Difference Between Microsoft Business Essentials and Premium (With Table)

In the world of technology and software, applications have been trusted since times immemorial. Since Microsoft is one of the most reliable companies providing packages at affordable rates, all three variants are widely purchased. These include Business basic, standard, and premium. They can be distinguished based on compatibility and main features.

Microsoft Business Essentials vs Microsoft Business Premium

The main difference between Microsoft Business Essentials and Microsoft Business Premium is that the former is the traditional desktop version while the latter is more advanced for multi-device usage. Both are equally efficient but the advanced Premium version is held in high spirits.

Microsoft Business Essentials is the offline version of Microsoft Business tools. It allows users to access the necessary features without joining the online database.

Microsoft Business Premium is the online version of Microsoft Business tools. It is adequate for advanced cloud computing services, thanks to four dedicated applications included for the same purpose.

Comparison Table Between Microsoft Business Essentials And Microsoft Business Premium

Parameters of Comparison

Microsoft Business Essentials

Microsoft Business Premium

Definition

Microsoft Business Essentials incorporates the online versions of the basic components including video conferencing and email facilities.

Microsoft Business Premium is the integrated version of Microsoft which includes the respective functions of Business and Essentials.

Mode of Work

Office online is used in Essentials.

Online work is easily accessed by Premium features.

Cloud Service

One Drive is available for all cloud computing features related to Microsoft Business Essentials.

The Premium version has added benefits of Teams, Exchange, and SharePoint.

Main Features

It is compatible with PC and Mac only.

It is compatible with Mac, PC, phones, and tablets.

Complementary Applications

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are the applications included in the Essentials package.

The Premium package also supports the web versions of compatible applications.

What is Microsoft Business Essentials?

Microsoft Business Essentials is the older version of Microsoft Business that suits people who have desktop jobs. Finance management is fuelled by this package for jobs like accountants and financial analysts. The best part is the email is no more required for installing applications. At times, the Essentials package is also referred to as Microsoft Business Basic, owing to the basic features incorporated while assembling the package. It is compatible with the latest update of Windows 11 too.

Microsoft Business Essentials does not provide the facility of collaborating beyond a particular extent. Each user gets access to a 50 GB mailbox when this subscription is purchased. All the databases are secure. The maximum number of users that can interact at a single time is capped at three hundred. It is quite easy to download several additional languages so that regional linguistic barriers do not hamper the work. Further, customizations help in installing other supportive software too.

Microsoft Business Essentials, as the name suggests, includes all the essential components of a Microsoft package and is budget-friendly too. The web support is also apt enough to solve some recurrent glitches. The pricing structure is revised based on any new inclusions in the applications list. The user must be vigilant enough since pirated copies of security essentials are floating freely on the open web. They might contain harmful malware, detrimental to the health of the system.

What is Microsoft Business Premium?

Microsoft Business Premium is best suited for cloud computing and online jobs. Scheduling and planning are much easier than the older versions. One can even book and manage appointments using this package. Service management and other manufacturing processes can be conducted seamlessly using the same. Skype helps users deal with several tasks at once, and online meetings can also take place using the same.

Microsoft Business Premium has the basic requirement of an email address. Monthly updates are available for the frequent addition of necessary features. The bug fixes are equally helpful for the efficient management of work. Nowadays, app development has become an emerging area of work that is furthered using the features of Microsoft Business Premium. The automated workflow helps users access all their files on multiple devices. The rarest features can be combined easily.

Microsoft Business Premium has been highly lauded for its mobile responsiveness. Editing on the go was not possible until this version came up to the rescue of software engineers and other related professionals. The provision of SharePoint also sparked users’ interest at a large scale since intranet facilities became accessible in no time. Premium has made no other change to the user count and it is still fixed at 300.

Main Differences Between Microsoft Business Essentials And Microsoft Business Premium

  1. Microsoft Business Essentials is a package that includes basic Microsoft features for traditional setups which work even in offline mode while the Premium version mainly supports online Microsoft databases.
  2. Microsoft Business Essentials is suitable for working offline only while Premium does not provide full access to offline users.
  3. Microsoft Business Essentials uses the One Drive application for cloud storage while Premium has the additional supports of Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange.
  4. Microsoft Business Essentials works well on personal computers and macbooks. In addition, Premium allows users to access the functions on mobile phones and tablets too.
  5. Microsoft Business Essentials has applications like MS Word, PowePoint, etc. On the other hand, Premium only supports the web versions of these applications (including cloud computing services).

Conclusion

As far as subscriptions are concerned, premium members always have that necessary edge over the basic ones. The shift from desk jobs to work from home has further increased the need for a Premium subscription. In addition to the online services provided, the ease of access also helps users stay stress-free in regards to their daily chores.

The dominance of Microsoft in the online, as well as the offline world, needs no proof of stats thanks to the overall credibility of the brand on a global level. A lot goes into the company for bringing in new updates after every few months. The users need to analyze every software before incorporating the same into the system. Overall, this venture has proved to be a boon for all workplaces.

References

  1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=5dAJAAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT14&dq=Difference+Between+Microsoft+Business+Essentials+And+Premium+&ots=lAZjuoC0Ba&sig=620J4nlkHKw0RQM_jgkSEO0lo80
  2. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203390931/essentials-corporate-communication-cees-van-riel-charles-fombrun