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Comparing the Features and Benefits of Office 365 Standard and Basic Versions

When it comes to choosing the right office solution for your business, it’s important to carefully consider the pricing and features of different plans. Two popular options to consider are Office 365 Standard and Basic. In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison between these two plans to help you make an informed decision.

Office 365 Standard is a comprehensive office suite that offers a wide range of features and tools for businesses of all sizes. With its rich set of applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, Office 365 Standard provides all the essential tools you need to efficiently manage your daily tasks and collaborate with your team members. This plan is suitable for businesses that require advanced features and a higher level of productivity.

On the other hand, Office 365 Basic is designed for businesses that have more basic office needs. While it may not offer all the advanced features of Office 365 Standard, it still provides essential applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to help you create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails. This plan is more cost-effective and ideal for small businesses or individuals who don’t require all the advanced features offered by Office 365 Standard.

When comparing the pricing of these two plans, it’s important to consider the features and benefits they offer. Office 365 Standard is priced higher than Office 365 Basic due to its more extensive range of applications and advanced features. However, if your business requires the advanced tools and capabilities offered by Office 365 Standard, the higher price may be well worth the investment.

Overview of Office 365 Standard

Office 365 Standard is one of the many plans offered by Microsoft under the Office 365 suite. It is designed for businesses and organizations that require a comprehensive set of productivity tools and services.

One of the key differences between Office 365 Standard and other plans is pricing. Office 365 Standard is available at a higher price point compared to the basic plans, but it offers additional features and benefits that make it a more suitable option for larger organizations with more advanced needs.

Office 365 Standard includes all the essential office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with other tools like OneNote, Publisher, and Access. It also provides cloud storage with OneDrive and collaboration features with SharePoint.

Compared to the basic plans, Office 365 Standard offers more comprehensive security and compliance features. It includes advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and encryption capabilities to help protect sensitive business data and ensure regulatory compliance.

Another advantage of Office 365 Standard is the availability of advanced analytics and business intelligence tools. It provides features like Power BI Pro that allow organizations to gain insight from their data and make informed decisions.

Furthermore, Office 365 Standard offers enhanced administrative controls and capabilities, making it easier for IT administrators to manage and deploy the suite across the organization. It also includes additional support options for improved troubleshooting and assistance.

In summary, Office 365 Standard is a comprehensive and feature-rich plan that is suitable for larger organizations with more advanced needs. While it may come at a higher price point, the additional features, security, and administrative capabilities make it a valuable option for businesses looking for a complete office productivity suite.

Overview of Office 365 Basic

Office 365 Basic is one of the subscription plans offered by Microsoft as a part of their Office 365 suite. It is designed for small businesses and individuals who require essential productivity tools without the need for advanced features offered in the standard version. In this article, we will explore the differences between Office 365 Basic and Office 365 Standard.

Features

Office 365 Basic provides the core features necessary for everyday office tasks. It includes popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. With Office 365 Basic, users can create and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and manage their emails efficiently.

While Office 365 Basic offers the essential applications, the Standard version comes with additional programs such as Access and Publisher. These additional programs provide users with more options for data management and publishing purposes.

Plans and Comparison

When it comes to plans, Office 365 Basic and Office 365 Standard differ in their pricing and the availability of features. Office 365 Basic is available at a lower cost compared to the Standard version, making it a more affordable choice for individuals and small businesses on a budget.

While Office 365 Standard offers a wide range of advanced features and applications, Office 365 Basic focuses on providing basic productivity tools at a lower price point. It is worth noting that both plans include cloud storage, collaboration features, and regular updates to ensure users have access to the latest features and security enhancements.

In summary, Office 365 Basic is a cost-effective solution for individuals and small businesses who require the essential Office applications for their everyday tasks. It offers a more affordable option compared to Office 365 Standard, while still providing the core productivity tools needed to get work done efficiently.

Pricing of Office 365 Standard

When considering which plan to choose for your business, it’s important to understand the pricing differences between Office 365 Standard and Office 365 Basic.

Office 365 Standard

Office 365 Standard is the more comprehensive and feature-rich plan of the two. It offers a wide range of applications and services that can benefit businesses of all sizes. Some of the key features included in the Office 365 Standard plan are:

  • Full desktop versions of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Access to online versions of Microsoft Office applications
  • Exchange Online for email hosting and management
  • OneDrive for Business for file storage and sharing
  • SharePoint for team collaboration and document management
  • Microsoft Teams for online meetings and communication
  • Yammer for enterprise social networking
  • Advanced security features and compliance tools

With all these features, Office 365 Standard offers a comprehensive solution for businesses that require advanced productivity and collaboration tools.

Comparison with Office 365 Basic

While Office 365 Basic offers some similar features, it is a more stripped-down version of the Office 365 suite. It includes only the online versions of Microsoft Office applications and basic email hosting through Exchange Online. It does not include the desktop versions of the Office applications, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Yammer, or the advanced security features and compliance tools available with Office 365 Standard.

The pricing of Office 365 Standard is slightly higher than that of Office 365 Basic, reflecting the additional features and capabilities included in the plan. However, for businesses that require the advanced features and comprehensive suite of tools offered by Office 365 Standard, the higher price is often seen as a worthwhile investment.

Pricing of Office 365 Basic

The pricing of Office 365 Basic is an important consideration when comparing it with the Office 365 Standard plan. While both plans offer a range of features and tools for businesses, there are differences in terms of pricing that may influence the decision-making process.

Office 365 Basic is the more affordable option, designed for small businesses and individuals who have basic productivity needs. It offers essential tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as access to OneDrive cloud storage. The pricing for Office 365 Basic starts at $5 per user per month, making it an attractive choice for those with a limited budget.

Comparison with Office 365 Standard

In comparison, the Office 365 Standard plan offers additional features and functionality for larger organizations with more advanced needs. Along with the core Office applications, it includes features like SharePoint, Teams, and Exchange Online for enhanced collaboration and communication. The pricing for Office 365 Standard starts at $12.50 per user per month, reflecting the expanded capabilities it offers.

While Office 365 Standard may have a higher starting price, it provides a more comprehensive suite of tools and services that can improve productivity and streamline workflows. It is a suitable choice for businesses that require advanced collaboration and communication capabilities, as well as integration with other Microsoft products and services.

Ultimately, the decision between Office 365 Basic and Standard will depend on the specific needs and budget of each organization. Considering the differences in pricing and features is crucial in making an informed choice that aligns with the requirements of the business.

Features of Office 365 Standard

Office 365 Standard is one of the two main pricing plans offered by Microsoft for its popular productivity suite, Office 365. It provides a comprehensive set of features that are designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. In this section, we will explore some of the key features of Office 365 Standard and how they differ from the Basic plan.

1. Full Office Suite

One of the main advantages of Office 365 Standard is that it includes the full suite of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more. This allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails using the familiar Office interface.

2. Advanced Email and Calendar

Office 365 Standard offers advanced email and calendar features, such as enhanced security, larger mailbox storage, and the ability to access emails and calendars from anywhere, using any device. This ensures that users can stay productive and connected, even when they are on the go.

3. Online Storage and Collaboration

With Office 365 Standard, users have access to OneDrive for Business, which provides online storage and file sharing capabilities. This allows teams to collaborate on documents in real-time, track changes, and easily share files with internal and external stakeholders. The Basic plan does not include this feature.

4. Microsoft Teams

Office 365 Standard includes Microsoft Teams, a powerful collaboration platform that brings together chat, video meetings, file storage, and app integration in one place. This allows teams to work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. The Basic plan does not include Microsoft Teams.

5. Advanced Security and Compliance

Office 365 Standard provides advanced security and compliance features to help protect sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements. This includes data loss prevention, threat intelligence, and eDiscovery capabilities. While the Basic plan offers some security features, they are more limited compared to the Standard plan.

6. Admin and Support

Office 365 Standard comes with enhanced admin and support capabilities, such as the ability to deploy and manage Office applications across devices, set up user accounts and permissions, and access 24/7 technical support. These features are not available in the Basic plan.

In summary, Office 365 Standard offers a wide range of features that are not available in the Basic plan. These features provide businesses with the tools they need to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security. However, it is important to consider the specific needs of your organization when choosing between the Standard and Basic plans.

Features of Office 365 Basic

The features of Office 365 Basic can be compared to those of Office 365 Standard in terms of differences, pricing, and plans.

Differences

  • Office 365 Basic offers a limited set of applications compared to Office 365 Standard.
  • Office 365 Basic does not include advanced features and functionalities found in Office 365 Standard.
  • Office 365 Basic has fewer storage options and limited cloud capabilities.
  • Office 365 Basic may not have access to the latest updates and features rolled out to Office 365 Standard.

Pricing

The pricing for Office 365 Basic is typically lower compared to Office 365 Standard. This makes it a more cost-effective option for businesses and individuals who do not require the advanced features provided by Office 365 Standard.

Plans

  • Office 365 Basic offers basic plans that include essential productivity tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Office 365 Basic plans may have limitations on the number of users or devices that can be linked to the account.
  • Office 365 Basic plans may not include additional applications such as Access, Publisher, and Teams, which are available in Office 365 Standard.

In conclusion, Office 365 Basic provides a more affordable option for users who require essential productivity tools without the need for advanced features. However, for users who need access to a wider range of applications and advanced functionalities, Office 365 Standard may be a better choice.

Storage Options in Office 365 Standard

When comparing the Office 365 Standard and Basic plans, one of the key differences to consider is the storage options available. The Office 365 Standard plan offers a generous amount of storage space for users to store and access their files.

OneDrive for Business

Office 365 Standard provides users with access to OneDrive for Business, a cloud storage service that allows for easy and secure storage and sharing of files. With the Standard plan, users get 1 terabyte (TB) of storage per user, which is more than enough for most individuals and businesses. This ample amount of storage ensures that users have plenty of space to store their important documents, presentations, and other files.

SharePoint Online

In addition to OneDrive for Business, Office 365 Standard also includes SharePoint Online, a powerful collaboration platform. SharePoint Online not only offers document storage, but also provides users with a wide range of features to create, manage, and share content. With SharePoint Online, users can create team sites, intranet sites, and custom workflows, making it an ideal tool for organizations that require advanced document management and collaboration capabilities.

Overall, the storage options in Office 365 Standard provide users with ample space to store and access their files, whether it’s through the individual user storage offered by OneDrive for Business or the more collaborative features provided by SharePoint Online. The generous storage allocation, combined with other powerful features, makes Office 365 Standard a comprehensive and versatile solution for businesses of all sizes.

Storage Options in Office 365 Basic

When it comes to storage options, there are some key differences between Office 365 Basic and Standard. This comparison is essential for users to make an informed decision based on their storage needs and pricing structure.

Office 365 Basic Storage

With Office 365 Basic, users get 1 TB of individual storage space in the OneDrive for Business cloud storage. This provides ample space to save and access personal files, documents, and photos from anywhere. OneDrive for Business also allows easy collaboration and sharing of files with colleagues and partners.

In addition to personal storage, Office 365 Basic offers shared storage in the form of SharePoint Online. It provides 1 TB of collaborative storage space, enabling teams to create, store, and share files in a centralized location. SharePoint Online facilitates seamless collaboration, version control, and document management.

Office 365 Standard Storage

On the other hand, Office 365 Standard offers even greater storage options. Along with the 1 TB of personal storage in OneDrive for Business, users also get unlimited personal storage space, which means they can save and access an unlimited number of files in the cloud.

Similarly, Office 365 Standard provides even more collaborative storage space in SharePoint Online. It offers unlimited storage, allowing teams to have an unlimited number of files in a centralized location, ensuring efficient collaboration and document management.

While Office 365 Basic provides sufficient storage for most individual and team needs, Office 365 Standard offers the advantage of unlimited storage, which can be beneficial for organizations with large file volumes or those that require extensive file storage capabilities.

However, it is important to note that the pricing for Office 365 Standard is higher compared to Office 365 Basic due to the additional storage options provided.

In conclusion, Office 365 Basic and Standard offer different storage options to cater to various user requirements. Users should carefully assess their storage needs and consider the pricing and features of each plan before making a decision.

Collaboration Tools in Office 365 Standard

Office 365 offers various plans with different features that cater to different business needs. One of the popular plans is Office 365 Standard, which provides a comprehensive set of collaboration tools for businesses. Let’s take a closer look at the collaboration tools available in Office 365 Standard and compare them to other plans.

Shared Documents

In Office 365 Standard, users can easily create, edit, and share documents using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other productivity tools. These tools allow multiple users to collaborate on the same document simultaneously, making it easy to work together and improve productivity.

Team Sites

Office 365 Standard also offers Team Sites, which provide a central location for teams to store, organize, and share documents, files, and other resources. Team Sites allow team members to collaborate on projects, track changes, and share information with ease.

Differences with other Office 365 plans:

While Office 365 Basic offers similar collaboration features, Office 365 Standard provides additional tools such as the ability to create and manage SharePoint sites, access to Microsoft Teams for real-time communication and collaboration, and advanced security options like data loss prevention and advanced threat protection.

Price comparison:

When comparing the pricing of Office 365 plans, it’s important to consider the features and collaboration tools included. Office 365 Standard is priced higher than Office 365 Basic due to the additional features and capabilities it offers. However, for businesses that require advanced collaboration and security features, the extra cost may be worth it.

In conclusion, Office 365 Standard offers a wide range of collaboration tools that enable businesses to work together more efficiently and effectively. By comparing the features and pricing of different Office 365 plans, businesses can choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget.

Collaboration Tools in Office 365 Basic

Office 365 Basic offers a range of collaboration features that are designed to enhance productivity and teamwork in a cost-effective way. While it may not have all the advanced features of Office 365 Standard, it still provides essential tools for effective collaboration.

One of the key features of Office 365 Basic is the ability to create and store documents in the cloud using OneDrive for Business. This allows users to access their files from anywhere, collaborate in real-time, and easily share documents with colleagues. The integration with SharePoint Online also enables teams to collaborate on projects, co-author documents, and organize their work efficiently.

Office 365 Basic also includes Exchange Online, which offers a range of powerful collaboration tools. With shared calendars, users can easily schedule and manage meetings, making it easier to coordinate with colleagues. The ability to share contacts and tasks also streamlines collaboration and improves efficiency within teams.

Additionally, Office 365 Basic provides access to Microsoft Teams, a collaboration platform that brings together chat, meetings, file storage, and more in one place. With Teams, users can have quick discussions, share files, and collaborate on projects seamlessly. The integration with other Office 365 tools makes it easy to switch between different applications and work efficiently.

While Office 365 Basic may not offer the same level of features as Office 365 Standard, it still provides robust collaboration tools that are essential for teamwork and productivity. Depending on the specific needs and requirements of your organization, Office 365 Basic may be an affordable and practical choice.

In summary, Office 365 Basic offers a range of collaboration features that enable users to create, share, and collaborate on documents easily. While it may have some differences compared to Office 365 Standard, it still provides valuable tools for effective collaboration. When considering the pricing and feature differences, it is important to assess the specific needs of your organization to determine which version of Office 365 is the best fit.

Security Features in Office 365 Standard

When comparing the security features of Office 365 Standard and Basic, it’s important to understand the differences in pricing and plans offered by Microsoft. Both plans offer security measures to protect your data and ensure the privacy of your organization, but Office 365 Standard provides enhanced features that may be more suitable for businesses with higher security requirements.

Advanced Threat Protection

Office 365 Standard includes Advanced Threat Protection, which helps protect against advanced malware, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats. This feature scans attachments and links in emails and analyzes URLs to detect and block malicious content before it reaches your inbox.

Data Loss Prevention

Data Loss Prevention is another important security feature included in the Office 365 Standard plan. This feature helps prevent sensitive information from being accidentally or maliciously leaked outside of your organization. It allows you to create rules and policies to automatically detect and protect confidential data, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, from being shared.

  • Office 365 Standard offers more advanced security features compared to Office 365 Basic.
  • Advanced Threat Protection helps protect against advanced malware and phishing attacks.
  • Data Loss Prevention prevents sensitive information from being leaked outside of your organization.

These security features provide an additional layer of protection for your organization’s data and help ensure the privacy and security of your business. While Office 365 Basic still offers some security measures, Office 365 Standard provides more comprehensive protection for businesses with higher security requirements.

Security Features in Office 365 Basic

When comparing the security features between different plans of Office 365, it is important to consider the specific features offered in the Basic plan.

Email Protection and Encryption

Office 365 Basic includes robust email protection and encryption features. These features help to ensure that your emails are secure and protected from unauthorized access. With email protection, you can prevent phishing attacks and malware from reaching your inbox, providing an additional layer of security.

Advanced Threat Protection

One of the key security features of Office 365 Basic is the Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) capabilities. ATP helps protect your organization against sophisticated and advanced cyber threats. It includes features like real-time protection against malicious attachments and links, as well as anti-phishing and anti-malware capabilities.

Additionally, ATP provides detailed reporting and analysis, allowing you to gain insights into the types of threats your organization faces and take necessary actions to mitigate them.

Overall, while Office 365 Basic may not have all the advanced security features found in higher-tier plans, it still offers a robust set of security features to protect your organization’s data and communications.

Support Options in Office 365 Standard

In Office 365 Standard, Microsoft offers several support options to ensure that users have access to the help they need. These support options vary depending on the plan and pricing tier chosen.

1. Basic Support

The Basic Support option is available in both Office 365 Standard and Office 365 Basic plans at no additional cost. It includes:

  • Online documentation and self-help resources
  • Community forums
  • Email support for non-critical issues

2. Technical Support

For technical issues that require more hands-on help, users can upgrade to Technical Support. This option provides access to Microsoft’s technical experts through phone and chat. Technical Support is available for an additional fee and is recommended for businesses that require faster response times and dedicated assistance.

3. Premier Support

Premier Support is the highest level of support offered by Microsoft. It includes all the benefits of Technical Support, plus additional features such as proactive monitoring and personalized assistance from a dedicated support team. Premier Support is designed for large enterprises with complex environments and specific needs. Pricing for Premier Support is based on the size and requirements of the organization.

By understanding the support options available in Office 365 Standard, businesses can choose the plan that best meets their needs and budget. The differences in support features can make a significant impact on the overall user experience and productivity.

Support Options in Office 365 Basic

When it comes to choosing an Office 365 plan, it’s important to consider the support options available. While Office 365 Standard offers various support options, Office 365 Basic has a more limited range of support.

Support Options in Office 365 Standard

Office 365 Standard provides users with multiple support options to cater to their needs. These options include:

Support Option Description
24/7 Phone Support Users can access phone support 24/7 to get help with any issues or questions they may have.
Online Support Users can access online support resources, such as knowledge base articles and community forums, to find solutions to common problems.
Email Support Users can reach out to support via email to get assistance with any issues they may be facing.

Support Options in Office 365 Basic

While Office 365 Basic still offers support options, they are more limited compared to Office 365 Standard. The support options in Office 365 Basic include:

Support Option Description
Online Support Users can access online support resources, like knowledge base articles and community forums, to find answers to their questions and troubleshoot any problems.
Email Support Users can reach out to support via email to get assistance with any issues or queries they may have.

It’s important to consider these differences in support options when choosing between Office 365 Standard and Basic plans. If you require more extensive support, especially with phone support available 24/7, Office 365 Standard may be the better choice for your needs. However, if you are comfortable with online resources and email support, Office 365 Basic can still provide the necessary support for most users.

Choosing Between Office 365 Standard and Basic

When it comes to choosing the right Office 365 plan for your business, it’s important to understand the differences between the Standard and Basic editions. Both editions offer a range of features and pricing options, but there are some key differences to consider before making your decision.

  • Pricing: Pricing is often a major factor in choosing between Office 365 plans. The Basic edition is generally more affordable, making it a popular choice for small businesses or organizations with limited budgets. On the other hand, the Standard edition offers more advanced features and may be a better fit for larger organizations or those with specific requirements.
  • Features: The Standard edition of Office 365 includes all the features of the Basic edition, along with additional advanced features. These may include advanced security and compliance features, advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, and more advanced collaboration tools. The Basic edition, on the other hand, provides the core productivity features such as email, calendar, and document sharing.
  • Differences: One key difference between the Standard and Basic editions is the number of users allowed. The Basic edition is limited to a maximum of 300 users, while the Standard edition allows unlimited users. Additionally, the Standard edition offers more advanced administration and customization options, as well as additional integration and productivity capabilities.

Ultimately, the choice between Office 365 Standard and Basic will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you require advanced features, unlimited users, and more customization options, the Standard edition may be the best choice for your organization. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with basic productivity tools, the Basic edition may be sufficient for your needs.

Question-answer:

What are the differences between Office 365 Standard and Basic?

Office 365 Standard includes additional features such as advanced email capabilities, data loss prevention, and unified communications. Office 365 Basic does not include these features.

Which version of Office 365 is better for a small business?

For a small business, Office 365 Basic may be sufficient as it provides access to essential productivity tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. However, if the business requires advanced email capabilities or data loss prevention, Office 365 Standard may be a better choice.

Is there a price difference between Office 365 Standard and Basic?

Yes, there is a price difference between the two versions. Office 365 Basic is typically less expensive than Office 365 Standard due to the additional features included in the latter.

Can I upgrade from Office 365 Basic to Office 365 Standard?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade from Office 365 Basic to Office 365 Standard. However, there may be additional costs associated with the upgrade. It is recommended to contact Microsoft or your Office 365 reseller for more information.

What are the primary benefits of upgrading to Office 365 Standard?

Upgrading to Office 365 Standard provides access to advanced email capabilities, data loss prevention, and unified communications. These features can enhance productivity, improve email security, and streamline communication within an organization.

What is the difference between Office 365 Standard and Basic?

Office 365 Standard and Basic are two different plans offered by Microsoft. Office 365 Standard includes additional features and applications compared to Office 365 Basic. With Office 365 Standard, you get access to applications like Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access, along with cloud services like Exchange, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Office 365 Basic, on the other hand, offers fewer features and applications, including online versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and 1 TB of OneDrive storage.

What applications are included in Office 365 Standard?

Office 365 Standard includes the complete suite of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access. These applications can be installed on multiple devices, allowing you to work on your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from anywhere.