Imagine equipping your team with the right tools to work smarter, collaborate seamlessly, and stay productive from anywhere—without overcomplicating your IT needs. For businesses that are scaling up and need powerful functionality without advanced cybersecurity management, Microsoft 365 Business Standard offers the ideal balance.
It goes beyond basic email and file sharing, bringing together professional-grade productivity tools with cloud-powered flexibility. Whether your team is in the office, at home, or on the move, Business Standard provides a dependable, scalable foundation to get work done—efficiently and securely.
Key Takeaways From This Article
- Full desktop versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Email hosting with 50 GB mailbox and custom domain addresses.
- Microsoft Teams for collaboration, meetings, and chat.
- 1 TB OneDrive cloud storage per user for easy file access and sharing.
- Ideal for up to 300 users, supporting business growth with simplicity.
What Is Microsoft 365 Business Standard?
Microsoft 365 Business Standard is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need more than the basics but aren’t ready for the full security suite of Business Premium. It includes powerful tools like desktop Office apps, Teams, OneDrive, and Exchange—providing everything your team needs to collaborate and communicate.
Unlike Business Basic, which offers only web and mobile Office apps, Business Standard unlocks the full desktop experience—critical for handling complex files, advanced formatting, and offline work.
Who Is It For?
Business Standard is perfect for:
- Teams that want the full desktop Office experience without additional cybersecurity management.
- Remote or hybrid teams that require reliable cloud collaboration tools.
- Businesses that need professional-grade email and calendaring.
- Organizations growing fast and seeking an affordable productivity platform that scales with them.
For example, a marketing agency can use Business Standard to draft proposals in Word, manage project timelines in Excel, collaborate on campaigns in Teams, and store brand assets in OneDrive—all while staying connected with clients through Outlook.
Productivity That Goes Beyond the Browser
With Business Standard, users can install Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher (PC only) on up to five devices. This offers flexibility and offline access that web apps can’t match.
Imagine a consultant finalizing a pitch deck on a plane using PowerPoint’s advanced features. Or a small business owner preparing quarterly budgets in Excel without needing an internet connection. Business Standard empowers work anywhere, anytime, without compromise.
Collaboration Built for Modern Teams
Microsoft Teams is at the heart of Business Standard, offering a unified space for:
- Real-time chat and meetings
- File sharing and co-authoring
- Project-based collaboration with channels
Your teams can hold video meetings, collaborate on documents in real time, and stay organized—no matter their location.
For instance, a design firm can use Teams to brainstorm ideas, present concepts to clients via video, and centralize project discussions—all in one place.
Professional Email and Scheduling
Business Standard includes Exchange Online, giving each user a 50 GB mailbox and the ability to use a custom domain (e.g., you@yourcompany.com). Outlook helps manage email, calendars, contacts, and tasks with ease—crucial for maintaining client relationships and internal coordination.
For example, a legal office can keep appointments, case correspondence, and follow-ups organized in one place, streamlining operations.
Cloud Storage and File Sharing Made Easy
Each user gets 1 TB of OneDrive storage, ensuring easy access to files from any device. With built-in version history and secure sharing options, your team can collaborate without losing track of changes.
Additionally, SharePoint Online lets teams build shared workspaces and intranet sites, ideal for company-wide content like onboarding documents or marketing templates.
What’s Not Included?
While Business Standard is packed with tools, it’s important to understand its limitations:
- No built-in advanced security tools like Microsoft Defender or Intune.
- No device management for company-owned laptops or mobile phones.
- Businesses needing compliance support (e.g., for HIPAA, GDPR) may require Business Premium or Enterprise licenses.
- No automatic DLP or conditional access—those are reserved for higher-tier plans.
However, for many small to midsize businesses, these tradeoffs are acceptable in exchange for a simpler setup and lower cost.
Why Choose Business Standard?
Choose Business Standard if your organization:
- Prioritizes productivity, collaboration, and flexibility over enterprise-grade security.
- Needs desktop Office apps and email hosting in one affordable plan.
- Operates with limited in-house IT support and wants easy deployment.
- Is growing steadily and needs scalable tools that don’t require major investments in infrastructure.
A nonprofit organization, for example, can benefit from Business Standard’s robust collaboration tools without the need for complex security setups. A small real estate agency can manage listings, customer communication, and document sharing seamlessly.
Getting Started with Business Standard
Transitioning to Business Standard is straightforward. Whether you’re moving from a legacy platform or upgrading from Business Basic, the setup process is user-friendly. Still, working with a Microsoft partner can help ensure:
- Proper licensing and account configuration
- Email migration from previous providers
- Training for Teams, OneDrive, and Office apps
At JET IT Services, we help businesses implement Business Standard efficiently. Our team ensures your setup fits your workflows and that your staff is equipped to get the most from the tools they use every day.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard is about enabling your team to do their best work—without unnecessary complexity. If you’re focused on productivity, collaboration, and growth, it could be the perfect step forward.
Ready to Boost Your Team’s Productivity with Microsoft 365 Business Standard?
Let JET IT Services help you get started with a smooth transition and expert setup. From licensing and email migration to staff training and ongoing support, we ensure your business makes the most of these powerful tools—so your team can collaborate, communicate, and grow effortlessly.
Contact JET IT today and unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Business Standard for your business!
About JET IT Services
JET helps businesses in China overcome IT challenges with reliable, compliant, and secure solutions. From network optimization to cybersecurity, we ensure your IT systems run smoothly so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business!