Big changes have come to Office 365 very recently. The most noticeable difference right away is that as of April 21, 2020, Microsoft has officially changed the name of its productivity suite from Office 365 to Microsoft 365. During that transition, there has been a plethora of updates implemented, and there is a lot more on the table. Is now finally the right time for your organization to make the switch to Microsoft’s all-in-one cloud solution? Today we’re taking a closer look at some of the latest features to help you make that determination.

What Is Microsoft 365?

For those who need a quick refresher, the main idea behind Microsoft 365 is pretty much the same as it was when it was Office 365. It’s a cloud-based subscription service that provides users with important productivity applications used by all organizations big and small. These include the usual basic necessities such as a word processor, spreadsheet, email client, calendar and presentation application, along with 15 additional applications that offer a ton of utilization. Because its cloud-based, not only can your organization benefit from remote collaboration from anywhere, but also the entire suite enjoys frequent updates and enhancements from Microsoft.

What Is the Difference Between Office 365 and Microsoft 365?

If you’re already familiar with Office 365 and are worried about the change, you’re not losing out on anything. Microsoft 365 comes with absolutely everything Office 365 had. The main difference is that Microsoft 365 is an all-in-one bundle. For example, if you get the Microsoft 365 Enterprise plan, it includes the entire Office 365 suite, Windows 10 Pro and Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) for a complete, interconnected experience. What’s more, the Windows 10 Enterprise license it comes with can be used to license Virtual Desktops in Microsoft Azure through traditional VDI or through Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD).

What License Options Does Microsoft 365 Have?

Microsoft 365 is split into three categories: Business, Enterprise and Education.

1.    Microsoft 365 Business

Microsoft 365 Business is focused around SMB deployments. It includes Office 365 Business (not ProPlus), some basic EMS functionality and Microsoft Intune for device management. These plans are an upgrade from the Office 365 Business Premium plans.

2.    Microsoft 365 Enterprise

Microsoft 365 Enterprise plans not only mirror the traditional Office 365 E3/E5 plans but also add the Windows 10 Enterprise license with EMS, as mentioned above. These plans are an upgrade from the Office 365 E3/E5 plans and include critical security features like Azure Information Protection, Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection and Microsoft Intune. There is also a new F1 plan within M365 Enterprise, which is designed for users who need limited access to M365 services. These plans allow users to fully manage their desktop infrastructure either on-premise or in the cloud.

3.    Microsoft 365 Education

Microsoft 365 Education is designed specifically for students and teachers both in the classroom and out. Its main focus is on providing productivity tools required for schools and colleges at a discounted price. They are split into A1, A3 and A5 license levels, with A1 being a one-time per device license while the A3/A5 licenses are traditional monthly recurring costs. In addition, with most levels, pricing is based on teacher licenses, with students being able to be added to the plan at no cost.

With everything being packaged together like this, Microsoft 365 may finally be the ideal solution for your organization. Would you like to find out? Contact us about your options, and together we’ll help you determine the best steps for your organization to take. Once we’ve figured it out, we’ll gladly help you through the transition.

With everything in one bundle, it’s even less for you to worry about. And helping you worry less is what we specialize in.

Since 1995, Manassas Park, VA-based V2 Systems has employed local systems administrators, network engineers, security consultants, help desk technicians and partnering companies to meet a wide range of clients’ IT needs, from research, to implementation, to maintenance. Concentrate on your VISION…We’ll handle the TECHNOLOGY!