The Microsoft Office productivity suite is a staple in the software cupboard for businesses around the globe. Access to tools like Teams, Word and Excel powers daily business operations. However, smaller businesses may find the costs of Microsoft 365 to be off-putting. This often leads small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to opt for competitors like Google Workspace.

While Teams is a great collaboration tool, it’s not the only one out there. Options like Google Hangout, Slack and Zoom are also viable for SMBs. You can get them without needing to pay more than a fraction of the price of paying for the Office productivity suite. 

Last year, Microsoft appeared to have a realization. It gathered that some SMBs would like to use Teams without needing to pay for the corporate Office 365 package. There is a free version of Teams but it has a few limitations that make it less attractive than its video-call solution competitors. 

Enter Microsoft Teams Essentials. It is a new collaboration solution designed specifically for SMBs. If you’re curious about how Teams Essentials works and how it compares to the other versions of Microsoft Teams, read on for some essential info.

Why has Microsoft introduced Teams Essentials?

During the pandemic, Microsoft Teams usage skyrocketed. Teams jumped from 75 million users in April 2020 to 115 million in October 2020 to 145 million in April 2021. Most of these users are employees within medium and large-sized businesses. 

For SMBs, Microsoft Teams was often unobtainable. To purchase it, they needed to buy the broader enterprise-focused Microsoft 365 suite or use the limited free version. 

With the rise of Google Docs and other free cloud-based productivity tools, it didn’t make sense for many SMBs to purchase Microsoft 365. 

Microsoft has noticed that it is missing out on a massive chunk of the market by failing to enable Teams for SMBs. This is why it has introduced Microsoft Teams Essentials. 

How is Microsoft Teams Essentials different from the other versions?

The Microsoft 365 package, which includes Teams and web versions of applications like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, typically costs $5.00 per user (per month).

In comparison, Teams Essentials comes as a standalone product. You have access to Teams but not the other applications in Office 365. It costs a whole dollar less than the 365 package and comes in at $4.00 per user (per month). While a dollar doesn’t sound like much of a difference, the price variation quickly adds up if you have many users. 

Compared to the free version of Teams, Microsoft Essentials has some unique selling points that make it an excellent option for SMBs, including: 

  • Instant messaging and video call options 
  • Virtual, customizable backgrounds
  • Access to Together Mode
  • A meeting lobby where guests can wait before a meeting starts 
  • Double the cloud storage of the free version
  • Video calls of up to 30 hours and containing 300 participants (The free version only allows for meetings up to 60 minutes and 100 participants.) 

What are the advantages of Microsoft Teams Essentials?

At Sound Computers, we’re big fans of Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft tools. While the collaboration tool you choose will depend on your company’s unique needs, we’re confident that Microsoft Teams Essentials can benefit most SMBs today. Here is why we are so sure. 

Improved Communication When Working Remotely 

Research indicates that the two biggest challenges employees face in the remote working world are loneliness and difficulties collaborating with co-workers. Teams Essentials can help you tackle both of these. 

With video call functionality and instant messaging options within an intuitive user interface, Teams Essentials makes it easier than ever for your employees to connect and collaborate from a distance.

We also love that Teams humanizes online communications using emojis, gifs and likes just like you would use on Facebook! 

Empower Employee Productivity 

When working remotely, communicating with colleagues over email can feel clunky and time-consuming. This  leads to lost hours of productivity and dampening the employee experience. When you use Teams’ instant messaging function, you’re helping your employees to work at a pace that suits them. They can chat with their co-workers in real-time and without needing to craft formal emails for every question, request or reply. 

Onboard New Employees More Efficiently

Joining a new company remotely can be really challenging. How do you know who to ask for help? Who should your point of contact be? How do you get stuck into the workplace culture? 

Teams Essentials makes this easy. You can seamlessly onboard new employees, keep in touch with them and ensure they feel connected to your company’s mission. 

Get Help Implementing/Managing Your Microsoft Teams Essentials Plan

Sound Computers can help your Connecticut business with the adoption of Microsoft Teams Essential. If you already use Microsoft 365, we can help you to use it better and take full advantage of all the value provided.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 860-577-8060 or reach us online.

March 8, 2022
Sound Computers Admin