Microsoft 365 Plans: Which Tool Is Right for Your Business?

(And no, “whichever is cheapest” isn’t the best answer)

Microsoft 365 is the Swiss Army knife of business productivity. It comes packed with apps, cloud tools, email services, and security features. The situation is a lot like a fancy multi-tool, but no experience with a knife. It has a lot of options, but if you don’t know what each blade does, you might end up using the corkscrew to fix your Wi‑Fi.

4BIS Cyber Security and IT Services supports local firms. We assist law offices, accountants, and manufacturers, etc. We help companies find tools to keep work running smoothly. Get secure IT solutions without paying for extras.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Best for: Teams that use cloud based apps and don’t need full desktop Office apps

What’s Included?

• Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Microsoft Teams for chat, calls, and video meetings
• Exchange business-class email, SharePoint, and OneDrive with 1 TB storage per user
• Tools like Bookings, Planner, Forms, and Loop

Industries where this makes sense:

• Manufacturers whose staff primarily use shop-floor tools or dashboards, not Office apps
• Teams happy with cloud-based editing and Teams meetings

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Best for: Businesses that want both desktop Office apps and cloud collaboration features

Included:

• All features in Business Basic
• Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Access (PC only)
• Scheduling tools, webinar hosting, and customer appointment functionality like Bookings and Clipchamp

Ideal for:

• Accountants who need full Excel and Outlook functionality
• Law firms drafting legal documents, collaborating on SharePoint, and hosting client webinars

Official link: [Business Standard details on Microsoft]

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Best for: Businesses that require full productivity tools plus enterprise-grade security and device management (Microsoft)

Included:

• Everything in Business Standard
• Microsoft Defender for Business (advanced threat protection)
• Intune device and app management
• Azure Information Protection and conditional access policies
• Multi-factor authentication, encryption, and more

Recommended for:

• Law firms holding sensitive client data and needing compliance and encryption
• Accountants safeguarding financial records against phishing and ransomware
• Manufacturers with connected equipment or remote access needs

Official link: [Business Premium overview and features on Microsoft]

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business

Best for: Organizations that need only Office desktop apps and storage, without Teams or hosted email

Included:

• Full desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access (PC only)
• 1 TB of OneDrive per user
• No email hosting, no Teams, no SharePoint

Perfect for:

• Accountants or legal assistants working with separate communication systems but needing Office apps
• Solo professionals who dislike chat apps but love a clean copy of Outlook

Official Microsoft page: [Apps for Business details and pricing] (Microsoft)

Industry Cheat Sheet

What If I Pick the Wrong Plan?

Choosing the wrong software can seem small at first. However, imagine needing to review a client contract. You try to open it. Your computer shows an error.

It states that the required application is missing. Microsoft Word, is not active on your computer like you thought. This missing piece of software prevents you from accessing work. The consequence is a stalled negotiation or a missed deadline.

What seems like a trivial choice can block crucial tasks.

Real-world cost of mistakes:

• You realize you lack critical apps
• Data becomes exposed or systems slow
• You call 4BIS to fix it

Why spend money fixing what should’ve been done right the first time?

Why Trust 4BIS?

Choosing a Microsoft 365 plan by yourself is difficult. You wouldn’t want to build a child’s bike without a manual. You can do it alone, but it’s going to be time consuming and stressful. Rely on those with the know how.

With 4BIS:

• We assess your needs and budget realistically
• We help you avoid paying for unused features or risking data breaches
• We handle setup, training, and ongoing support
• We translate tech jargon into a language you actually understand

Microsoft Licensing Limits

All Microsoft 365 Business plans (Basic, Standard, Premium, Apps for Business) support up to 300 users per tenant.

• Each user can install apps across up to 5 devices (PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone) (Microsoft Learn)
• Need more than 300 users? Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans (e.g. E3, E5) provide scalability beyond that limit

Looking Ahead: Microsoft 365 Copilot AI (Optional Add‑On)

Microsoft’s Copilot, an AI tool, now helps users create, shorten, and develop ideas. It works within Microsoft programs. Copilot assists with generating text. (Microsoft)

This add‑on works with Business Standard or Premium plans. Copilot is helpful for businesses looking to supercharge productivity with AI features.

Still Unsure Which Plan Fits?

If this all feels overwhelming (and we don’t blame you Microsoft plans are confusing), 4BIS is ready to help.

We’ll:

• Assess your business needs and workflows
• Recommend whether Basic, Standard, Premium, or Apps fits best
• Help you add Copilot if AI assistance makes sense
• Handle deployment, licensing, user training, and ongoing support

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right Microsoft 365 plan is crucial for unlocking its full potential. We assist companies in navigating this complex decision. Our expertise helps identify tools for your company’s unique needs. Microsoft tools optimize daily operations for businesses.

Your company needs tools to help your staff. Tools like Teams for talking or SharePoint for files boost success. Getting the most from Microsoft 365 means better work. It leads to smoother processes and more output from everyone.

Want help picking your plan and getting it done right?

Reach out to 4BIS. We’ll guide you to a Microsoft 365 solution that matches your industry, risk profile, and budget. No surprises, no nonsense, just the best support.

At 4BIS Cyber Security and IT Services, we’re committed to helping businesses understand and manage their cyber risks. After all, two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to fighting cybercrime. If you have questions or want to discuss how to improve your security posture, give us a call at 513-494-4444. Let’s get the conversation started and ensure your business is as secure as it can be.