Growing your business is all about choosing the right foundation. For the modern company, this often means determining the key features of the technology that ultimately powers client relations, project management, database design, and so much more. Business technology is the future of automation and innovation.
The benefits are endless when it comes to compliance and client relationship management (CRM). In addition, the latest office-friendly products allow a high degree of customization. This means professionals now have the freedom to tailor software to fit the needs of their evolving work dynamic.
Microsoft is at the forefront of business software when it comes to providing the most integrative approach to systems information. It’s no surprise that Windows products are the number one choice for growing companies. Many users erroneously believe that Microsoft 365 and Office 365 are the same basic bundle. Versioning and frequent updates can make it difficult to keep track of the nuances between products.
Wheelhouse IT is here to help break down the highlights of Microsoft 365 vs. Office 365 and get your business off to the right start.
Microsoft 365
The Main Specs
Unveiled in 2017, Microsoft 365 is the brainchild of extensive research and client data gathered from businesses across the globe. This software bundle is Microsoft’s solution to the feedback received on existing office products. An upgraded, productivity-driven professional suite, Microsoft 365 is built around efficiency.
Businesses utilizing Office 365 typically purchase a variety of add-ons separate from the main professional suite, including Windows 10 Pro and a security service subscription. Multiple licenses make the management of each component a hassle. Under MS365, these products are conveniently included in one integrative bundle to create a turn-key technology startup perfect for evolving companies.
The Highlights
MS365 is an all-in-one-bundle that includes:
- Office 365
- Windows 10 Pro
- Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
- 1 TB Storage
- Device Management Integration with Microsoft Intune
- Basic Data and App Security
As with Office 365, there are several options to choose from depending on your business needs. In addition, Microsoft announced enhanced compliance and security features earlier this year. Users now have the option to add Identity and Threat Protection (ITP) packages to their existing license.
Pricing for MS365 starts at 20/month/user.
View more plans and pricing here
Best Features, Best For Business
When considering the best features of Microsoft 365, it’s important to highlight the differences between versions.
MS365 Business was designed with small to mid-sized businesses in mind, specifically tailored to 300 users or less for optimal performance.
If you’re looking for a large-scale software support system, MS365 Enterprise is the way to go. Furthermore, Enterprise is fully equipped with enhanced security features and improved integration across multiple devices and platforms.
The key benefit of each lies in the convenience of providing a host of core products and features in one simple package. Microsoft’s routine updates to MS365 have already proven equipped to evolve with today’s modern workplace. It’s nearly certain that users can anticipate more dynamic upgrades to this product package as technology integration grows.
Office 365Â
The Main Specs
Office 365 is a tried and true professional staple. Think of this product as the favorite pair of slacks or go-to blazer. A cloud-based server, Office 365 offers the additional benefit of built-in backups that update automatically as well as easy device integration. As with MS365, Office 365 is a dynamic, growing platform that has been the subject of many exciting updates to meet the evolving needs of today’s professional world.
The Highlights
For a highly affordable monthly or annual subscription fee, businesses can enjoy the benefit of the full range of Microsoft products, including:
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
- OneDrive
- Outlook
- SharePoint
- Skype for Business
- Yammer
- Exchange
- Access (PC only)
- Publisher (PC only)
- Microsoft Teams
These core products are essential in developing strategic ways to maximize efficiency and positive outputs. Also, multiple licenses are available under a variety of packages, depending on the needs of your business.
Best Features, Best for Business
Collaboration is the main strength behind Office 365’s monopolization of the corporate world. Office 365 makes sharing, annotating, versioning, and communicating seamlessly between all members of a team. Project management is easily streamlined by utilizing the full range of available features. The high degree of customization is another key attribute that enables businesses across the board to get the most out of their existing resources.
As with Microsoft 365, the best features of Office 365 will depend on your company’s needs and budget. Unlike MS365, the differences between each version are a bit more extensive. Check out our handy guide on Office 365 pricing, versions, and key features for a closer look at getting the most out of this fantastic business must-have.
It’s important to note that Office 365 does not include the following features inherent to Microsoft 365:
- Windows 10 Pro
- Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
- 1 TB Storage
View pricing and plans for Office 365 here
The Big Choice: MS365 or Office 365?
We wish we could offer a simple “yes” or “no” answer to which product suite is best. However, like many decisions business owners make, the right choice depends on your company’s needs.
If you’re planning to purchase Office 365 as well as Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, Microsoft 365 is the more cost-friendly and efficient route to go. Starting out with an all-in-one bundle gives businesses a powerful backbone to rely on when it comes to vast data storage and fully integrated systems.
However, if your company is not getting the most use out of the additional features of MS365, it may be best to go “lean and mean” with Office 365. This is a solid program that already has many key features for businesses, without the add-ons of MS365. It’s relatively simple to give Office 365 a try and cancel at the end of your subscription period if you find that you’d rather take advantage of the full professional suite that is MS365.
Whichever route you take, data migration and initial integration costs (time, training, etc.) will be relatively similar. If you’d like to learn more about streamlining migration or simply need help deciding which product suite is best for your business, Wheelhouse IT is available to help. We’re committed to building technology as the foundation for your company’s success.
