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Skype. However, very interesting alternatives have emerged to the well-known Microsoft 365 Business is Microsoft’s subscription service geared towards small businesses.
In this article, we will explain the features and differences of each plan (Basic, Standard, Premium) of Microsoft 365 Business.
We also summarize the price differences and contract methods of each plan, so please refer to it if you are thinking about using Microsoft 365.
Differences in features and functions of each Microsoft 365 Business plan
First, let’s take a closer look at the three plans (Basic, Standard, and Premium) provided by the Microsoft 365 Business license, and the differences in their features and available functions.
(* This article does not introduce Microsoft 365 Apps for business.)
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Business Basic is a license specialized for collaboration tools such as Teams and SharePoint.
Unlike other plans, Business Basic does not include desktop versions of Office apps, so it is recommended if you are already using a packaged version of Office and want to continue using it until support expires.
| Functions list | Use with Basic plan |
|---|---|
| Office apps | △ (Web version only) |
| Exchange Online | ○ |
| SharePoint Online | ○ |
| Microsoft Teams | ○ |
| OneDrive for Business | ○ |
| add on | ― |
| Windows | ― |
| EMS | ― |
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Business Standard is a standard license that includes desktop versions of Office apps and collaboration tools.
Business Standard is recommended when you newly introduce Office or when you need a cloud service for teleworking.
| Functions list | Use with Standard plan |
|---|---|
| Office apps | ○ |
| Exchange Online | ○ |
| SharePoint Online | ○ |
| Microsoft Teams | ○ |
| OneDrive for Business | ○ |
| add on | ― |
| Windows | ― |
| EMS | ― |
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Business Premium is a license that corresponds to the top model for small and medium enterprises.
In addition to the desktop version of Office apps and collaboration tools, it is equipped with a full range of security functions and is useful when advanced security measures are required.
| Functions list | Use with Premium plan |
|---|---|
| Office apps | ○ |
| Exchange Online | ○ |
| SharePoint Online | ○ |
| Microsoft Teams | ○ |
| OneDrive for Business | ○ |
| add on | △ |
| Windows | ○ |
| EMS | △ |
What is the price difference between the Basic, Standard, and Premium plans?
Next, we will explain the difference in usage fees for each license (Basic, Standard, Premium) of Microsoft 365 Business.
Price list for Microsoft 365 Business licenses
The usage fee list for each license (Basic, Standard, Premium) of Microsoft 365 Business is as follows.
Please contact NEC Networks & System Integration for details as the Premium plan is an open price.
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic |
Microsoft 365 Business Standard |
Microsoft 365 Business Premium |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan difference | Only the web version of Office apps is supported | Business standard plan | High-end plan with enhanced security measures |
| Annual contract / annual payment | 7,800 yen | 16,320 yen | Inquiry required |
| Monthly contract / monthly payment | 780 yen/month (9,360 yen per year) |
1,632 yen/month (19,584 yen per year) |
Inquiry required |
| Difference from annual payment | +1,560 yen | +3,264 yen | – |
Difference between monthly payment and annual payment and how to choose
You can choose to pay monthly or annually for your Microsoft 365 Business license.
The advantages and disadvantages of monthly payment and annual payment and the difference in usage cases are as follows.
| monthly payment | annual payment | |
|---|---|---|
| merit | Short-term cancellation and plan changes possible | About 2 months cheaper than monthly payment in annual terms |
| Demerit | High annual payment total | Only updated once a year |
| suitable case | Assuming short-term use / Contracted plans and services may change / Number of employees fluctuates frequently | Assuming long-term use / Plans and services to be contracted are fixed / Number of employees fluctuates little |
Microsoft 365 Business (Basic/Standard/Premium) contract method
From here, let’s take a closer look at how to sign up for a Microsoft 365 Business license.
There are three ways to purchase Microsoft 365 licenses
There are three main ways to purchase Microsoft 365 licenses:
| Features/differences | |
|---|---|
| Microsoft official website | You can apply for Microsoft 365 and purchase a packaged version of Office. The payment method is only credit card, and it is characterized by being able to start using immediately after purchase. |
| Home electronics mass retailers/EC shops | We mainly sell Microsoft 365 licenses for individuals. In the case of EC, an online code version that allows you to receive the license key by e-mail may also be available. |
| Sales agent | An agency that sells and supports the introduction of Microsoft 365. Since it is a domestic company, it is characterized by being able to receive consultation on plan selection and support after introduction in Japanese. |
It is recommended to purchase a license through an agency.
When introducing Microsoft 365, we recommend signing a contract using a sales agent among the above methods.
For the agency, the difference is that they can use their own services that Microsoft does not offer, and they can receive better support for the same price.
For example, in the case of NEC Networks & System Integration, together with Microsoft 365 licenses, we are developing sales and implementation support for the following related solutions and services.
- Canario (Telephone brokerage by AI)
- DocuSign (electronic contract service)
- eeasy (schedule adjustment tool for business)
- Neat (device dedicated to remote conferencing)
- slido (activation of seminars and events), etc.
It is possible to achieve wide-area DX and AI that are difficult with Microsoft 365 alone, so if you are a company that is worried about work style reforms or how to improve operational efficiency, please feel free to contact us.
Article Summary
- Microsoft 365 Business licenses include Basic, Standard, and Premium, and the types of services available for each are different.
- There are two payment methods: monthly payment and yearly payment. Monthly payment is recommended for short-term use, and annual payment is recommended for long-term use.
- By signing a license agreement with a sales agent, you can receive the agency’s own services and support.
In addition to licenses for small and medium-sized enterprises, NEC Networks & System Integration also sells plans for large companies and field personnel.