You’re likely already familiar with Microsoft 365 (M365) and its suite of productivity tools. However, you might not be fully aware of the extensive features available in the M365 Business Premium plan that can significantly enhance your organization’s operations and productivity. Let’s take a look at some of the standout advantages that Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers over the standard Microsoft 365 Business plans and how they can benefit your organization.
1. Advanced Security Features
Business Premium includes advanced security measures that are not available in the standard plans. These features include:
- Microsoft Defender for M365 (formerly Advanced Threat Protection ATP): Protects against sophisticated threats hidden in email attachments and links.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Helps prevent the accidental sharing of sensitive information.
- Azure Information Protection: Classifies and protects documents and emails by applying labels.
2. Comprehensive Device Management
With Business Premium, you get access to Microsoft Intune, which allows for robust device management. This includes:
- Mobile Device Management (MDM): Ensures that all mobile devices accessing company data are secure.
- Mobile Application Management (MAM): Controls how company data is used within mobile apps.
- Conditional Access: Sets policies to ensure that only compliant devices can access company resources. This is a crucial feature to properly manage MFA for users and devices, such as printers and scanners.
3. Enhanced Identity and Access Management
Business Premium offers enhanced identity and access management features through Azure Active Directory Premium, which includes:
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Simplifies access to multiple applications with one set of credentials.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
- Self-Service Password Reset: Allows users to reset their passwords without IT assistance.
4. Additional Productivity Tools
While both Business Standard and Business Premium include core Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Business Premium also offers:
- Microsoft Entra ID: Enroll devices and users into Entra to provide added security policies and sharing of computers using logon via email address.
- Microsoft Intune: Configure and assign policies to devices and users in order to be manage M365 features and security.
5. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Business Premium includes features that help ensure business continuity and disaster recovery:
- Recovery Options: Easily recover files in case of accidental deletion or hardware failure.
6. Cost-Effective and Scalable
Despite the higher upfront cost, Business Premium can be more cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, it is designed to scale with your business, offering flexible plans that can grow as your needs evolve.
Upgrading to Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides a more secure, manageable, and productive environment for your business. With its advanced security features, comprehensive device management, and enhanced productivity tools, Business Premium is an investment that can help your organization thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
At BSC Solutions Group, we know that technology is a cornerstone of productivity. As a certified Microsoft Partner, we can help you figure out what version of Microsoft 365 is right for your organization. If you have any questions about how Microsoft 365 Business Premium, contact us today.
