Quick answer: Choose Business Basic for web/email-only users, Business Standard for desktop Office apps, and Business Premium when you need advanced security and device management.
The three core plans
| Plan | Best for | Key inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Business Basic | Email + web apps | Exchange, Teams, web Office, OneDrive |
| Business Standard | Full desktop Office | Basic + desktop Word/Excel/Outlook |
| Business Premium | Security-conscious SMEs | Standard + Intune, Defender, advanced security |
How to choose
- Count users who genuinely need desktop apps vs web-only
- Factor in device management and security (Premium) for compliance
- Mix plans across your team — you don't need one plan for everyone
Licensing tips for South African businesses
Keep proof of licences for audits, align renewals, and bundle licensing with hardware rollouts for a single VAT invoice.
