaboration tools. These include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams for seamless collaboration. However, Microsoft 365 Premium takes it further with premium features like Power Apps and Microsoft Bookings.
Power Apps allow businesses to build and deploy custom mobile apps more quickly. At the same time, Microsoft Bookings is an online and mobile app for small businesses that provide services to customers on an appointment basis. These premium business apps can enhance productivity and streamline business operations, making the Premium version a worthy consideration.
Assessing Cloud Services and Storage
Cloud services and storage play a critical role in contemporary business operations. Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard offer cloud storage through OneDrive, but the Premium version brings additional cloud services.
For instance, Premium users benefited from enhanced data control and managed to share options, which provide additional security when sharing and accessing organizational data from the cloud. The Premium plan also enables more granular access control to protect sensitive data.
While providing cloud storage and basic sharing options, the Standard version doesn’t offer the same advanced features and data control as the Premium version.
Considering Compliance Offerings
Compliance is crucial for many businesses, particularly those in regulated industries. Microsoft 365 Premium provides advanced compliance features not available in the Standard plan.
Premium’s advanced threat protection mobile application management and compliance offerings include advanced threat protection, data loss prevention (DLP), and information barriers to prevent sharing sensitive information. It also provides advanced auditing and reporting tools for better visibility and control over your business data.
Evaluating Pricing and Value
Lastly, it’s essential to consider the pricing. Microsoft 365 Premium costs more than the business Standard+ version. However, the price difference is justified by business premium customers for the enhanced security features, device management capabilities, premium business apps, and advanced data control offered in the Business Premium plan.
Whether the Premium plan represents value for money will depend on your business standard’s specific needs. If your organization or business standard requires advanced features, security, compliance offerings, and increased control over business data, the extra cost for Premium may be well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this article, we’ve explored the key differences between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard, including their security features, mobility capabilities, business apps, cloud services, compliance offerings, and pricing.
Remember, the decision ultimately hinges on your organization’s unique requirements and security risk. If you’re a business leader managing sensitive data or operating in a regulated industry, the advanced security features and compliance tools in the Premium version might be indispensable. However, the Standard version could offer sufficient capabilities at a more affordable price for smaller organizations or those with less complex needs.
Don’t be afraid to use Microsoft’s one-month free trial for either plan. This will help you better understand which plan suits your business needs and ensure you make an informed decision. After all, your choice of software can significantly impact your team’s productivity and business operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I switch between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard?
You can switch your plan from Business Standard to Business Premium users or vice versa. Microsoft recognizes that business needs can change and provides the flexibility to change your subscription from a business basic to only a business premium plan.
2. Is Microsoft 365 compatible with my mobile device?
Microsoft 365 offers various mobile device management apps for iOS and Android devices. Depending on your plan, you may have access to other mobile device management features with the Premium version.
3. Can I use Microsoft 365 on multiple devices?
Microsoft 365 allows you to use the service on multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. This is part of Microsoft’s commitment to providing productivity solutions that cater to today’s mobile and flexible working arrangements.
4. What is the role of Microsoft Defender in Microsoft 365 Premium?
Microsoft Defender is a robust security tool included in the Premium version. It provides comprehensive protection across endpoints, email, and applications, protecting your organization from malware, phishing, and ransomware.
5. Are the desktop versions of Office applications included in both plans?
Yes, Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard include full-featured desktop versions of Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
6. How does the cloud storage business service differ between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard?
Both versions provide 1 TB of cloud storage per user through OneDrive. However, the Premium version offers more advanced data control and managed sharing capabilities for enhanced security.
7. What additional features does Microsoft 365 Premium offer compared to the Standard plan?
Microsoft 365 Premium includes all the features of the Standard plan. It adds advanced security features, device management capabilities, premium business apps like Power Apps and Microsoft Bookings, advanced data control, and compliance offerings.
GiaSpace: Powering Florida Businesses with Microsoft 365 Solutions
GiaSpace is an IT service provider specializing in delivering comprehensive Microsoft 365 solutions to businesses across Florida. Their primary goal is for business leaders to leverage Microsoft’s productivity suite to empower businesses, streamline their operations, and protect their valuable data.
Providing Tailored Microsoft 365 Implementations
Every business is unique, and so are its technology needs. GiaSpace understands this principle, so they work closely with Florida businesses to understand their needs and challenges. Once they’ve grasped the company’s requirements, they design and implement a Microsoft 365 solution tailored to its specific needs. This can involve selecting between Microsoft 365 Premium and Standard or choosing a different plan altogether.
Seamless Migration to Microsoft 365
Migrating to a new platform can be a daunting task for many businesses. However, GiaSpace makes this transition smooth and hassle-free. They manage the entire process of migrating to Microsoft 365, ensuring that all business data is transferred securely and with minimal disruption to the business operations.
Offering Comprehensive Training and Support
GiaSpace doesn’t just implement Microsoft 365, leaving businesses to figure out the rest. They provide comprehensive training to ensure employees can make the most of the platform’s productivity apps, collaboration tools, and advanced features. Additionally, GiaSpace offers ongoing support to handle any issues or questions that may arise.
Enhancing Security and Compliance
With cyber threats on the rise, businesses can’t afford to skimp on security. GiaSpace helps enterprises to enhance their security and compliance posture by leveraging Microsoft 365’s robust security features. This includes setting up advanced security features in Microsoft 365 Premium, implementing data control mechanisms, and configuring compliance tools.
In summary, GiaSpace is a trusted partner that can help Florida businesses harness the power of Microsoft 365 to boost productivity, improve collaboration, and protect business data.
