What is Microsoft 365 and what does it include?
Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is a subscription service that includes Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) plus a range of cloud services. The key difference from a traditional purchase: you pay monthly per user and always have the latest version of the software.
In addition to Office applications, Microsoft 365 Business plans include: Exchange email (business email on your domain with a 50 GB mailbox), SharePoint and OneDrive (cloud storage and file sharing), Microsoft Teams (video conferencing and chat), and advanced security features.
Plans and pricing for businesses
| Plan | Price (monthly/user) | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic | ~6 EUR | Web Office, Teams, Exchange, 1TB OneDrive |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | ~12 EUR | Desktop Office, all from Basic + advanced Teams |
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | ~22 EUR | All from Standard + advanced security and device management |
For a company with 10 employees on the Business Standard plan, that's around 120 EUR per month or ~1,440 EUR per year. For comparison, a classic Office 2021 licence for one user costs around 150–200 EUR — but that's a one-time purchase without cloud services.
When is Microsoft 365 worth it?
- You need business email on your own domain — Exchange email in Microsoft 365 is a simple and reliable solution. The alternative (your own mail server) requires IT expertise and ongoing maintenance resources.
- Your team works remotely or in a hybrid model — Teams for video calls and SharePoint for document sharing are excellent tools for distributed teams.
- You always need a current Office version — no worries about outdated versions and compatibility issues with clients.
- Data security matters to you — Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes advanced protection that would otherwise be more expensive as a separate product.
Our assessment: For companies with 5+ employees who need business email and collaboration tools — Microsoft 365 Business Standard is worth it. For companies that only need Office without email and cloud services — a classic licence is the cheaper option.
Alternatives worth considering
Microsoft 365 isn't the only option. Google Workspace offers a similar package (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet) at a similar price and is in some cases easier to use. For companies that don't need cloud services, purchasing Office 2021 licences is a one-time investment without monthly costs.
Conclusion
Microsoft 365 is an excellent solution for companies that need reliable business email, document collaboration, and a modern communication tool. For companies with simpler needs, it may be an unnecessary expense.
If you're not sure which plan and licensing model suits your company, contact us. We help clients select and implement the right software solution.