Office 365 is a cloud-based suite of productivity apps like Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. Microsoft 365 is a bundle of services including Office 365, plus several other services including the Microsoft Security suite.

Microsoft 365 is used by all types of people, businesses, and organizations. Its 250 million + monthly subscribers use it for email, team communication and collaboration, video conferencing, cloud storage, document management, enterprise search, content management and business planning.

In many cases, Microsoft 365 can be more cost-effective than purchasing the individual components separately. With Microsoft 365, businesses pay a subscription fee per user, which typically includes access to multiple applications and services, as well as regular updates and support. This subscription model can often offer better value compared to the cumulative cost of purchasing licenses for each component separately, especially considering the additional benefits such as cloud storage, security features, and ongoing updates included in the Microsoft 365 subscription.

Determining the appropriate Microsoft 365 licence depends on factors such as the size of your organisation, specific needs, and desired features. Microsoft offers several licence options tailored to different business requirements. Here’s a brief overview: 

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: Ideal for very small businesses just needing essential productivity and collaboration tools like Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams. 
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Suitable for businesses requiring full Office applications plus advanced email, cloud storage, and collaboration features. 
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Offers all the features of Business Standard along with advanced security and device management capabilities. 
• Microsoft 365 Enterprise Plans: Designed for larger organisations with more advanced needs, offering a range of options tailored to different business sizes and industries, including E3 and E5. 
• Microsoft 365 Education Plans: Specifically for educational institutions, providing access to Office applications, collaboration tools, and security features for students and staff. 

Before selecting a licence, assess your organisation’s requirements, budget, and compliance needs. Microsoft’s licensing guide and consulting with a Microsoft Partner can help ensure you choose the most suitable licence for your organisation. 

For businesses looking to integrate M365 Copilot into their operations, Microsoft offers the service at £24.70 per user per month (annual commitment, excluding VAT). Seamlessly integrated with Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot provides users with AI-powered chat and enterprise-grade security, privacy, and compliance. 

For those not yet part of the Microsoft ecosystem, the purchase of a Microsoft 365 plan is the initial step toward unlocking Copilot’s potential. 

Enterprise customers must hold a licence for Microsoft 365 E3 or E5, or Office 365 E3 or E5. Meanwhile, CSP customers require a licence for Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium. This ensures a seamless and compliant integration of Copilot into your existing Microsoft environment.