Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the plan that adds real security and device management to the familiar Office apps and email. For a small business that takes security seriously, it usually costs less than buying the equivalent protection as separate products.
What it adds over Business Standard
- Microsoft Defender for Business – EDR-grade endpoint protection with threat detection and response
- Intune device management – enforce encryption, screen locks and app policies on laptops and phones; remote-wipe a lost device
- Entra ID Plan 1 – conditional access (block risky logins), self-service password reset
- Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 – safe links and attachments, anti-phishing
- Information protection – sensitivity labels and basic data loss prevention
- Windows 11 Business upgrade rights
Who it is for
Any business holding client, financial or health data; any firm with a compliance obligation; any team with laptops that leave the office. The device management and conditional access alone justify it for most professional firms.
Is it worth the extra cost?
Compared with Business Standard plus separate EDR, MDM and identity products, Business Premium is usually cheaper and simpler. Compared with running no real security – it prevents the incident that costs far more. See the Microsoft 365 security checklist.
Need help with Microsoft 365? See our cloud services or talk to our Edmonton team.
Microsoft 365 guides
- Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365 licensing explained
- What you get with Business Premium
- OneDrive vs SharePoint vs Teams files
- Microsoft 365 security checklist
- Is Microsoft 365 backed up?
- Migrating email to Microsoft 365
Frequently asked questions
Is Business Premium worth it for a small business?
For most, yes. It bundles endpoint security, device management and conditional access that you would otherwise buy separately at higher total cost – or, more often, go without.
What is the difference between Business Standard and Business Premium?
Standard has the Office apps, email and Teams. Premium adds Defender endpoint protection, Intune device management, conditional access and advanced email security.
Do we need Business Premium for every user?
Generally yes, for consistent security. Microsoft allows some mixing, but partial coverage leaves gaps. We help you licence it sensibly.
How does Scandifix help?
We licence, configure and manage Business Premium – Defender, Intune policies, conditional access – so the features you are paying for are actually switched on and tuned.