What Is Microsoft 365 Business Premium?
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a comprehensive productivity and security solution designed for small to mid-sized businesses that need professional tools to operate efficiently while maintaining high standards of cybersecurity. It brings together powerful Office apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook with advanced services including Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams. What sets this plan apart is its integrated device management and cybersecurity features.
This plan is built specifically for organizations with fewer than 300 employees that want to boost productivity, enable secure remote work, and manage users, apps, and devices more effectively. Whether you’re a startup, an established SMB, or a fast-growing team, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is designed to help you scale securely and smartly.
Key Features of Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Microsoft Office Apps
Subscribers gain access to the full suite of Office desktop applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Publisher (PC only). These apps are always up to date and can be installed on multiple devices per user—Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets.
Email Hosting & Exchange
Get a professional business email with a custom domain using Microsoft Exchange. Each user gets a generous mailbox size and access to advanced calendaring, anti-malware protection, and anti-spam filtering.
Microsoft Defender for Business
Cybersecurity is a top priority for any organization. Business Premium includes Microsoft Defender for Business, an enterprise-grade endpoint security solution that helps protect against sophisticated threats like ransomware and phishing, all without the need for a dedicated security team.
Device Management with Intune
Microsoft Intune allows organizations to manage both company-owned and personal devices through mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). You can enforce security policies, deploy apps remotely, and wipe data from lost or stolen devices.
SharePoint & OneDrive
Store, organize, and share files seamlessly with OneDrive for Business and SharePoint. Employees can collaborate in real-time, both internally and externally, with access control and version history.
Teams for Collaboration
Microsoft Teams serves as the communication and collaboration hub, combining chat, meetings, file sharing, and app integration in one platform. It supports remote and hybrid teams with features like video conferencing, channels, document co-authoring, and integration with hundreds of third-party apps.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium Pricing (2025 Update)
While specific pricing varies by region and billing structure, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is billed per user per month. Pricing may differ depending on whether you opt for monthly or annual commitment. Please consult an official Microsoft partner or the Microsoft 365 website for current regional pricing details and licensing terms.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium vs Business Standard
One common decision for SMBs is choosing between Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Business Standard. While both include Office apps, email, Teams, and cloud storage, Business Premium includes additional security and device management features.
| Feature | Business Standard | Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Office desktop apps | Yes | Yes |
| Business-class email | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Yes | Yes |
| OneDrive cloud storage | Yes | Yes |
| SharePoint | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft Defender for Business | No | Yes |
| Intune device management | No | Yes |
| Azure Information Protection | No | Yes |
Which one is right for you?
If your organization needs advanced security and mobile device management, Business Premium is the clear choice. Business Standard works well for companies needing productivity tools without the added security and management features.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium for Small Businesses
Why It’s Ideal for Companies with <300 Users
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is purpose-built for businesses with up to 300 users. It provides everything a small business needs to operate effectively in a cloud-first, mobile-first environment.
Productivity + Security + Device Management
This plan is not just about productivity—it also covers device protection and user identity management, a critical need as cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated.
Real-Life Use Case Examples
- Law Firms: Store sensitive client documents securely on SharePoint, while managing access and version control.
- IT Companies: Use Intune to manage remote devices and ensure that security policies are always enforced.
- Digital Agencies: Collaborate with clients using Teams, share project files via OneDrive, and automate workflows with integrated apps.
Pros and Cons
Benefits in Terms of ROI and Security
- High ROI: By bundling productivity, collaboration, and security into one plan, you reduce the need for multiple third-party tools.
- Enhanced Protection: Defender for Business and Intune provide robust protection for data and endpoints.
- Improved Collaboration: Teams and SharePoint streamline communication and project management.
Limitations or Considerations
- May require onboarding or training for users unfamiliar with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
- Businesses with highly customized software needs may need additional configuration or integration help.
- Device management features can require IT administration experience to set up optimally.
Frequently Asked Questions (SEO Boost)
Is Microsoft 365 Business Premium worth it?
Yes, especially for small to mid-sized businesses seeking a secure, scalable platform. It reduces reliance on multiple tools by combining collaboration, productivity, and endpoint security.
Does it include desktop apps?
Yes. It includes full Office apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for installation on multiple devices.
Can I use it on multiple devices?
Each user can install Office apps on up to five PCs or Macs, five tablets, and five smartphones.
How secure is Microsoft 365 for small businesses?
Very secure. With Microsoft Defender for Business, Intune, and Azure Active Directory features, your data, devices, and identities are well protected.
What happens after the free trial?
You can choose to purchase a license and continue using all features without interruption. If not, your access will eventually become read-only and then disabled unless a subscription is activated.
Final Thoughts: Is It the Right Plan for You?
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is an all-in-one solution for small and growing businesses looking to modernize operations, enhance collaboration, and enforce cybersecurity best practices. Its inclusion of Microsoft Defender for Business and Intune adds critical layers of security and control, making it a smart investment for companies looking to scale confidently.
If your business values security, productivity, and seamless teamwork, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is likely the plan that aligns with your goals.
Need help setting up or managing Microsoft 365 Business Premium? Contact an official Microsoft Cloud Solution Partner for deployment, licensing, and support tailored to your needs.
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