Microsoft 365 Business Standard 12M 2021 (ESD)

At a glance

Microsoft 365 Business Standard 12M 2021 (ESD) provides essential productivity and collaboration tools for small businesses, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and cloud storage. It suits growing teams needing secure remote access and easy management. Its strengths are seamless integration and multi-device support, but advanced IT customisation options are limited compared to enterprise plans.

What it’s great for

• Team Collaboration
• Document Management
• Secure Cloud Storage
• Remote Work
• Business Communication

Where it works best

• Home Office
• Small Business Workspace
• Remote Teams
• Co-working Spaces

Who it’s for

• Small Business Owners
• Remote Workers
• Team Leaders
• Entrepreneurs

Things to consider

Lacks advanced IT controls and customisation found in enterprise-level solutions.

Small business suitability score

9/10 — Designed for small business needs with strong collaboration and security features.

Ease of use rating

8/10 — User-friendly interface and easy onboarding, but some features require basic IT knowledge.

Device compatibility assessment

Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices for flexible access.

Protection comprehensiveness

Comprehensive — Includes encryption, threat detection, and secure cloud storage for business data.

Key benefits

• Office Apps: Access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for seamless productivity.
• Microsoft Teams: Enables real-time collaboration and communication across devices.
• OneDrive Cloud Storage: 1TB per user for secure file storage and sharing.
• Email Hosting: Professional email with 50GB mailbox per user.
• Multi-device Support: Works across PC, Mac, tablets, and smartphones.
• Automatic Updates: Ensures users always have the latest features and security patches.
• Built-in Security: Protects data with advanced threat detection and encryption.
• Admin Controls: Simple user and device management via central dashboard.