Will the Office 365 Rebrand Affect Your Business Subscription?

On 21 April 2020, Microsoft rebranded its Office 365 offering, and for business subscribers, the change may be a little confusing. Here’s a quick overview of what has changed, why and how it will affect business plan subscribers.

Office 365 is now called Microsoft 365

Yes, we know Microsoft already has a product line called Microsoft 365. That has a new name too, and here lies the confusion. We hope the information below will clarify the situation for you.

In a nutshell – Office 365 for small and medium-sized businesses and Office 365 ProPlus have been added to the Microsoft 365 brand. As a result, all the names of Office 365 and Microsoft 365 subscriptions have undergone a bit of a shift.

Why has Microsoft rebranded 365 products?

Microsoft 365 has come a long way from its humble roots as a licensing bundle for enterprise customers. When it launched in 2017, it included Windows, Office, and Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS). Today, Microsoft describes it as “the world’s productivity cloud” and the foundation of its vision for the future of Microsoft productivity tools. The rebrand marks the next generation of this great product. Product names now reflect the range of features and benefits that each subscription offers, making it easier for businesses to identify the right plan for their needs.

How has 365 changed since its launch?

365 now integrates AI-driven apps and services that give small and medium-sized businesses new remote working capabilities. Microsoft Teams sits at the heart of this, allowing its users to hold events and meetings online and store, share and collaboratively work on files from anywhere. 365’s data security offering has evolved too. A common set of security and identity solutions underpins all apps and services.

What does the rebrand mean for Office 365 subscribers?

Bringing Office 365 into the Microsoft 365 brand gives small and medium-sized businesses access to the tools they need to make remote working effective. The new 365 injects the benefits of AI into Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It integrates cloud-based tools like Teams, Planner, Streams and Forms, taking the traditional apps to a new level. “Office” as we know it has evolved into something much more powerful. Microsoft has emphasised that the Office suite of apps will still be central to its cloud productivity experience, and it will be even better than before.

What is your 365 Business Subscription called now?

• Office 365 Business Essentials is now Microsoft 365 Business Basic.
• Office 365 Business Premium is now Microsoft 365 Business Standard.
• Microsoft 365 Business is now Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
• Office 365 Business and Office 365 ProPlus have now both become Microsoft 365 Apps. Microsoft has promised to refer to Microsoft 365 Apps “for business and “for enterprise” where it is necessary to distinguish between the two.
• Office 365 Enterprise is retaining its name.

Do existing subscribers need to take any action?

No. Existing plans were automatically updated to reflect the name changes on 21 April 2020. If you’re a Computer Geeks client and use any of our 365 solutions, you’ll notice that we have changed your package name on your bill in line with Microsoft’s rebrand.

Have 365 subscription prices and features changed too?

No. You’ll still have access to all the same features as before and at the same price. It’s only the names of subscription plans that have changed.

Want to know more?

We’re always happy to help businesses understand the workings and benefits of Microsoft 365 products and services. Drop us a line on 0117 325 0370 or email  info@geeks.co.uk if you have any questions.