The preview version of the new product Microsoft 365 Business has now been made available to customers on a widespread basis, with the tech giant having launched it on the scheduled date of August 2.
The product was a big part of the presentation on future plans the software company gave during the ‘Microsoft Inspire’ conference, which was staged for its partners in July. It represented one of a couple of new bundles aimed at customers in the corporate sector, which the company confirmed at this conference, with the other one being Microsoft 365 Enterprise. Both of these will be made available to customers on a subscription basis.
A version called Business is aimed at those who run small or medium-sized companies – specifically those with no more than 300 employees. As a bundle, it puts together Windows 10 update rights, some of the capabilities from Enterprise Mobility + Security and the Business Premium version of Office 365. However, it will not be accessible unless a desktop computer has Windows 10 Pro (with the Creators Update), Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. Most of those wishing to use it are likely to have one of these though.
Furthermore, those who opt to use Microsoft 365 Business are getting five device Windows 10 installations for every person deploying it, which is included as part of this preview release, bringing it into line with the situation for users of Office 365 Business Premium.
It is the Windows 10 Business version that those who sign up for Microsoft 365 Business will get, and this version of it is not available in standalone form, but purely as part of the Microsoft 365 Business bundle. As well as incorporating all of the features from Windows 10 Pro, it also throws in the likes of Windows AutoPilot and Windows Defender Security Controls.
The cost of Microsoft 365 Business is $20 a month for each user, whereas the Business Premium version of Office 365 costs $12.50 a month, for each user. Those who opt to sign up for the product during its public preview will not be required to meet this cost, but will still have to meet the costs of subscriptions to Office 365 that are unconnected with this preview. It is being made fully available to both current subscribers to Office 365 in every country in which the product is presently accessible, as well as to any new customers keen to give it a try.
This is confirmed within the Microsoft 365 FAQ published by the Licensing School UK. Those who want to sign up for the preview of Microsoft 365 Business will be able to do so via the official page for the product.
It is certainly good news the preview of this product has been made available for businesses to see if it will be of use to them. You can try out our SharePoint solutions by getting in contact with the team at WM Reply.