What is it? | Who should use it? | How to Buy it | Plans and Pricing
Empower Your Team, Safeguard Your Business and Simplify IT Management
What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is a suite of tools made to manage your productivity and security needs – under one license. It combines best in class tools like Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security to empower your team with the tools they need to work together, get more done and keep your business safe.
Short on time? Read this quick rundown: Five Fast Facts about Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 vs. Office 365
Because of the similar names, it’s easy to confuse Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Office 365. This comes from years of people mistakenly calling Office 365 the wrong name. Just to make it a little more confusing, Microsoft 365 includes Office 365. So, if you have Microsoft 365, you get Office 365, but if you have Office 365, you may not have Microsoft 365.
Who should use it?
Microsoft 365 will work for most businesses. It's ideal for businesses with security concerns or compliance needs. With Enterprise Mobility + Security included, Microsoft 365 has built-in security features like mobile device management and Windows Defender to keep your company and your employees' secure, no matter where they're working.
It's also a good fit for companies who want to simplify their technology management and budgeting. Microsoft 365 combines the operating system, email, productivity programs like Office, and security apps all under one license and one management console.
Who shouldn't use it?
Microsoft 365 can work for every business, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. Not surprisingly, the pros and cons of Microsoft 365 closely mirror the pros and cons of Office 365.
Some businesses who may not see the benefits of Microsoft 365 include:
Businesses without a reliable internet connection: Most of the features in Microsoft 365 are cloud-based, meaning you need an internet connection to access them. If your company doesn’t have a reliable internet connection, Microsoft 365 and Office 365 aren’t going to be a great fit.
Businesses with particular line-of-business application needs: If you have a line-of-business application that’s slow to update or requires an older operating system, Microsoft 365 isn’t going to be for you. It includes Windows 10 and will get the latest updates as they come out. This is great for some businesses but may not work for everyone. Always check your line-of-business application requirements before you update your operating system.
How to Buy It
Your best bet for buying Microsoft 365 is to go through a Microsoft Partner (like PTG!). A Partner can help you purchase and manage your licenses (or can do it all for you, if you'd prefer that). They can also help you determine which plan (or plans!) will best fit your needs.
Why PTG?
We've helped hundreds of business improve their productivity and security by moving to the Cloud. When it comes to the Microsoft Cloud - we're experts. Really. We're Gold certified by Microsoft in Cloud Productivity and Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions. We've also been named the Microsoft Southeast Cloud Partner of the Year three times (and most recently, the East Region Office 365 Cloud Partner of the Year).
When you move to the Microsoft Cloud (whether it's Office 365, Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Azure) with PTG, you'll get dedicated Customer Success Manager and Advanced Cloud Support.
Plans and Pricing
Microsoft 365 plans include options for both small businesses and enterprises, as well as Education. Pricing varies based on the plan. You can mix and match plans to fit your specific needs.
Please note, the prices seen here only include the cost of the licenses. While there is no set-up fee, if you need an outside company, like a Microsoft Partner, to help you migrate to Microsoft 365, there may be additional costs associated with that. Those costs will vary from company to company.
Microsoft 365 Business
Microsoft 365 Business is designed for small businesses (less than 300 users) and costs $20/user/month. It includes:
- Office 365 Business Premium
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- Elements of Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS): You don’t get the full blown EMS with Microsoft 365, but you do get some of its top features.
Microsoft 365 Enterprise
Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans are built for larger businesses and companies with more security needs (typically companies who have compliance requirements).
There are three plans available:
Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3 is $34/user/month. It includes:
- Office 365 Enterprise E3
- Windows 10
- Enterprise Mobility + Security
Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5 is $61.10/user/month. It includes:
- Office 365 Enterprise E5
- Windows 10
- Enterprise Mobility + Security
- Additional security features like Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Office 365 Threat Intelligence, Azure Information Protection P2, Microsoft Cloud App Security
- Compliance features like Advanced eDiscovery, Customer Lockbox, Advanced Data Governance
- Power BI Pro and MyAnalytics
Microsoft 365 Enterprise F1 is $10/user/month. It is made for
front-line workers and other employees who need access to top of the line tools but don't have a dedicated workstation. it includes:
- Office 365 F1
- Windows 10
- Enterprise Mobility + Security
