Guide to Microsoft 365 for Business
Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools designed to help businesses of all sizes streamline their operations and enhance collaboration. In this guide, we’ll explore the different Microsoft 365 plans available and help you determine which one best suits your needs.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Ideal for small businesses. Perfect for businesses that need essential productivity tools and email functionality.
Online Versions of Office Apps. Access online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
Email Only Functionality. Includes custom business email (you@yourbusiness.com) with a 50 GB mailbox per user and custom email domain addresses.
Included Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Exchange and OneDrive.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Ideal for medium businesses. Perfect for businesses that need full access to Office apps and additional collaboration tools.
Installable Office Apps. Users can install the full suite of Microsoft Office apps on their devices.
SharePoint Access. Includes access to SharePoint for enhanced collaboration and document management.
Included Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange, Publisher, Access (PC only)
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Ideal for larger businesses. Designed for businesses that require advanced security features and device management capabilities.
Installable Office Apps. Users can install the full suite of Microsoft Office apps on their devices.
SharePoint and Intune Access. Includes access to SharePoint for enhanced collaboration and document management. Allows for device management and security through Microsoft Intune.
Extra Security. Includes features like impersonation prevention and Windows Defender for added protection.
Included Apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange, Publisher, Access (PC only), Intune, Azure Information Protection
Microsoft 365 in Summary
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan for your business can significantly impact your productivity and security.
Whether you need basic email functionality or advanced security features, Microsoft 365 has a plan that fits your needs.
For more information or to discuss your specific requirements, contact our Solutions Team at HardSoft. We’re here to help you find the perfect Microsoft 365 solution for your business.
365 Business Licenses Compared
| Basic | Standard | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installable Apps | No | Yes | Yes |
| OneDrive access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Teams access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Intune | No | No | Yes |
| Windows Defender | No | No | Yes |
| Azure Information Protection | No | No | Yes |
Review Your Microsoft 365 Licences Before Price Changes
Microsoft has confirmed pricing changes planned for July 2026, which makes now a good time to take a closer look at your current Microsoft 365 setup. A short review can help you avoid any unexpected increases, and in some cases, uncover savings or better value based on how your teams actually work today.
Here are a few things worth considering:
Are your licences still the right fit?
Over time, it’s common for licences to drift out of sync with real‑world usage. Roles change, teams grow or shrink, and features that once made sense may no longer be needed. Reviewing your licences now could help you:
- Remove unused or over‑specified licences
- Match plans more closely to day‑to‑day requirements
- Make sure you’re paying for what you actually use — nothing more
Monthly vs annual billing
If you’re currently on a monthly plan, it’s worth knowing that switching to an annual commitment can help:
- Lock in current pricing ahead of July
- Make costs more predictable across the year
- Reduce exposure to short‑term price increases
Reassigning licences as roles change
Microsoft 365 licences can be reassigned when people change roles or leave the business, which gives you flexibility. Just keep in mind that with annual licences, you’re committed for the full term, even if your headcount changes during the year.
That’s why a licence review before switching plans is important, ensuring you choose a mix that works for both now and the months ahead.