Forum Discussion
WilliamGRR
Feb 07, 2024Copper Contributor
Upgrading from M365 Bsuiness Basic to Exchange Online Plan 2 pricing question
We are migrating from Google Business to O365. Several users are over the 50GB size. I requested our Microsoft Partner to upgrade these users to a 100GB plan which they said the following,
"Users would need to keep the M365 business Basic and then assigned the Exchange Online Plan 2 license to increase the mailbox storage. So it would be the current $6/month + the $8/month = $14/month"
Wouldn't this be an upgrade and be $8 a month a user? Why would we need to keep the E1+E2 plan?
Is this pricing plan correct?
Thank you so much for your attention and participation.
WIlliam
- smylbugti222gmailcomIron Contributor
The information provided by your Microsoft Partner is partially correct, but there are some nuances to consider regarding pricing and licensing:
Upgrade vs. Add-on:
- Upgrading from M365 Business Basic to Exchange Online Plan 2 would indeed be a full upgrade, replacing the existing plan with a new one that includes both email and other features like Teams and OneDrive. This would cost $8 per user per month, not $14.
- Keeping M365 Business Basic and adding Exchange Online Plan 2 as an add-on license is also an option, but it's not the most cost-effective approach. It would result in the combined cost of both licenses, totaling $14 per user per month as your partner mentioned.
Recommendation:
In your scenario, where users only need increased mailbox storage, upgrading to Exchange Online Plan 2 is the recommended and more cost-effective option. This eliminates the need for both M365 Business Basic and the add-on license, simplifying your license management and reducing overall costs.
Pricing Clarification:
The pricing of $8 per user per month for Exchange Online Plan 2 is accurate based on Microsoft's official pricing information. You can verify this on their website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/exchange/compare-microsoft-exchange-online-plans
Additional Considerations:
- Data migration: Upgrading might involve data migration from your existing Google Business accounts to Exchange Online. Ensure your Microsoft Partner has a plan for this process.
- Other features: If your users require additional features beyond increased storage, like Teams or OneDrive, consider upgrading to a more comprehensive Microsoft 365 plan that includes these functionalities.
Conclusion:
Upgrading to Exchange Online Plan 2 is the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your situation. Discuss your specific needs with your Microsoft Partner to ensure a smooth transition and optimal licensing strategy.
- Mvandek2Copper Contributor
Exchange Online Plan 2 does not contain Teams or OneDrive so your first $8 option is incorrect as it only provides the mailbox.
If you need Teams or OneDrive you do end up with $14 in cost so William is correct. - Corniel430Copper Contributor
A similar question on this........
user has Business Basic and uses Teams & One drive but needs more space.
Cheapest option to add EO plan 2?
I believe the current 50GB mailbox may be embedded with an existing M365 business subscription which is business basic, to address your concern, upgrading Exchange Online to plan 2 may be more cost-effective compare upgrading the business subscription plan from another level with Exchange Online plan 2 embedded (I recall E3 at least), I would also suggest deal with your CSP on $8 cost for Exchange Online plan 2 upgrade
Btw, Exchange Online plan 1 storage should be like below:
Exchange online (plan 1) = 50GB mailbox and 50GB Archive
Exchange online (plan 2) = 100GB mailbox and 1.5TB Archive