Microsoft rebranded Office 365 to Microsoft 365, but it is more than just a name change. The new plans include security, device management, and compliance features that were previously sold separately. Here is what you need to know.
When Microsoft rebranded Office 365 to Microsoft 365, many businesses assumed nothing changed. In reality, the rebranding came with significant additions to the business plans that make them dramatically more valuable — especially Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6/user/month) includes web and mobile versions of Office apps, Exchange Online email, SharePoint, OneDrive (1TB), and Teams. This is the entry-level plan for businesses that do not need desktop Office apps.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12.50/user/month) adds desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, plus webinar hosting in Teams. This is the most popular plan for businesses that need full desktop applications.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22/user/month) is where the real value lives. It includes everything in Standard PLUS: Intune device management for company and BYOD devices, Defender for Office 365 advanced email security, Azure Information Protection for document encryption, Conditional Access for identity-based security, and advanced compliance features through Purview. The security and device management features alone would cost $10-15 per user extra if purchased separately.
CloudTechForce's recommendation for most businesses: Business Premium. The security features are no longer optional in the current threat landscape, and the bundled price is significantly cheaper than adding these capabilities through third-party tools. As a Microsoft CSP, CloudTechForce provides Microsoft 365 licensing, migration, configuration, and ongoing management.
