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If you’re running a medium, small, large business, or responsible for an enterprise, you’ve likley been considering a Microsoft subscription to fulfill all your needs. While we’ve previously highlighted the best Office 365 plans available for you, there’s also another subscription service that Microsoft currently offers. Appropriately named Microsoft 365, this subscription might initially seem to be the same as Office 365, but there’s quite a bit of difference. In this guide, we’ll help you make sense of the differences between the two, and which one is right for you.
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Microsoft 365
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We’re starting first with Microsoft 365. This subscription service combines a lot of Microsoft’s existing products under one license aimed towards the enterprise and businesses. It is essentially a bundle of services that includes all the Office 365 services and desktop apps, with the addition of two special products.
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The two products include Windows 10 licenses and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) tools. Only certain Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans will include Windows 10 licenses, but, generally speaking, you can’t find the Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) tools with Office 365. They are included with all Microsoft 365 plans.
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But what exactly is Enterprise Mobility + Security? Well, it essentially helps keep both you and your customer data safe. The service helps puts you in control of your company devices and can help you defend against malware and accidental leaks. It also helps you control who has access to certain information. Importantly, you also can protect work files when company devices are lost or stolen, manage mobile access, and selectively wipe data on personal devices. There’s even the ability to configure, apply company policies, and manage Windows 10 PCs, Android Phones, and iOS devices.
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And now, the pricing. Microsoft 365 Business starts at $20.00 per user, per month. That’s a lot more expensive than the $12.50 per month for Office 365 Business Premium, but the extra services are there, to help manage company devices, Windows 10 deployments, and more.
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Office 365
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Now, there’s Office 365. As we’ve highlighted before, this cloud-based suite of apps and services includes access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and a few other Microsoft collaboration services. That includes SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Yammer, Planner, Microsoft Stream, and more. There are quite the bit of robust apps included in the services, which can help you get your business up and running.
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Office 365 plans do not include any of the extra Enterprise Mobility + Security tools covered with Microsoft 365. There are, however, additional tools in Office 365 Business Premium which can help you with invoices, customer management, booking appointments, and more. But, these tools are already included in most Microsoft 365 Business.
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For pricing, Office 365 plans are cheaper compared to Microsoft 365. Plans range as little as $5.00 per user, per month with Office 365 Business Essentials, or as high as $12.50 per user, per month with Office 365 Business Premium.
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Which one will you choose?
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Choosing Microsoft 365 of Office 365 will be quite tricky, but for most, it might come down to price. If you’re looking to save, then Office 365 is the way to go, as it includes most apps and services you need a more balanced price. However, if you want advanced security tools, and want to manage your devices on your own, then Microsoft 365 will be the best route. You can learn more about Microsoft 365 by checking here, and Office 365 by checking here.
\n\nFurther reading: Microsoft 365, Office, Office 365
