Microsoft has developed many software products to streamline businesses' processes. One such product is the Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Basic, and Premium versions. 

In this blog, we will explain exactly what a business plan is and how you can choose the right one.

The Business Service Family is designed for small to medium-sized companies. Business plans are for companies with up to 300 users. Many organizations pick a service family based on their number of users and then choose the most appropriate plans within that family.

Popular Microsoft 365 Business Plans

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Previously known as Office 365 Business Essentials, this is the most affordable Microsoft 365 plan. It provides web-based and mobile versions of Microsoft apps and services but excludes desktop versions of apps like PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook. This is ideal for very small businesses with internet access.

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business

Previously known as Office 365 Business, this plan is the next tier. It includes both web-based and downloadable Microsoft desktop apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Microsoft Teams can also be accessed in its free version. This plan is suited for small businesses that require core desktop Microsoft apps.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Previously known as Office 365 Business Premium, this plan provides a well-rounded set of desktop apps and web services. Email hosting offers a 50GB mailbox and customized company emails across devices. Teams access is also included, making Microsoft 365 Business Standard suitable for growing companies.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Previously known as Microsoft 365 Business, this is the most expensive small business plan. It includes all the core apps and Microsoft Teams access, along with high-level IT security. This plan defends against ransomware and malware attacks and includes features like remote data deletion from company devices. Naturally, Business plans have increasing costs as their features expand.

How To Choose The Right One?

Here are a few factors you can consider to find the right plan for you. 

Understand Your Needs

What’s most important to you when selecting the right Microsoft 365 plan? Is improving communication your top priority? Or perhaps enhancing productivity and collaboration is key? Are you aiming to boost security? Is this transition part of a broader digital transformation? All these factors can influence which plan suits your business best.

Review Your Budget

Typically, every migration requires two budgets. One covers the licensing costs for the Microsoft 365 Business Standard or any other plan, and the other accounts for the actual migration expenses. If funds are limited, you can manage the migration internally. When estimating licensed users, always plan for some growth.

Compare and Select Plans

With so many Microsoft 365 plans available, it can be overwhelming to choose. Some decisions are easy. For example, if your business has fewer than 300 users, Business plans are ideal, as they are tailored for smaller teams. However, if your organization has more than 300 users, Enterprise plans are the right choice. Below, you will find an overview of service families and plans.

Reassess and Review Later

It’s normal to periodically review the products you have chosen. After evaluating how the selected Microsoft 365 plan works within your company, you can determine if it was the right choice.

You can ask your administrators to generate user statistics to understand which apps are being used. You could also survey employees on how they are finding the tools. If adjustments are needed, you can address them separately.

Wrapping Up

From the discussion above, you should now be clear as to what exactly the Microsoft 365 Business Standard and other versions are. Choosing the right one may be tricky, but if you take into account the factors we have shared with you, you will be able to find the plan best suited for you.