Does your business have the right Microsoft 365 licence? Microsoft 365 is an essential tool for all businesses, with its powerful collaboration, security, and productivity capabilities. However, choosing the wrong Microsoft 365 plan can limit your business’s potential, leaving you with missing features, enhanced security risks, and the potential of unnecessary extra costs.
This blog will explore the different Microsoft 365 licences available, highlighting common mistakes that businesses make when selecting a plan. We’ll also show you how our expert IT support helps businesses in Reading make the most of Microsoft 365.
Understanding Microsoft 365 Licensing Options
Let’s begin by exploring the different options that Microsoft 365 offers. With each plan designed to meet different business needs, it’s important to select the right licence for you. This can come down to business size, industry, and specific needs. Here’s a quick overview:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: Best for small businesses that need cloud-based collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive but don’t require desktop apps.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Ideal for businesses that need both web and desktop versions of Office apps alongside cloud services.
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Includes everything in Business Standard plus advanced security features and device management.
- Microsoft 365 E3/E5: Enterprise-grade plans designed for larger businesses needing enhanced security, compliance tools, and advanced analytics.
The Risk of Choosing the Wrong Microsoft 365 Licence
While Microsoft 365 offers a range of licences designed for different business needs, many still either overpay for features they don’t use or miss out on crucial security and collaboration tools. According to an online article, 44% of businesses have the incorrect Microsoft 365 licence for their business.
Making sure you have the right licence means maximising productivity, improving security, and getting the best return on your investment. Some common risks of having the wrong Microsoft 365 licence include:
- Paying for more than you need: Some businesses opt for premium licences with advanced capabilities they never use, resulting in wasted investment.
- Missing essential features: Others go for a lower-tier licence to save money but end up lacking key tools like advanced security, data loss prevention, or premium support.
- Compliance and security risks: Certain industries, such as legal or finance, require specific security features that only come with higher-tier Microsoft 365 licences. Choosing the wrong plan could leave your business vulnerable to data breaches or non-compliant with regulations.
Common Microsoft 365 Licensing Mistakes Businesses Make
When navigating Microsoft’s licensing structure, businesses often make the following mistakes:
- Failing to assess business needs: For many businesses, it can be daunting trying to choose the right licence, particularly when they aren’t sure what features they need most.
- Ignoring security features: Some of the lower-tier licences lack essential security tools that businesses may need. Without realising it, this puts them at increased risk of cyber threats.
- Not considering scalability: The development of your business means that your IT needs will grow. Choosing a plan without considering how it will continue to protect your business in the future can lead to costly upgrades later.
- Overlooking compliance requirements: Regulated industries like healthcare or finance need specific compliance tools found in higher-tier licences.
- Underutilising Microsoft 365’s full capabilities: Many businesses don’t take advantage of included features like automation, AI tools, and integrations with other apps.
Unlock the Full Power of Microsoft 365
Our expertise in Microsoft 365 situates us as an outstanding IT support provider for businesses in Reading. At SolCo, we are proud to help businesses choose the right Microsoft 365 licence and maximise its potential. Our services include:
- Microsoft 365 Licensing Consultation: We assess your current setup and recommend the best plan for your business needs.
- Implementation and Migration: Moving to Microsoft 365? We handle everything from data migration to employee training.
- Security and Compliance Support: We ensure your Microsoft 365 setup is secure and meets industry compliance standards.
- Ongoing IT Support: Our IT services in Reading provide continuous monitoring, updates, and troubleshooting to keep your business running smoothly.
Get the Right Microsoft 365 Licence for Your Business
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 licence can mean better security, increased efficiency, and cost savings. Many businesses unknowingly overpay for unnecessary features or miss out on critical tools that could boost productivity and security.
With our expert IT in Reading, we ensure you’re getting the most out of your Microsoft 365 investment. Contact us today to discuss your Microsoft 365 needs and find out how our IT services in Reading can help your business thrive.
