If your business relies on Microsoft 365, upgrading to Microsoft 365 Business Premium can enhance security, productivity, and IT management. Many companies stick with Microsoft 365 Business Standard, unaware that they’re missing out on advanced cybersecurity, remote device management, and compliance tools—features included in Business Premium.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Business Premium, including:
If you're wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, keep reading.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a productivity and security suite designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It includes everything in Business Standard—Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive—plus enterprise-level security, device management, and identity protection.
| Feature | Microsoft 365 Business Standard | Microsoft 365 Business Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Office Apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Email & Cloud Storage (1TB OneDrive) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | ✅ Basic | ✅ Advanced (Conditional Access) |
| Microsoft Intune (Device Management) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Data Loss Prevention (DLP) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Remote Device Wipe | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Compliance & eDiscovery | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Cyberattacks on SMBs are increasing, with phishing and ransomware being major threats. Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes Microsoft Defender for Office 365, which provides:
Without these built-in protections, your business is at greater risk of cyber threats that could lead to data breaches, downtime, and financial losses.
Related read: What Is Phishing-Resistant MFA? A Must-Know Guide for SMBs
Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks for businesses. Business Premium includes Azure Active Directory Premium P1, enabling:
These features help businesses implement a Zero Trust security model, ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive data.
Related read: Why Your Business Needs a Password Manager: The Ultimate Guide
With employees working remotely or using personal devices for work, securing company data is more challenging. Microsoft Intune allows you to:
This is essential for businesses operating in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments.
Related read: BYOD Policies: Security Risks, Challenges & Solutions for Businesses
Accidentally sharing sensitive data with the wrong people is a major business risk. Business Premium includes Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and email encryption, which help:
This is critical for businesses handling financial, healthcare, or legal data that must comply with data protection regulations.
Related read: How to Reduce SharePoint Online Storage: A Complete Guide for Businesses
If your business operates in a regulated industry such as healthcare, finance, or legal, compliance is essential. Business Premium helps meet industry standards with:
Related read: Do You Really Need Cyber Insurance? Here’s What You Must Know
Many businesses pay for separate security and compliance tools, unaware that Business Premium already includes:
By consolidating security and compliance tools into one Microsoft subscription, businesses can cut costs while strengthening security.
Yes. If your business values security, compliance, and IT efficiency, the upgrade is highly recommended.
Yes. The transition is seamless, with no disruption to your existing data or settings.
Enterprise plans (E3, E5) offer additional security and compliance tools, but Business Premium provides enterprise-level protection at a lower cost, making it ideal for SMBs.
Relate read: Global Admin Access in Microsoft 365: Should You Have It & How to Secure It
Yes, Microsoft Teams is included in both Business Standard and Business Premium. However, Microsoft Teams Premium is a separate add-on with AI-powered features and advanced meeting controls.
With Microsoft Intune, you can remotely wipe or lock the lost device, preventing unauthorized access to company data.
No, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 provides built-in antivirus, anti-malware, and phishing protection, eliminating the need for third-party security software.
Yes, Business Premium is designed for SMBs that need strong security, device management, and compliance tools without the high cost of enterprise plans.
Yes. Employees can use personal devices for work, and Microsoft Intune ensures corporate data stays secure while maintaining employee privacy.
Upgrading to Business Premium is a proactive step toward a more secure and efficient business. If you need help with licensing, migration, or security setup, our MSP team is here to assist you.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is more than just a productivity suite—it’s a powerful security and compliance solution that helps businesses stay protected. Whether you’re looking to enhance security, improve IT management, or meet industry regulations, upgrading is a smart choice.
Contact us today to get started.
Related read: How to Choose the Right IT Service Provider for Your Business