Thinking about upgrading your Microsoft 365 plan? You might be wondering if Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the right choice for your business. As a Netcomp expert, I’m here to break down the key differences between Business Standard and Premium, explain what Business Premium offers, and help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
Choosing Between Business Standard and Premium
Microsoft 365 offers a variety of plans to suit different business needs. Business Standard is a popular option that includes familiar applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, along with email and cloud storage. However, Business Premium adds a layer of security features that Standard lacks.
What’s Included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium?
Upgrading to Business Premium gives you everything in Standard, plus advanced security tools to manage devices, protect data, and combat cyber threats. It’s ideal for businesses with 1 to 300 employees who want the core productivity features of Microsoft 365 with built-in security.
The New Name: Simply Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Actually, it used to be called Microsoft 365 Business and before that, Office 365 Business Premium. This change reflects the broader range of services included in the plan, beyond just the Office applications. It now encompasses a comprehensive suite of productivity, collaboration, security, and device management tools that empower businesses of all sizes.
The Cost of Microsoft 365 Business Premium
The exact price of Microsoft 365 Business Premium can vary depending on factors like your location and number of users. However, it’s generally more expensive than Business Standard due to the additional security features. For example, in April 2024, Microsoft Business Premium in Australia costs AU$32.90 per user/month, while Business Standard costs only AU$18.70 per user/month.
Features of Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Now, let’s delve into the specific features that make Business Premium so valuable:
- Enhanced Security:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of protection beyond passwords, significantly reducing the risk of hacking.
- Conditional Access: Allows you to set rules for accessing company data, ensuring only authorised devices and users can connect.
- Improved Collaboration:
- Microsoft Teams: Provides a central hub for chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and co-authoring documents, boosting teamwork and productivity.
- Data Protection:
- Information Protection: Lets you control how documents are shared and accessed, even after they leave your company network. This prevents sensitive data leaks.
- Advanced Threat Protection:
- Microsoft Defender: Safeguards your devices from malware, ransomware, and other online threats.
- URL Detonation & Anti-Phishing: Protects against sophisticated phishing scams designed to steal login credentials.
- Device Management:
- Intune: Helps you manage and secure company data on employee devices, whether they’re personal or company-owned.
Benefits of Upgrading to Business Premium
Here’s a quick recap of the key benefits you’ll gain by upgrading to Business Premium:
- Stronger Security: Peace of mind knowing your data and devices are protected from modern cyber threats.
- Smoother Collaboration: Streamlined teamwork and communication with a central platform for all your collaboration needs.
- Enhanced Productivity: Improved workflow and efficiency thanks to features like secure file sharing and co-authoring.
- Better Data Control: The ability to manage and protect sensitive company data, even when it’s shared outside your network.
Why Upgrade from Business Standard?
If your business prioritises security and collaboration, Business Premium is a worthwhile upgrade. It’s ideal for companies with remote workers, employees using personal devices (BYOD), or those handling sensitive data.
Remote Work Confidence
In today’s work environment, many businesses have remote or hybrid teams. Business Premium empowers this flexibility by ensuring secure access to company data from any location. Multi-Factor Authentication and Conditional Access act as gatekeepers, verifying users and devices before granting access. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even on public Wi-Fi networks.
Compliance Advantages
For businesses in regulated industries, data protection is paramount. Business Premium offers features like Information Protection and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to help you comply with industry regulations. You can control how documents are shared and accessed, preventing sensitive information from being accidentally or intentionally leaked.
Reduced IT Burden
Managing a growing business can strain IT resources. Business Premium offers centralised device management with Intune. This simplifies tasks like deploying security patches and wiping data from lost or stolen devices. It frees up your IT team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Scalability for Growth
As your business expands, your technology needs will evolve. Business Premium is designed to scale with you. You can easily add or remove users as needed, ensuring your team always has the tools they need to stay productive.
Expert Opinions on Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Industry analysts consistently rank Microsoft 365 Business Premium as a top choice for businesses seeking robust security and collaboration features. Here’s what some experts are saying:
- “Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides a comprehensive security solution that goes beyond basic antivirus protection. It’s a valuable investment for businesses of all sizes.” – Gartner Security Report 2024
- “The combination of productivity and security features in Business Premium makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to empower their employees and safeguard their data.” – IDC Collaboration Software Report 2024
Is Microsoft 365 Business Premium Right for You?
Here are some questions to consider when making your decision:
- Does your business prioritise data security and user authentication?
- Do you have remote workers or employees using personal devices?
- Do you handle sensitive data that requires extra protection?
- Are you looking for a way to streamline collaboration and communication within your team?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a strong investment for your business. It provides the tools and features you need to work securely, efficiently, and collaboratively, setting your business up for long-term success.
Netcomp: Your Trusted Microsoft Partner
At Netcomp, we understand that navigating the world of Microsoft 365 can be overwhelming. Our team of certified professionals can help you assess your needs, choose the right plan, and ensure a smooth migration to Business Premium. So we offer ongoing support and training to ensure your team gets the most out of this powerful suite of tools.
Don’t wait to unlock the potential of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Contact Netcomp today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific business needs.
Beyond the Basics: Unveiling Additional Benefits of Business Premium
While the core features of Business Premium are compelling, there are additional advantages that can significantly enhance your business operations:
- Enhanced Email Security: Business Premium safeguards your email with features like anti-phishing technology and encryption. As a result, this helps prevent email scams and ensures your sensitive communications remain confidential.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP helps you identify and prevent sensitive data from being accidentally or intentionally shared outside your organization. So this is crucial for businesses that handle confidential information like customer data or financial records.
- eDiscovery: Simplifies legal or compliance investigations by allowing you to easily search and export relevant emails and documents.
- Improved Mobile Device Management: Intune offers more granular control over mobile devices, allowing you to set policies for app usage, data access, and lost or stolen devices.
- AI-Powered Insights: Also Business Premium integrates with Microsoft 365 Copilot, a powerful AI tool that helps you generate content, analyze data, and create presentations more efficiently.
The Total Package: Business Premium vs. Standalone Security Solutions
While some businesses might consider implementing separate security solutions, there are advantages to the comprehensive approach offered by Business Premium:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Firstly, business Premium bundles security features with productivity tools, offering a more cost-effective solution compared to purchasing separate products.
- Streamlined Management: Secondly, having a single platform for security and productivity simplifies administration and reduces the burden on your IT team.
- Integrated Workflows: Thirdly, security features in Business Premium work seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications, enhancing overall user experience.
Making the Leap: A Smooth Transition to Business Premium
Undoubtedly, upgrading to Business Premium can be a seamless process with the right guidance. Netcomp‘s team of experts can assist you every step of the way, from data migration to user training. We’ll ensure your business takes full advantage of the security and productivity benefits offered by Business Premium.
Investing in Your Business Future
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is more than just a software upgrade; it’s an investment in your business’s security, productivity, and future growth. By empowering your employees with secure collaboration tools and robust data protection, you’re laying the foundation for a thriving and resilient business.
Contact Netcomp Today: Unlock the Potential of Business Premium
Finally, don’t wait to experience the transformative power of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Contact Netcomp today to schedule a free consultation and discuss how Business Premium can empower your workforce and safeguard your business. Our team is here to help you unlock the full potential of this comprehensive suite of tools.
Together, let’s build a more secure and productive future for your business!
