Understanding Microsoft 365 Plans and Requirements

When selecting a Microsoft 365 plan for your business, it’s important to understand the different options available, the requirements for setup, and the responsibilities that come with each plan. This guide will help you navigate these choices and make an informed decision.

Types of Microsoft 365 Plans

Microsoft 365 offers a variety of plans tailored to different business needs. Here are the primary categories:

Microsoft 365 Business Plans

Business Basic

Includes web and mobile versions of Office apps, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, and email hosting with a 50 GB mailbox. Suitable for businesses needing basic productivity tools and email services without the need for desktop applications.
Business Standard

Adds desktop versions of Office apps, email hosting, and additional tools for collaboration and productivity. Ideal for businesses that need offline access to Office apps and more robust features.
Business Premium

Includes all features of Business Standard plus advanced security and device management tools. Best for businesses requiring enhanced security and control over their IT environment.

Microsoft 365 Exchange Email Only Plans

Exchange Online Plan 1

Provides a 50 GB mailbox and access to email via Outlook on the web. Suitable for businesses that need reliable email services without additional Office apps.
Exchange Online Plan 2

Offers a 100 GB mailbox, data loss prevention, and cloud voicemail services. Ideal for businesses with higher email storage needs and advanced compliance requirements.

Standalone Microsoft 365 Apps

Microsoft 365 Apps for Business

Includes desktop versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, without email services. Suitable for businesses that already have an email solution and only need Office apps.

Domain and DNS Management

To set up Microsoft 365, you need to know where your domain name is registered and where your DNS is managed. This is crucial for configuring email and other services.

Domain Registration

You can use the ICANN Lookup tool to find out where your domain is registered.
DNS Management

If your DNS is not managed by your domain registrar, you need to identify the DNS provider to update records for Microsoft 365 services.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is an integral part of the Microsoft 365 suite, offering chat, online meetings, and collaboration tools. It’s included in most business plans, but some plans are available without Teams. Ensure you choose a plan that includes Teams if your business requires these collaboration features.

Commitment Options: Annual vs. Monthly

Microsoft 365 subscriptions can be purchased with either an annual or monthly commitment. Each option has its pros and cons:

Annual Commitment

Offers cost savings (up to 20%) and price stability for a year. Best suited for businesses with stable employee numbers and long-term needs.
Monthly Commitment

Provides flexibility to add or remove licenses as needed, ideal for businesses with fluctuating staff numbers or short-term projects. However, it comes with a higher cost compared to annual plans.

Responsibilities and Considerations

Employee Turnover

If your business experiences high employee turnover, a monthly commitment may be more suitable to avoid paying for unused licenses.
Cancellation Policies

Be aware of the cancellation policies for your chosen plan. Annual commitments generally do not allow for a reduction in the number of licenses during the term, while monthly plans offer more flexibility.

Review and Resources

For more detailed information on the specific Microsoft 365 plans offered by KartHost, please review the following pages:

Understanding these options and requirements allows you to choose the best Microsoft 365 plan for your business needs and ensure a smooth setup and management process.

KloudEmail

Hosted Exchange

M365 Exchange Email

Google Workspace

Email Security

Microsoft 365 Email & Apps

365 & KloudEmail Bundle

Microsoft 365 Email & Apps

365 & KloudEmail Bundle