Time is money. So, businesses need a trustworthy office suite to streamline work processes, boost employee efficiency, and generate higher profits. Fortunately, there’s no need to look left and right for separate office tools, as Microsoft 365 is a powerful all-in-one productivity platform.
Apart from classic apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, businesses are also provided with collaboration tools, modern security technology, and cloud services. For example, each company employee receives 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage to store all kinds of files. They can then share documents and collaborate with each other anytime, anywhere.
The cheapest plan even comes with a handy task management platform, Planner, which is intuitive and syncs seamlessly with Microsoft’s web conferencing software, Teams. The latter can help expedite project workflows because issues can be discussed and quickly resolved in an online meeting.
Still, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the best option for small to medium-sized companies. Although the price is almost double the Standard plan, it gives access to even more apps and services that make it worth every cent.
Increased Mailbox Capacity and Security
Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers 50GB of Outlook mailbox storage space per user. This means that there’s no need to constantly worry about deleting email threads right away to make space for new messages. File sharing is also smoother, as the plan allows users to send one email with up to 150MB attachments.
In addition, Premium subscribers benefit from strong email encryption via Azure Information Protection that safeguards business messages sent and received. This protection of confidential data extends to downloaded files and everything stored in OneDrive as well. But that’s not all – sensitive medical data is also covered, as Microsoft 365 Business Premium is HIPAA compliant.
Improved Cyberthreat Protection
It’s worth mentioning that security doesn’t just end at Outlook mailboxes. With Microsoft 365 Business Premium’s cybersecurity measures, you can be sure that your cloud and local data are safe at all times.
In addition to the Standard plan’s antispam and antimalware tools, Premium subscribers get access to Microsoft Defender for Business. It offers sophisticated scans against phishing links and instantly recognizes ransomware.
Moreover, the security app provides enterprise-grade endpoint security to protect all devices from a central hub. So, every PC, Mac, phone, and virtual desktop can be protected in the cloud by a single administrator. Lastly, Microsoft Defender makes it possible to restrict access to certain Microsoft 365 apps or set up conditions for opening them.
Advanced Device Management With Intune
In fully or partially remote work setups, it’s great when a company can provide separate devices for its employees to ensure productivity and security. Still, company-owned devices must be monitored continuously to avoid data breaches, for example.
This is where having a Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription comes in useful, as companies and employees can access a web-based administrative center for registered devices called Intune. It ensures that only specific apps are used during working hours by letting administrators introduce certain restrictions.
Additionally, it’s possible to allow or reject the deletion of files, which ensures that company data is never lost due to human error. Intune is also perfect for those unlucky scenarios when a device gets lost or stolen because administrators can remotely wipe out files and saved credentials.
Finally, the tool offers a user-friendly API as well. Unlike many similar programs, Intune has a clean and straightforward interface that doesn’t require any programming skills. Instead, it can seamlessly develop new apps or manage existing ones and integrate them into ongoing workflows.
Cloud-Based Workspaces With Azure Virtual Desktop
Another advantage of getting the Premium subscription is that it comes with cloud-based Windows operating systems through Azure Virtual Desktop. It offers all latest Windows OS, including the newest versions of Windows 11. This means that businesses don’t need to provide work devices, as employees can simply access virtual workspaces using their personal computers or laptops.
It won’t be necessary to buy and install a specific operating system either since Azure Virtual Desktop is accessible from any device, even if it’s a Mac or MacBook. Since the virtual desktops automatically store files in the cloud, employees don’t have to worry about running out of local storage space either.
A reliable office suite like Microsoft 365 Business Premium helps companies achieve more for less. Costs drop significantly with virtual desktops and remote administrator access to work devices gives an extra layer of protection. Specifically, hybrid and remote teams, as well as medical professionals, can greatly benefit from large storage space and increased security.
If you need more convincing to get you out of the subscribing fence, Microsoft is offering a generous 30-day free trial. As such, you can try out the premium plan risk-free for a month and see if it’s worth the investment.