Running a small business means wearing multiple hats—marketing guru, sales expert, customer service representative, and IT decision-maker, just to name a few. It’s no wonder that efficiency is the name of the game. That’s why many small businesses, as well as IT professionals who support them, are making the switch to Business Standard.

If you’re still on the fence about whether upgrading to Business Standard is worth it, this blog dives into what makes it such a worthy investment and why so many small businesses and IT experts are choosing it.

What Is Business Standard?

Simply put, Business Standard is the go-to solution in the Microsoft 365 suite for small businesses. It’s designed to bring together the best tools for enhancing productivity, simplifying collaboration, and ensuring security. With Business Standard, you get access to a comprehensive package of tools including:

  • The full suite of desktop Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more).
  • Secure file storage and sharing via OneDrive.
  • A professional-grade email solution.
  • Files and calendar sharing with Microsoft Teams.
  • Advanced security features to protect your business digital assets.

It’s not just about fancy features—it’s about giving small businesses an effective platform to grow and thrive.

Why Small Businesses Are Making the Switch

Small business owners are resourceful, and when it comes to tools and software, they want maximum value. Here’s why switching to Business Standard is becoming a no-brainer:

1. Cost-Effective for Growing Businesses

Unlike purchasing standalone tools or software, Business Standard bundles everything a small business needs in one package. From productivity apps to cloud storage, it eliminates the need for multiple services (and the hefty costs attached to them).

2. Professional Emails to Boost Credibility

A professional appearance can set your small business apart from competitors. Business Standard provides business-class email with custom domain capabilities (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com), ensuring your business looks credible and polished when communicating with clients and partners.

3. Seamless Remote and Hybrid Work

Whether your team works on-site, remotely, or in a hybrid setup, Business Standard makes collaboration easier through Microsoft Teams and OneDrive. Share files, host virtual meetings, and stay connected anywhere with ease.

4. Built-In Scalability

No one starts a business wanting to stay small forever. Business Standard grows with your company, offering features and functionalities that adapt to rising demands.

5. Advanced Security Without the Headaches

Cyberattacks and data breaches aren’t just problems faced by large corporations—small businesses are at risk too. Business Standard helps keep sensitive company and customer data safe with advanced cybersecurity measures, like ransomware protection and multi-factor authentication.

Why IT Professionals Are Advocating for Business Standard

While small businesses may be the primary users, IT professionals often play a critical role in recommending and overseeing software upgrades. Here’s why many IT pros put their faith in Business Standard:

1. Simplified Management

Managing multiple accounts, tools, and platforms can be a headache. Business Standard simplifies this for IT managers, providing centralised control for admin tasks like adding/removing team members, managing security settings, and deploying software updates—all from one intuitive dashboard.

2. Automatic Updates and Maintenance

IT managers love anything that requires minimal maintenance. With Business Standard, updates are automatic, ensuring that small businesses always have security patches and the latest features without intervention.

3. Improved Data Compliance

Small businesses handling sensitive data (e.g., customer information) need to comply with regional or industry-set data regulations like GDPR. Business Standard offers compliance-ready tools, making it easier for IT managers to maintain and prove data integrity.

4. A Unified Environment

For IT professionals supporting small business operations, having a unified ecosystem for productivity, document management, and communication is a huge win. Business Standard integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools and third-party services, reducing compatibility issues and maximising convenience.

Is Business Standard Right for You?

The answer depends on where your small business stands now and where you see it heading. If you’re looking for a solution to streamline your business operations, improve collaboration, enhance security, and save costs all at once, Business Standard is likely exactly what you need.

For IT professionals, it’s the ultimate toolkit to simplify management while ensuring that small businesses are empowered to operate securely and effectively.

Final Thoughts

It’s no surprise that small businesses and IT professionals are flocking toward Business Standard. Its versatility, value, and security make it an ideal solution for companies striving to thrive in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

If you’re ready to take your small business to the next level and explore why so many others are trusting Business Standard, it’s time to make the leap. Upgrade today and unlock the full potential of your business.

How to Upgrade

If you’re already an EOP1 customer, upgrading is simple and cost-effective. For just £1.60 (plus VAT) more per month, upgrade to Business Basic and gain access to:

  • The Complete Office Suite: Web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Engaging Webinar Hosting: Effortlessly host webinars with powerful tools.
  • Professional Design Tools: Access advanced features for stunning documents.
  • Expanded Storage: Enjoy a generous 1TB of OneDrive storage.

For a transformative experience, upgrade to Business Standard for £7 (plus VAT) more per month. This upgrade includes:

  • The Full Office Suite on your Desktop: Access the complete suite of Microsoft Office apps directly from your desktop for seamless productivity.
  • Massive Mailbox and Storage Space: Take advantage of a 50GB mailbox and 1TB of OneDrive storage to keep your communications and files organised and accessible.
  • Desktop Office Apps: Enjoy robust applications that integrate seamlessly into your workflow for maximum efficiency.

Don’t miss this opportunity to supercharge your productivity. Contact our sales team at 01925 818448 or email sales@smsbusinesscloud.com to upgrade today! Experience the game-changing benefits of Microsoft 365 and empower your business with these supercharged tools.