In the ever-evolving business world, having the right tools is crucial for productivity and growth. Microsoft 365 has become a cornerstone for many businesses, offering a variety of plans tailored to different needs. One of the most popular plans among small to medium-sized businesses is Microsoft 365 Business Standard. But a common question arises: Does Microsoft 365 Business Standard include desktop apps?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the features of Microsoft 365 Business Standard, specifically its inclusion of desktop apps, and how Exinent’s Office 365 service can help you get the most out of your subscription.

What Is Microsoft 365 Business Standard?

Microsoft 365 Business Standard is a subscription plan designed for businesses that require a wide range of productivity tools and services. It’s tailored to support businesses in managing their operations, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring security. The plan includes access to popular Office applications, cloud services, and advanced security features.

But does it include desktop versions of Office apps? The short answer is yes. Microsoft 365 Business Standard provides full access to desktop versions of key Office apps, making it an excellent choice for businesses that need both online and offline productivity solutions.

Desktop Apps Included in Microsoft 365 Business Standard

With Microsoft 365 Business Standard, you get access to the full suite of desktop apps, including:

• Word: Create, edit, and share professional documents with ease.
• Excel: Analyze data, create spreadsheets, and generate reports.
• PowerPoint: Design engaging presentations for meetings and projects.
• Outlook: Manage your email, calendar, and contacts in one place.
• OneNote: Organize notes, ideas, and tasks efficiently.
• Publisher (PC only): Create polished publications and marketing materials.
• Access (PC only): Build and manage databases for your business.

These desktop apps are fully installed on your devices, allowing you to work offline and sync your work once you’re back online. This flexibility is essential for businesses that require reliable, offline access to critical tools.

Benefits of Using Desktop Apps in Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Having access to desktop apps provides several key benefits:

• Offline Access: Desktop apps allow you to work without an internet connection, ensuring productivity even in environments with limited or no connectivity.
• Full Features: While web versions of Office apps offer essential functionality, desktop apps provide a full range of features, making it easier to create complex documents, analyze data, and design presentations.
• Performance: Desktop apps perform faster and more smoothly than their web counterparts, especially when working with large files or complex tasks.
• Integration: The desktop apps integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 services, such as OneDrive and SharePoint, allowing for efficient file management and collaboration.

Cloud Services and Collaboration

Beyond desktop apps, Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes robust cloud services that enhance collaboration and data management. Some of the key services include:

• OneDrive for Business: Each user gets 1 TB of cloud storage, allowing you to store, share, and collaborate on files from anywhere. OneDrive integrates with the desktop apps, enabling automatic syncing of your documents.
• SharePoint: A powerful tool for team collaboration, SharePoint allows you to create, manage, and share documents and resources across your organization.
• Microsoft Teams: A hub for teamwork, Teams combines chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integration into one platform. It’s an essential tool for modern workplaces, especially those with remote or distributed teams.
• Exchange: Manage your email with a business-class email service that offers 50 GB of storage per user, custom email domains, and advanced security features.

These services work together to provide a comprehensive productivity solution, whether you’re in the office or working remotely.

Security and Compliance

Security is a top priority for any business, and Microsoft 365 Business Standard includes advanced security features to protect your data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Some of the key security features include:

• Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): Protects your organization from sophisticated threats, such as phishing and ransomware, by scanning emails, links, and attachments.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Helps prevent the accidental sharing of sensitive information by automatically identifying and protecting sensitive data across emails and documents.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more forms of verification before granting access to accounts.
• Compliance Solutions: Tools like eDiscovery, archiving, and data governance help ensure your business meets regulatory requirements.

Exinent’s Office 365 service can further enhance your security setup by customizing these features to fit your specific needs, providing ongoing monitoring, and offering expert support.

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 Business Standard does indeed include desktop apps, making it a versatile and powerful solution for businesses that need both online and offline productivity tools. With its full suite of desktop applications, cloud services, and advanced security features, it’s a comprehensive plan that can support your business’s growth and efficiency.

To maximize the value of your Microsoft 365 Business Standard subscription, consider partnering with Exinent. Our expert services can ensure that your deployment is tailored to your needs, secure, and fully supported, allowing you to focus on what matters most—running your business.