Every organization has a core set of tools essential to business survival. For most companies, Microsoft products rank high on that list. With world class productivity apps, email, an integrated workspace and more, the Microsoft 365 for Business cost is well worth it. This powerful tool keeps employees connected, powers teams and provides critical business infrastructure.
Microsoft offers a variety of packages for a multitude of organization types, from tiny startups to global enterprises. Making sense of the various subscription options and deciding where to purchase those subscriptions requires some research.
Microsoft 365 offers significant business benefits, beginning with improved collaboration and the ability for teams and individuals to work from anywhere. For instance, powerful search options allow users to quickly locate content wherever it lives in the organization. And fully integrated communication platforms allow for seamless connections across distance.
Microsoft 365 for Business anticipates the challenges of a hybrid work environment with thousands of security and privacy controls. Depending on the subscription plan, these include options such as endpoint security, cloud-based email filtering, encryption and the ability to define password policies.
Because Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service, users always access the most up-to-date versions of the productivity apps they depend on. And companies can quickly scale licenses and online storage up or down to match business needs.
When deciding on a Microsoft 365 subscription plan, businesses have multiple options to choose from. Small businesses with 300 users or less will likely opt for one of the Microsoft 365 for Business packages outlined below, ranging from $6 to $22 per user per month.
Additionally, for larger organizations with more significant security and information governance needs, Microsoft offers enterprise packages that range from $36 to $57 per user per month. These plans include an unlimited amount of document storage and numerous additional features for security and data governance.
| Microsoft 365 for Business Plan | Features Overview | Cost |
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic |
| $6 user/month (annual subscription – auto renews) |
| Microsoft 365 Apps for business |
| $8.25 user/month (annual subscription – auto renews) |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard |
| $12.50 user/month (annual subscription – auto renews) |
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | Everything in Business Standard, plus:
| $22 user/month (annual subscription – auto renews) |
Businesses looking to purchase Microsoft 365 can buy subscriptions directly through Microsoft online. Alternatively, they can purchase through a certified Microsoft Gold Partner, such as eMazzanti. The choice of whether to buy from Microsoft or from a Microsoft partner impacts technical support and, to some extent, pricing.
Purchasing directly from Microsoft means taking full responsibility for all aspects of the Microsoft 365 implementation. This gives the organization tight control over the details. But it also requires significant in-house Microsoft expertise, which many small businesses do not have. Microsoft does offer technical support, but it can prove costly, with variable response times.
On the other hand, purchasing through a Microsoft partner opens customers up to additional benefits. For instance, through the eMazzanti Cloud Marketplace, customers benefit from flexible payment and reporting options not available through Microsoft.
They also gain a dedicated account manager to help them navigate the Microsoft environment. And a single support call provides access to a team of Microsoft experts. eMazzanti consultants work with organizations to sort through the maze of options and controls to determine optimal settings to meet business needs.
Whether you purchase Microsoft 365 through a Microsoft Gold Partner like eMazzanti or directly from Microsoft, plan your implementation carefully. Configured properly, Microsoft 365 for Business can support business goals while delivering significant ROI.
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