Ever felt like you’re juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle in a windstorm? Running a business can feel like that. Chances are you need solutions that provide extra support and protect your business. Understanding all the Microsoft Business Premium benefits can make a significant difference. If you are anything like me, when I started running a company,

Have you ever wondered how to get ahead without overspending on services or features? You will learn about that below. This article will uncover how you can fully use the benefits of Microsoft Business Premium and improve business at the same time.

Why Upgrade to Microsoft Business Premium?

Let’s get straight to the point. If you’ve been using Business Standard, you might think you’re all set. But the truth is, with today’s scams and cyber threats, basic protection isn’t enough anymore.

Microsoft Business Premium benefits provide the tools to protect your business. It also helps your employees collaborate and communicate more effectively. We know from experience that the added security and teamwork features are valuable. If you are looking for support upgrading you can talk to Revolution IT for managed IT services.

Stepping Up from Business Standard

The Business Standard is fine, as it offers Microsoft licensing. This helps to ensure you always have the newest versions of Microsoft apps. Microsoft Learn can also help keep your skills up-to-date.

But in recent years, the rise in scams and cyber threats means we need better protection for our IT systems. Even cloud systems like Microsoft 365 are at risk, just like on-site servers. That’s where Microsoft Business Premium really stands out with enhanced data protection.

What Does ‘Modern Workplace’ Mean?

Today, many people don’t stick to the traditional 9-to-5 workday with long commutes. While those jobs still exist, many people only go in a few days a week. Others work from home or travel. A modern workplace with flexibility and greater output brings challenges, such as securing remote devices and maintaining reliable communications outside the office. Businesses must apply security policies to address these risks.

Cloud platforms support flexible work, and Microsoft 365 is designed to meet modern workplace demands around the world. With the shift to remote work, can you properly support your current operations? What role does Microsoft 365 Business Premium play here? It offers business email and cloud storage solutions to empower your team.

How Microsoft 365 Empowers Your Distributed Workforce

One of the biggest reasons to choose Microsoft 365 is its support for employees wherever they are. Since many people switch between working at home and the office, you need a platform that lets them access their work from anywhere. Companies now have to provide a system that allows people to open their devices and get to work, from any location.

Microsoft 365 helps your distributed workforce with collaboration and communication tools. It includes common programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Up-to-date communication through apps like Teams helps connect with co-workers and share files.

Tools for Communication

Since moving to hybrid work, maybe you’ve faced issues like sharing files by email or having files saved only on individual PCs. You might not even be able to tell if someone is online. Microsoft Teams and Sharepoint offer solutions for improved collaboration and file sharing.

Microsoft 365 solves sharing issues as a cloud-based platform. It helps people share and communicate whether they have internet or need to work offline. Microsoft Teams integrates messaging, file sharing, and video calls. Linking a SharePoint site to Microsoft Teams creates a central location for project information. You can resolve communication issues to improve collaboration and enhance ai skills.

The Cost-Effective and Scalable Solution

Previously, you would need to buy physical servers. Then you’d have to keep them updated, maintain them, and find space for them. Plus, you’d have to replace them every few years. Old systems lacked the ability to scale as your business expands.

Microsoft 365 can lower your IT costs and scale as the number of users changes. This can save on infrastructure costs by using the cloud. If you need Business Connectivity, Microsoft 365 covers many integrated apps.

You might use vendors and monthly subscriptions for various other systems. But with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you get one solution with those same features. The monthly price can be less than all those third-party apps. As you bring on new users, you can add licenses and quickly scale to your business’s needs. Consider the business support you gain.

Cybersecurity with Microsoft Business Premium

Cybersecurity is essential for every business. Data breaches are becoming more common due to criminal activity. And it will likely worsen as distributed work continues to expand.

Besides features for team work, Microsoft 365 includes improved cybersecurity features. These enhanced features better protect your business. It includes built-in security tools like Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Purview. Here are a few of the included features:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Logging into accounts requires users to verify their identity with two or more methods. You can have your people use MFA, with a code texted to their mobile device or from an app like Microsoft Authenticator.
• Conditional access: Access can be blocked based on set conditions like location. For example, if a person logs into their account from Sydney at 2 p.m., then tries to log in again from London an hour later, their access will be blocked to secure the account. To prevent users from syncing company data to their devices, you can implement conditional access policies.
• Microsoft Intune: Endpoint devices like mobile phones, laptops, and desktops can be managed through this cloud-based solution. This solution helps when people use personal devices and controls access to company data.

These tools are just some of the cybersecurity solutions that come with a Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription. Using Intune helps to make sure that data isn’t compromised by devices, and Conditional Access capabilities prevent security breaches. Microsoft security is crucial in today’s business environment.

Hardening Your Defenses

Security features like enforced MFA and conditional access policies make a significant difference. Like maintaining your car with regular oil changes, protecting your business requires diligence and consistency. This will require time in the admin center and an understanding of security policies.

Microsoft Business Premium vs. Business Standard: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan for your business requires a clear understanding of what each option offers. Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Business Standard cater to different needs, especially when it comes to security and advanced features. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Feature	Microsoft 365 Business Standard	Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Core Applications	Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams	Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams
Cloud Storage	1 TB per user	1 TB per user
Business Email	Yes, with custom domain support	Yes, with custom domain support
Online Meetings & Collaboration	Yes, via Microsoft Teams	Yes, via Microsoft Teams
Security Features	Basic security features	Advanced security features including Microsoft Defender for Business, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access
Device Management	Limited	Comprehensive device management with Microsoft Intune
Data Loss Prevention	No	Yes, helps prevent sensitive data from being shared inappropriately
Threat Protection	Basic	Advanced threat protection against malware, phishing, and other cyber threats
Compliance Tools	Limited	Advanced compliance tools for data governance and regulatory compliance
Cost	Lower	Higher
Best For	Businesses needing essential productivity and collaboration tools	Businesses needing robust security, device management, and compliance features

Real-World Scenarios: How Business Premium Shines

To illustrate the advantages of Microsoft 365 Business Premium, let’s look at a few real-world scenarios where its advanced features make a significant difference.

1. Remote Work Security: A company with employees working remotely needs to secure their devices and data. Business Premium’s Intune helps manage devices and enforce security policies. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, and conditional access restricts access based on location or device compliance.
2. Data Protection: A financial firm handles sensitive client data and needs to comply with data protection regulations. Business Premium includes data loss prevention (DLP) tools. These tools help identify and prevent sensitive data from being shared inappropriately. Advanced compliance tools also ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
3. Threat Prevention: A small business faces increasing cyber threats, including phishing and malware attacks. Business Premium’s advanced threat protection features, such as Microsoft Defender for Business, offer robust defense. These features protect against malware, unsafe attachments, and suspicious links.
4. Device Management: An organization with a mix of personal and company-owned devices needs to manage them effectively. Intune allows the IT team to manage devices, apply security policies, and control access to company resources. This ensures that all devices meet security standards, reducing the risk of data breaches.

AI Integration: Enhancing Productivity with Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft 365 Business Premium integrates with Microsoft Copilot. This enhances productivity through AI-driven assistance. Copilot helps with tasks like summarizing information, creating content, and automating workflows.

• Intelligent Assistance: Copilot provides intelligent suggestions and automation across various Microsoft 365 apps. It helps users streamline their work.
• Content Creation: Copilot can assist in generating content for documents, emails, and presentations, saving time and improving quality.
• Workflow Automation: Copilot automates repetitive tasks, such as data entry and report generation, freeing up employees to focus on strategic activities.

How Microsoft Business Premium Benefits are Like Premium Gas

Think of Microsoft Business Premium benefits like using premium gasoline in your car. The premium benefits give you better performance, reliability, and security. Fact or Fiction?: Premium Gasoline Delivers Premium Benefits to Your Car. Microsoft is continuing to add the latest features to help its customers. It is not merely a set of tools, but a complete system.

Revolution Can Support Your Business

Developing a modern workplace involves more than buying the tech you need. You also need to put it to use to make sure that the team gets the most from the tech.

Revolution IT can assess the goals and needs of your business. We will devise a strategy to improve tech use, so you can turn your business into a modern workplace. After the project is complete, we’ll make sure the tech works and that your team can use it right. If changes are needed, we’ll adjust the solution.

Switching to Microsoft Business Premium benefits can transform your business. It offers better protection, team work, and efficiency. It is about investing in a safe, modern, and competitive business. This helps to attract top talent and secure lasting success. You might not see the benefits right away. But with consistency, all these great features will reveal their true ROI.