When it comes to choosing the right plan for your business, Office 365 offers two popular options: Standard and E3. Both plans provide a range of powerful features and tools to enhance productivity and collaboration within your organization. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should consider before making a decision.
The Office 365 Standard plan is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and offers essential productivity tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. With this plan, you can access these applications both online and offline, allowing you to work seamlessly from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, you get 1TB of OneDrive storage per user, which is more than enough to store all your files and documents securely in the cloud.
On the other hand, the Office 365 E3 plan is geared towards larger organizations and offers a more comprehensive suite of tools and features. In addition to the applications included in the Standard plan, E3 provides advanced security features such as data loss prevention and rights management. It also includes advanced productivity tools like SharePoint, Teams, and Power BI, allowing teams to collaborate more effectively and make data-driven decisions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Office 365 Standard and E3 plans depends on the specific needs and size of your business. If you’re a small to medium-sized business looking for essential productivity tools, the Standard plan may be the right fit for you. However, if you’re a larger organization that requires advanced security and collaboration features, the E3 plan may be worth considering. Whichever plan you choose, you can be sure that Office 365 will help streamline your workflows and boost productivity across your organization.
What is Office 365 Standard?
Office 365 Standard is one of the subscription plans offered by Microsoft for its popular productivity suite, Office 365. It is designed for businesses and organizations that require the essential Office applications and cloud-based services.
With Office 365 Standard, users gain access to the core Office programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. These applications enable users to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and manage their email and personal information. They offer powerful features and a familiar interface that users have come to rely on for their everyday tasks.
In addition to the Office applications, Office 365 Standard includes online cloud storage with OneDrive for Business. This allows users to store, access, and share their files from anywhere, on any device. Collaborative features are also available, enabling users to work together on documents in real time and track changes made by others.
Another notable feature of Office 365 Standard is the ability to install the applications on multiple devices. Users can install Office on their desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring they have access to their files and can work on the go. This flexibility makes Office 365 Standard an ideal choice for organizations with remote employees or those who require flexibility in their work environment.
Overall, Office 365 Standard provides businesses and organizations with the essential tools they need to be productive and collaborate effectively. It offers a comprehensive suite of office applications, cloud storage, and device flexibility, making it a popular choice for many users.
Key features of Office 365 Standard
The Office 365 Standard plan offers a comprehensive set of productivity tools and features designed for businesses. Here are some of its key features:
1. Familiar and easy to use: Office 365 Standard includes all the essential Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Users will feel right at home with these familiar tools and can easily create, edit, and collaborate on documents.
2. Cloud-based storage and accessibility: With Office 365 Standard, users get 1TB (terabyte) of cloud storage per user, allowing them to store and access their files from anywhere, on any device. This ensures that important documents and files are always available, even if a device is lost or damaged.
3. Email and calendaring: Office 365 Standard includes Exchange Online, which provides business-class email functionality with a 50GB mailbox. Users can easily manage their email, contacts, and calendar, and can access their emails from any device with an internet connection.
4. Enhanced collaboration: Office 365 Standard offers a range of collaboration features that enable users to work together more efficiently. These include real-time co-authoring, where multiple users can edit a document simultaneously, and the ability to share and co-edit documents with external users.
5. Advanced security and compliance: Office 365 Standard includes robust security features to protect user data and documents. These include data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and built-in compliance features that help businesses meet regulatory requirements.
6. Automatic updates: With Office 365 Standard, users always have access to the latest features and security updates. Microsoft regularly releases new updates and improvements to ensure that users stay productive and secure.
While the Office 365 E3 plan offers additional advanced features such as advanced analytics and advanced threat protection, the Office 365 Standard plan provides a solid foundation of productivity tools for businesses.
Benefits of choosing Office 365 Standard
When comparing Office 365 Standard with other plans, it becomes evident that Office 365 Standard offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for businesses. Here are some key advantages:
1. Cost-Effective Solution
Office 365 Standard is more affordable compared to higher-tier plans like E3. It provides businesses with essential Office applications and cloud-based services at a lower price point, which is ideal for small to medium-sized organizations with budget constraints.
2. Familiarity and Accessibility
Office 365 Standard includes popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook that users are already familiar with. This allows for a smoother transition and reduces the learning curve when adopting the platform. Additionally, these applications can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, providing employees with flexibility and remote work capabilities.
3. Collaboration and Communication
With Office 365 Standard, businesses can enhance their collaboration and communication capabilities. The platform offers features like real-time co-authoring, allowing multiple users to work on a document simultaneously. It also provides enterprise-grade email and calendar services, enabling efficient communication across the organization.
Overall, Office 365 Standard is a cost-effective, user-friendly, and collaborative solution that meets the basic needs of businesses. While higher-tier plans like E3 may offer additional advanced features, Office 365 Standard remains a solid choice for many organizations.
Pricing options for Office 365 Standard
When considering the purchase of Office 365, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which plan to choose. Two popular options are Office 365 Standard and Office 365 E3. While both plans offer a range of features and benefits, it’s important to understand the pricing options available for Office 365 Standard.
Monthly subscription
Office 365 Standard offers a convenient monthly subscription option. With this pricing model, you pay a fixed monthly fee for each user in your organization. This allows for easy budgeting and flexibility, as you can add or remove users as needed.
Annual commitment
If you prefer a longer-term commitment, Office 365 Standard also offers an annual subscription option. With this pricing model, you commit to a one-year contract and pay a discounted annual fee for each user. This can result in cost savings compared to the monthly subscription option.
When comparing Office 365 Standard vs Office 365 E3, it’s important to consider the pricing options that best fit your organization’s needs and budget. Whether you prefer the convenience of a monthly subscription or the cost savings of an annual commitment, Office 365 Standard offers flexible pricing options to suit your requirements.
How to set up Office 365 Standard?
Setting up Office 365 Standard is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Choose a subscription plan
Before you can set up Office 365 Standard, you need to select the right subscription plan. Decide if the Standard plan is suitable for your needs or if you require the more feature-rich E3 plan.
Step 2: Sign up for Office 365
Visit the official Office 365 website and sign up for an account. Provide the required information, such as your email address and password, to create your account.
Step 3: Verify your domain
To use your own domain with Office 365 Standard, you need to verify it. This involves adding a DNS record provided by Microsoft to your domain’s DNS settings. Follow the instructions provided by Microsoft to complete the verification process.
Step 4: Set up user accounts
Once your domain is verified, you can start setting up user accounts for your organization. Add users by entering their details, such as their names and email addresses, in the Office 365 admin center. Assign user licenses based on the number of users and their required access levels.
Step 5: Install Office applications
After user accounts are created, the next step is to install the Office applications for your organization. Depending on your subscription plan, you can download and install the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications on your devices.
Step 6: Configure settings and permissions
Customize your Office 365 Standard settings to meet your organization’s requirements. This includes configuring security settings, managing permissions, and setting up email and collaboration features. Utilize the admin center to manage your organization’s Office 365 settings.
Step 7: Migrate data and services
If you are migrating from a previous email or productivity system, you may need to transfer your data and services to Office 365 Standard. Microsoft provides tools and guides to assist you with data migration and service integration.
By following these steps, you can successfully set up Office 365 Standard for your organization. Enjoy the productivity and collaboration features that the platform offers!
Common issues with Office 365 Standard
Microsoft Office 365 Standard is a powerful productivity suite that offers a range of features for businesses. However, it does come with its fair share of issues that users may encounter. Here, we will explore some of the common issues with Office 365 Standard.
- Limited storage: One of the main drawbacks of Office 365 Standard is its limited storage capacity. The standard plan only provides users with a certain amount of cloud storage, which can be a challenge for businesses with large amounts of data to store.
- Lack of advanced security features: Another common issue with Office 365 Standard is the lack of advanced security features compared to the E3 plan. While the standard plan does offer basic security measures, such as encrypted email and data loss prevention, it may not be sufficient for businesses with higher security needs.
- Missing advanced collaboration tools: Office 365 Standard also lacks some of the more advanced collaboration tools that are included in the E3 plan. For example, features like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint online may not be available in the standard plan, making it more difficult for teams to collaborate effectively.
- Complex licensing structure: Some users may find the licensing structure of Office 365 Standard confusing and complex. Microsoft offers different licensing options for different plans, and understanding the limitations and features of each can be a challenge.
- Support limitations: Office 365 Standard may also have limitations when it comes to technical support. Users may experience delays or difficulties in getting assistance from Microsoft’s support team, which can be frustrating when facing issues or technical difficulties.
Despite these common issues, Office 365 Standard is still a popular choice for many businesses due to its affordability and basic productivity features. However, businesses with more advanced needs may find the E3 plan to be a better fit.
What is Office 365 E3?
Office 365 E3 is one of the subscription plans offered by Microsoft as part of their Office 365 suite of productivity tools. It is designed to provide businesses with a comprehensive set of features and services to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity within their organization.
With Office 365 E3, users have access to the full suite of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, which can be installed on multiple devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This allows users to work on their files and documents from anywhere, at any time.
In addition to the Office applications, Office 365 E3 also offers a range of other powerful tools and services. It includes Exchange Online for email hosting and management, SharePoint for document management and collaboration, and Teams for team communication and collaboration.
One of the key advantages of Office 365 E3 is that it provides advanced security and compliance features. It includes features such as data loss prevention, advanced threat protection, and encryption, which help businesses protect their sensitive data and minimize the risk of data breaches.
Key features of Office 365 E3:
- Full suite of Office applications
- Exchange Online for email hosting and management
- SharePoint for document management and collaboration
- Teams for team communication and collaboration
- Advanced security and compliance features
In comparison to Office 365 Standard, Office 365 E3 offers additional features and services that are especially beneficial for larger organizations or those with more complex collaboration and security requirements. While it may come at a higher price point, the added capabilities of Office 365 E3 make it a valuable choice for businesses looking to enhance their productivity and security.
Key features of Office 365 E3
Office 365 E3 offers a wide range of advanced features that can greatly enhance the productivity and collaboration capabilities of any organization. Compared to Office 365 Standard, it provides additional functionalities that are specifically designed to meet the needs of larger enterprises.
Advanced Security and Compliance
One of the key advantages of Office 365 E3 is its advanced security and compliance features. With E3, you get access to features like Advanced Threat Protection, which provides protection against sophisticated email attacks, and Data Loss Prevention, which helps to prevent the accidental sharing of sensitive information. Additionally, E3 includes Advanced eDiscovery, which allows for more powerful and efficient searching and analysis of data for legal and compliance purposes.
Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence
Office 365 E3 also includes advanced analytics and business intelligence features that can help organizations gain valuable insights from their data. With E3, you have access to advanced tools like Power BI Pro, which allows you to create interactive dashboards and reports, and Delve Analytics, which provides valuable insights into individual and team productivity.
E3 vs. Standard:
- Advanced security and compliance features
- Advanced analytics and business intelligence functionalities
In conclusion, Office 365 E3 offers a comprehensive suite of features that can significantly enhance the productivity and security of any organization. If you require advanced security and compliance capabilities, as well as advanced analytics and business intelligence functionalities, then E3 is the ideal plan for your business.
Benefits of choosing Office 365 E3
When comparing Office 365 Standard and E3 plans, it becomes evident that Office 365 E3 offers several benefits that make it a superior choice for many organizations:
- Advanced Security: Office 365 E3 provides advanced security features, such as Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), which helps protect against sophisticated cyber threats and malicious attacks.
- Compliance and Data Protection: With Office 365 E3, organizations can meet their compliance and data protection requirements, as it includes features like Data Loss Prevention (DLP), eDiscovery, and Legal Hold.
- Advanced Analytics and Business Intelligence: Office 365 E3 includes powerful analytics and business intelligence tools, such as Power BI Pro and Delve Analytics, which enable organizations to gain valuable insights from their data.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Office 365 E3 offers enhanced collaboration capabilities through features like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, and Yammer, allowing teams to work together efficiently and effectively.
- Advanced Productivity Tools: Office 365 E3 includes advanced productivity tools like PowerApps and Flow, which enable organizations to automate processes and create custom business applications without the need for extensive coding.
- Unlimited Archive and Mailbox Size: Unlike Office 365 Standard, Office 365 E3 provides unlimited archive and mailbox size, allowing users to store and manage large amounts of data without restrictions.
- Voicemail Integration: Office 365 E3 offers voicemail integration, enabling users to access their voicemail messages directly from their email inbox, making communication more streamlined and efficient.
- Advanced Office Applications: Office 365 E3 includes advanced versions of Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, providing users with additional features and functionality.
Overall, Office 365 E3 stands out with its comprehensive set of features and capabilities, making it the preferred choice for organizations looking for advanced security, compliance, collaboration, and productivity tools.
Pricing options for Office 365 E3
When comparing Office 365 Standard and E3 plans, one important factor to consider is the pricing options available for the E3 plan. The E3 plan offers a range of pricing options, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can find a plan that fits their budget and needs.
Monthly subscription
The E3 plan is available as a monthly subscription, allowing businesses to pay for the service on a month-to-month basis. This pricing option provides flexibility for businesses that may have changing needs or want to try out the E3 plan without a long-term commitment.
Annual commitment
For businesses that are ready to make a longer-term commitment to the E3 plan, there is also an annual subscription option. By committing for a full year, businesses can often enjoy discounted pricing compared to the monthly subscription option. This can be a cost-effective choice for businesses that know they will be using the E3 plan for an extended period of time.
It’s also worth noting that the pricing options for Office 365 E3 can vary based on the number of users and any additional add-ons or features that a business may choose to include. Businesses should carefully review the pricing details to ensure they are getting the best value for their investment.
In conclusion, the pricing options for Office 365 E3 allow businesses to choose a plan that aligns with their budget and needs. Whether opting for a monthly or annual subscription, businesses can access the powerful features and capabilities of the E3 plan to enhance productivity and collaboration in their organization.
How to set up Office 365 E3?
To set up Office 365 E3, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Choose the right plan
Before setting up Office 365 E3, it is essential to select the appropriate plan that meets your organization’s needs. You can compare the features and benefits of Office 365 Standard and E3 plans to make an informed decision.
Step 2: Sign up for Office 365 E3
Once you have decided on Office 365 E3, visit the Office 365 website and sign up for the E3 plan. Provide the necessary information, such as your organization’s name, number of users, and billing details.
Step 3: Configure your domain
To use Office 365 E3 with your organization’s domain, you need to configure your domain settings. This involves verifying your domain ownership and updating the necessary DNS records.
Step 4: Add users and assign licenses
After configuring your domain, you can add users to your Office 365 E3 subscription and assign licenses to them. This step ensures that each user has access to the E3 features and services.
Step 5: Set up email and other services
With Office 365 E3, you can set up email services using Exchange Online. Configure the email settings, such as email addresses and mailboxes, to enable seamless communication within your organization.
In addition to email, you can also set up other services, such as SharePoint Online for collaboration, OneDrive for Business for cloud storage, and Microsoft Teams for team communication and collaboration.
By following these steps, you can successfully set up Office 365 E3 and leverage its powerful features and services for your organization.
Common issues with Office 365 E3
As organizations consider the best plan for their office productivity needs, they often find themselves comparing the features and benefits of Office 365 Standard and E3 plans. While Office 365 E3 offers a comprehensive suite of tools and functionalities, it also comes with its fair share of common issues that organizations should be aware of.
1. Cost
One common issue with Office 365 E3 is the cost associated with it. Compared to the Standard plan, the E3 plan is pricier, and this increased cost may not be justifiable for organizations with limited budgets or smaller teams.
2. Complexity
Another common issue with Office 365 E3 is the complexity of its features and functionalities. With a wide array of tools and capabilities, it can be overwhelming for users to fully understand and utilize all the available options. This complexity can potentially lead to a steep learning curve for users, resulting in decreased productivity initially.
Additionally, the complexity of the E3 plan may also require organizations to invest more time and resources in training and support to ensure that employees can make the most out of the available features.
3. Compatibility
When migrating to Office 365 E3, organizations may also face compatibility issues with their existing applications and systems. Due to the advanced features and functionalities of E3, certain applications or systems may not be fully compatible or require additional configurations to work seamlessly with the new environment.
It is important for organizations to thoroughly evaluate their current systems and assess the potential impact of E3 on their existing workflows to avoid any disruptions or compatibility issues.
In conclusion, while Office 365 E3 offers a robust set of features and functionalities, organizations should consider the common issues associated with it, such as cost, complexity, and compatibility. By taking these factors into account, organizations can make an informed decision and choose the plan that best suits their specific needs and requirements.
Comparison of features between Office 365 Standard and E3
Office 365 Standard and E3 are two popular plans offered by Microsoft as part of their Office 365 suite. While both plans offer a range of productivity and collaboration tools, there are some key differences between them.
| Office 365 Standard | Office 365 E3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Includes the core Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. | Includes all the applications in Office 365 Standard, plus additional apps like Access, Publisher, and Teams. |
| Email and Calendars | Offers Exchange Online for email and calendars. | Offers Exchange Online for email and calendars, with advanced features like legal hold and data loss prevention. |
| Advanced Security | Basic security features like antivirus and anti-spam protection. | Includes advanced security features like threat intelligence, advanced threat protection, and data classification. |
| Compliance | Allows for basic compliance needs like message encryption and data loss prevention policies. | Offers advanced compliance features like eDiscovery, archiving, and information protection. |
| Advanced Analytics | Does not include advanced analytics tools. | Includes Power BI Pro for advanced data visualization and analytics. |
| Price | Lower priced compared to E3. | Higher priced compared to Standard, but includes more features and applications. |
When deciding between Office 365 Standard and E3, it’s important to consider your organization’s specific needs and requirements. If you need additional applications, advanced security and compliance features, and advanced analytics, E3 may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective option without advanced features, Office 365 Standard could be a suitable choice.
Comparison of pricing options between Office 365 Standard and E3
When it comes to choosing between Office 365 Standard and E3 plans, one of the factors that businesses consider is the pricing options. Here, we will compare the pricing options for both plans:
- Office 365 Standard: This plan is priced at $12.50 per user per month. It offers essential features such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, along with cloud storage.
- Office 365 E3: With a premium price of $20 per user per month, the E3 plan offers everything included in the Standard plan, along with advanced features. These features include more advanced security and compliance tools, such as data loss prevention, advanced threat protection, and eDiscovery.
While the Standard plan is more cost-effective, the E3 plan provides additional security and compliance features that may be necessary for certain businesses. It’s important to assess your organization’s specific needs and budget before making a decision between the two options.
Which plan is right for you: Office 365 Standard or E3?
When evaluating the right plan for your business, it’s important to consider the features and capabilities that are most essential to your organization’s needs. Both Office 365 Standard and E3 offer a range of tools and services designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security.
Office 365 Standard:
The Office 365 Standard plan includes popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with 1TB of cloud storage per user. It also provides email hosting and custom email domains, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
However, if your organization requires advanced security features, compliance tools, and enhanced data protection, you may want to consider the Office 365 E3 plan instead.
Office 365 E3:
The Office 365 E3 plan offers all the features of Office 365 Standard, plus additional capabilities that are particularly useful for larger organizations and enterprises. These include advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, advanced auditing, and eDiscovery capabilities.
E3 also provides users with a wider range of applications, such as SharePoint, Teams, and Power Automate, allowing for more comprehensive collaboration and workflow automation.
Considering the higher price point of the E3 plan, it’s important to assess your organization’s specific requirements and determine if the additional features justify the investment.
In summary, the choice between Office 365 Standard and E3 ultimately depends on your organization’s size, security needs, and desired level of collaboration and productivity tools. Office 365 Standard is a suitable option for smaller businesses, while E3 offers additional features and capabilities that are well-suited for larger organizations.
Question-answer:
What is the difference between Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans?
The main difference between Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans is the availability of additional features and services. The E3 Plan includes all the features of the Standard Plan, such as Microsoft Office applications, email hosting, and OneDrive storage, but it also offers additional services like advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and advanced security features.
Do both Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans offer email hosting?
Yes, both Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans include email hosting as part of their features. This means that you can create and manage email accounts for your domain using Microsoft Exchange Online.
Can I use Microsoft Office applications with both Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans?
Yes, both Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans include access to Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You can install these applications on your computer or access them online through your browser.
What additional security features are included in the E3 Plan?
The E3 Plan includes advanced security features such as advanced threat protection, which helps protect your organization against sophisticated attacks. It also includes data loss prevention, which helps you prevent sensitive information from being shared outside your organization. These additional security features provide an extra layer of protection for your data and emails.
Is there a price difference between Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans?
Yes, there is a price difference between Office 365 Standard and E3 Plans. The E3 Plan is typically priced higher than the Standard Plan, as it includes additional features and services. The exact pricing may vary depending on your location and the number of users in your organization, so it’s best to contact Microsoft or a reseller for specific pricing information.
What are the differences between Office 365 Standard and E3 plans?
The main difference between Office 365 Standard and E3 plans is the range of features and functionality they offer. The E3 plan includes additional features like unlimited OneDrive storage, advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and advanced compliance tools, while the Standard plan offers basic productivity features like email, file storage, and online collaboration tools.