Microsoft 365 is one of the most popular cloud and productivity solutions available, used by over a million companies worldwide. For many organizations who are considering shifting to the cloud, Microsoft 365 is an obvious choice. However, understanding the various licensing options for Microsoft 365 can be overwhelming.
In this article, we will provide a guide to Microsoft 365 licensing, explaining the different plans available, their features, and considerations to help you make an informed decision for your organization’s needs and get the best of Microsoft 365.
Microsoft 365 Business Plans
There are several Microsoft 365 plans, each designed to cater to different user requirements. The primary plans for businesses are:
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
This license includes web and mobile versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for online document editing and collaboration. It also provides Exchange Online for email hosting, SharePoint Online for document management and collaboration, and Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration. This plan does not include desktop versions of the Office applications.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
In addition to the features offered in Microsoft 365 Business Basic, this license includes desktop versions of the Office applications for both Windows and Mac. Users can install these applications on multiple devices and work offline. It also provides OneDrive for Business for secure cloud storage.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
This license includes all the features of Microsoft 365 Business Standard, along with additional security and management features. It offers advanced security capabilities like threat protection, data loss prevention, and device management. It also includes Microsoft Intune for mobile device management and Azure Information Protection for data classification and protection.
Microsoft 365 Apps
This license is designed for businesses that only need the desktop versions of the Office applications without additional services like email hosting or cloud storage. It includes the desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher (Windows only), and Access (Windows only) that can be installed on up to five devices per user.
Features and applications
Regardless of the plan you choose, Microsoft 365 offers a wide array of applications and services to boost productivity and collaboration within your organization. These include:
- Microsoft Office Suite: Access to popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, enabling users to create, edit, and share documents seamlessly.
- Exchange Online: A cloud-based email service that provides enhanced security, archiving, and collaboration features.
- SharePoint Online: A web-based platform for creating intranet sites, document management, and collaboration among team members.
- OneDrive for Business: Cloud storage that allows users to store, sync, and share files securely.
- Microsoft Teams: A communication and collaboration platform that brings together chat, video meetings, file sharing, and app integration.
- Microsoft Power Platform: A suite of low-code tools to analyze data, build custom appl, and automate workflows.
Licensing considerations
When selecting the right Microsoft 365 licensing plan for your organization, it is essential to consider the following factors:
- User requirements: Assess the needs of your organization and the specific requirements of different user roles to determine which apps and services are required.
- Security and compliance: Evaluate the level of security and compliance features required for your organization, especially if you deal with sensitive data. Microsoft 365 offers various security features, including data loss prevention, advanced threat protection and management, and encryption.
- Scalability: Consider the scalability of the licensing plan. Ensure it aligns with your organization's growth and can accommodate additional users and services as needed. Consult with Microsoft licensing partners to ensure you make an informed decision.
- Budget: Understand the costs associated with each licensing plan and evaluate whether the features provided justify the investment. Microsoft 365 licensing is typically based on a per-user subscription model.
- Support and training: Consider the support and training resources available for your organization. Microsoft provides comprehensive documentation, training materials, and customer support to help users make the most of their Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Leverage Microsoft 365 for your business
Understanding Microsoft 365 licensing is crucial for organizations seeking to leverage the suite’s powerful tools effectively. The Microsoft 365 consulting specialists at ION247 work with your organization to ensure you have the right Microsoft 365 license to empower your workforce and enhance productivity while enjoying the benefits of cloud-based collaboration and communication tools.
