A lot happened last March. Our lives were turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Microsoft attempted to rebrand one of their most popular products amid the crisis, and you may have missed it. Office 365 (O365) is now Microsoft 365 (M365). Previously, M365 was a standalone integrated bundle of Windows 10, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility+ Security. From now on, all subscription-based Office Products will fall under the banner of M365.
What Does This Change Mean for Customers?
While the Business Basic and Business Standard packages remain virtually the same, the most significant changes are to Business Premium.
The premium package emphasizes cybersecurity with both Intune and Azure Information Protection (AIP). Microsoft Intune allows for mobile device management, which lets employees use personal devices while isolating organization data from personal data.
Azure Information Protection (AIP) is a cloud-based solution that allows organizations to discover and protect emails and documents by labeling them. A built-in on-premise scanner crawls your network for sensitive content that should be labeled and protected.
What are the Options for Microsoft 365 Packages?
There are three main packages available.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Recommended For: Businesses looking for simple remote solutions.
Applications Include: Web and mobile-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Cloud Services Included: Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Recommended For: Businesses looking for premium remote and device solutions.
Applications Include: Web, mobile, and device applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access.
Cloud Services Included: Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Recommended For: Businesses looking for premium remote and device solutions with advanced cyber threat protection and device management.
Applications Include: Web, mobile, and device applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access.
Cloud Services Included: Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, Intune, and Azure Information Protection.
Choosing the Right Package for Your Business
While the new Microsoft 365 packages each have their strengths, the premium package offers the broadest resources to support your business. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, cybersecurity has become more critical. The premium package gives your organizations the tools necessary to protect your data.
When making technology decisions that potentially affect your business, it is always best to consult an IT team you can trust. Contact us today.
