What Is Microsoft 365 Business Premium?

Microsoft 365 Business Premium builds on the Business Basic plan by adding desktop Office applications and powerful security features. It fits businesses that need the full suite of productivity tools plus comprehensive protection against cyber threats and data leaks.

This plan suits companies that want to empower employees with flexible work options—whether in the office, at home, or on the move—while keeping sensitive information safe and regulatory requirements met.

What Could Your Team Achieve?

With Business Premium, your team can install the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more on their desktops. This means access to advanced features and offline capabilities that web and mobile apps don’t provide. Teams can edit complex spreadsheets, design detailed presentations, and manage emails without connectivity concerns.

Imagine a product design team using advanced Excel formulas and PowerPoint animations in offline mode while travelling. Or finance teams running macros and working with large datasets securely on their laptops. This flexibility lets employees stay productive regardless of location or internet access.

Advanced Security for Peace of Mind

Cybersecurity risks grow daily, making protection essential. Business Premium delivers enterprise-grade safeguards, including:

• Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Shields against phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks within email and attachments.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Automatically detects and blocks sensitive information sharing outside authorised channels.
• Conditional Access and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforces access controls based on user location and device security status, adding a vital layer of protection.
• Intune Device Management: Enables IT to manage and secure company data on employee devices, enforcing policies and remote wipe capabilities if a device is lost or stolen.

These features reduce risk without adding complexity, allowing businesses without dedicated security teams to operate confidently.

Security breaches can cripple a business. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023, the average breach costs organisations $4.45 million. Business Premium’s built-in protections help mitigate these risks at a fraction of the cost and complexity of enterprise solutions.

Collaboration and Communication Made Easy

Microsoft Teams remains the central hub for teamwork, integrating chat, video calls, file sharing, and app collaboration in one platform. Teams can organise work by projects, departments, or topics using channels, enabling focused discussions.

With up to 300 participants per meeting, your company can hold virtual conferences, workshops, or training sessions without external software. Teams also integrates tightly with SharePoint and OneDrive, keeping documents accessible and secure.

Consider a sales team spread across Asia conducting daily briefings and sharing client presentations via Teams. The ability to collaborate in real time keeps momentum high and avoids delays common in email-based communication.

Secure and Flexible Storage

Business Premium provides 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user, just like Business Basic, but benefits from additional security controls. Files sync smoothly across devices, and version histories prevent accidental overwrites.

SharePoint Online lets your business create intranet sites to share company-wide news, policies, and resources. This central repository helps maintain clarity and consistency as your team grows.

For example, HR can use SharePoint to maintain employee handbooks, training materials, and compliance documents in one secure, easily accessible location. This reduces the risk of outdated or misplaced information and streamlines onboarding.

Who Should Consider Microsoft 365 Business Premium?

This plan suits businesses that:

• Require full desktop Office applications for advanced workflows.
• Need strong, built-in cybersecurity without complex setups.
• Have remote or hybrid teams demanding flexible, secure access.
• Manage sensitive data requiring compliance with industry standards.
• Seek a cost-effective alternative to enterprise plans without sacrificing essential features.

For example, a financial advisory firm with confidential client data benefits from DLP and threat protection to meet regulatory demands. A tech startup can empower developers and marketers with full desktop apps and cloud collaboration while safeguarding intellectual property through device management.

Things to Keep in Mind

While Business Premium is feature-rich, it has some boundaries:

• It supports up to 300 users, which is adequate for most SMBs but not large enterprises.
• Advanced compliance tools for regulated sectors may require higher-tier Microsoft plans.
• Setting up device management and security features benefits from expert guidance to ensure policies fit your organisation’s needs.

Getting Started with Confidence

Implementing Microsoft 365 Business Premium is more than just purchasing licences. Ensuring smooth adoption requires planning and training. Teams must understand security policies, new tools, and best practices to avoid common pitfalls.

JET IT Services specialises in helping businesses deploy Business Premium efficiently. We tailor configurations to your workflows, set up device management policies, and train staff to maximise the platform’s benefits.

Whether you’re moving from a legacy system or upgrading from Business Basic, expert guidance reduces downtime and accelerates your team’s productivity gains.