Earlier known as Office 365, Microsoft 365, launched in 2011, is a complete package of applications and services that are currently being used by millions of people all around the globe. It is a cloud-based model and provides users with multiple features that will help boost your business productivity.
Microsoft offers Microsoft 365 in two types of pricing plans: Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft 365 Enterprise. Even though the basic features of the two remain the same, some differences can make a difference in the way you work.
Migrating to the cloud with Microsoft office 365 can be a big step towards success for companies. Hence, choosing the appropriate and relevant plan according to the business requirements is extremely important. In this blog, we will draw a comparison between the two major Microsoft 365 plans—Business and Enterprise.
Quick Comparison Between Microsoft 365 Business Vs. Microsoft 365 Enterprise
If you’re a business, Microsoft 365 offers two packages, namely Microsoft 365 Business (for small organizations) and Microsoft 365 Enterprise (for large organizations). Despite the fact that each of these types of services offers basic functionality, Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft 365 Enterprise have some significant and minor distinctions. Here are some main differences between Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft 365 (E1, E3, E5), that should be considered before making a definite choice:
1. Features
Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft 365 Enterprise each have their own set of features, suitable for different business types.
The following are a few features that differentiate the two:
a. Mail Storage
When it comes to email storage, Microsoft 365 Enterprise plan has a lot more to offer than Microsoft 365 Business. The Enterprise plan gives its users access to a larger mailbox size of 100 GB and unlimited storage as an archive, whereas the Business plan offers storage of 50 GB.
The users also get business-class email hosting with a custom email domain address with the Enterprise plan.
b. On-Premise CAL Rights
Another main difference between the two plans is the on-premise CAL (Client Access License) rights. Microsoft 365 Enterprise gives its users the ECAL suite, which permit them to run servers locally for the following applications and services – Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, Windows, etc.
c. Business Intelligence and Analytics
Microsoft 365 Enterprise comes with a wide range of business intelligence and analytics tools, unlike Microsoft 365 Business. The Enterprise plan provides tools like Advanced Excel, Delve Analytics, and Power BI Pro, which help the users perform analytical tasks and organize and visualize data on one platform.
Hence, Microsoft 365 Enterprise can be beneficial for any company involved in performing high-level analytical operations.
d. Extra Features in Microsoft 365 Enterprise
The Enterprise plan of Microsoft 365 provides the users with a few other features that are not included in the Business plan:
1. Skype for Business: PSTN conferencing, Cloud PBX, and Meeting Broadcast
Skype is a meeting tool that enables employees to join a meeting using their computers, phones, or other devices using an app.
2. Litigation Hold
This feature helps users place their archive mailbox on hold, i.e., deleted and modified mails can be saved for a defined period.
3. Intune
It is a mobile management tool that helps organizations access data and applications.
2. Cost
The main difference between the two that every business will consider before purchasing Microsoft 365 is the cost of the two. While the basic features of both Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft 365 Enterprise remain the same, the former comes at a lower price.
The base price for the Business plan ranges from $5 to $12, whereas the Enterprise plan comes at a higher price ranging from $8 to $35.
So, for anyone who wishes to use just the basic features of Microsoft 365, the Business plan would be the right option.
3. Number of Users
The primary difference between the two plans is the number of users offered. Microsoft 365 Business can be used and shared with up to 300 users, whereas Microsoft 365 Enterprise can be shared with an unlimited number of users.
Hence, the Business plan is a solution designed for small and growing businesses, whereas the Enterprise plan is appropriate for larger firms.
4. Security and Threat Protection
Any firm, be it small or large, would want its data and information to be safe and secure. When it comes to security, there is a big difference between the features offered by the Business and Enterprise plans.
While Microsoft 365 business comes only with Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), the Enterprise plan has a lot more to offer like Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics, Device Guard, Credential Guard, App Locker, Enterprise Data Protection, etc.
In addition to the features offered by Microsoft 365 Business and Microsoft 365 Enterprise, businesses utilizing QuickBooks can benefit from seamless integration and enhanced accessibility through QuickBooks hosting.
Which One Is Right for You?
What are my business requirements? Is Microsoft 365 Enterprise worth the extra money? What features am I searching for?
These are a few questions one must ask before making a choice.
Both the plans (Business and Enterprise) have their own set of features and benefits, each of which suits a particular type of business.
It is critical to have a thorough understanding of both strategies to make an informed choice. Contact us at any moment for a customized recommendation. We assist you in combining all of your decision-making criteria across all Microsoft 365 versions and finding the best match for you. There is a lot to consider, so contact us if you have any queries.
Compare the Microsoft Office 365 plans and pricing of all products before making any decision.