Microsoft Business Basic vs Microsoft Business-Standard: Difference and Comparison

Microsoft’s Office suite and business apps have been redesigned several times in recent years. To explain the transition to a subscription model in Office 365, the business provided a slew of additional features. However, because of the different service tiers, not all corporate users can access the same features.

Customers were rather perplexed as a result of this. Then Microsoft renamed it from Office 365 to Microsoft 365. When they did, they added additional features and functionality and shifted their numerous business ideas around once more.

Key Takeaways

1. Microsoft Business Basic is a subscription-based service that includes web and mobile versions of Microsoft Office apps and limited email hosting.
2. Microsoft Business Standard is a subscription-based service with full desktop and mobile versions of Microsoft Office apps and advanced email hosting.
3. Microsoft Business Standard offers more features and capabilities than Microsoft Business Basic.

Microsoft Business Basic vs Microsoft Business-Standard

Microsoft Business Basic is an affordable plan for small businesses or individuals who need basic productivity tools and do not require advanced features. Microsoft Business Standard is a more comprehensive plan that offers additional features beyond the basic tools included in Microsoft Business Basic.

Microsoft’s 365 services are described as “your productivity cloud for business and life.” It’s a unique combination of familiar Office programs and sophisticated cloud and security features. Microsoft 365 may also include device management as well as other company-wide IT and access controls, based on the level of subscription you pick.  

This is the next step up on the Microsoft 365 subscription ladder. When compared to Microsoft Office 365 Business Basic, it provides a few extra services and amenities. Formerly known as Office 365 Business Premium, it gives users access to all of the functionalities included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic and a full suite of Microsoft Office apps. The subscription allows him to install Office apps on five PCs or Macs, five tablets, and five phones. Small and medium-sized enterprises should consider it as one of their top choices.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Microsoft Business Basic	Microsoft Business-Standard
Former Name	It was formerly known as Office 365 Business Essential.	It was formerly known as Office 365 Business Premium.
Apps offline	Microsoft Office apps are not available offline.	Microsoft Office apps are available offline.
Desktop versions	The latest versions of Outlook, Word, and other office programs are not available.	The latest versions of Outlook, Word, and other office programs are available.
Availability/user	Desktop version available/user in PC/Mac is 1.	Availability per user is extended to 5 phones,5 tablets,5 computers, or MacBook.
Productivity tools	Productivity tools for scheduling and managing and booking appointments are not available.	Productivity tools for scheduling, managing and booking appointments are available.

What is Microsoft Business Basic?

Business Edition of Microsoft 365 The basic user license for Office 365 provides access to major Online apps for small and medium-sized businesses (up to 300 employees).

Professional email, online data storage, collaboration and communication solutions, and video conferencing facilities are all included with the Business Basic subscription. Business Basic is ideal for those who want access to Office 365 programs but do not require Office client applications on their local PC. 

The basic license allows you to use Microsoft Teams and other completely distant working and collaboration solutions. Advanced security features combined with a remote-ready collaborative environment provide a safe, contemporary workspace.  

Microsoft 365 Business Basic provides just what the name implies. It provides accessibility to the Microsoft 365 suite’s fundamental capabilities, such as Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 Business Basic gives you all you need to run your business, from email to online storage to virtual meetings. Another important benefit of the strategy should be the availability of fully installed office programs.  

This concept provides the corporation with complete geographic freedom for its small and medium-sized enterprises. With the plans, it efficiently manages the workflows. Employers can use OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint to share files for successful cooperation. Users receive a sophisticated interface available across all devices with a strong email system that is based on Exchange. 

What is Microsoft Business Standard?

When it comes to cost, Microsoft 365 Business Standard is among the best. It can accommodate up to 300 people. This package includes all of the key Office desktop products, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote. One can also receive 50 GB of email storage, a personalized email domain, 1TB of OneDrive storage, and online versions of all the important Office programs.  

When an employee is unable to attend a conference in person, they may use multi-party HD video meetings to ensure that they do not miss any. With as many as 250 people, the capabilities include one-click screen sharing and real-time note-taking. The most appealing feature of this package is the ability to use Microsoft’s sophisticated desktop programs.

Users may utilize their insights to explore and locate information throughout Microsoft 365 with the help of tools. It is fueled by insights gleaned from user activity and their interactions with articles, subjects, and contacts across apps. These applications not only offer significant functionality, but Microsoft has done a fantastic job building them, and they have the extra benefit of being a standard for many processes for many years. 

Main Differences Between Microsoft Business Basic and Microsoft Business-Standard

1. There are no productivity tools for scheduling, managing, or booking appointments in a basic subscription, whereas there are productivity tools for scheduling, managing, and booking appointments in the standard subscription.  
2. There are no current versions of Outlook, Word, or other office products accessible, i.e., time to time update does not happen in the basic counterpart, whereas current versions of Outlook, Word, or other office products are accessible in Standard subscription.
3. Microsoft Business Basic was formerly known as Office 365 Business Essential, whereas Microsoft Business Standard was formerly known as Office 365 Business Premium.
4. The fully installed Office apps are one of the key elements that have been eliminated from this plan. The basic subscription is appropriate for clients who already have an enhanced form of Office products downloaded or are satisfied with these apps’ web versions. Offline apps are accessible with the Standard subscription.  
5. The Office 365 Business Basic is the appropriate solution if your organization wants a cost-effective package that gives your employees access to internet-based productivity tools and Microsoft Teams for collaboration. Users may have access to a variety of services. If they only need perfectly functioning desktop programs and don’t need Microsoft Teams or business email support, the Office 365 Business Standard package is the best option.

References

1. https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/324138.324190
2. https://www.bosch.in/media/our_company/shareholder_information/2020/notice_ad_regarding_agm_2020.pdf