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WilliamGRR's avatar
WilliamGRR
Copper Contributor
Feb 07, 2024

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

 

  • WilliamGRR 

    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.

     
     
    • Mvandek2's avatar
      Mvandek2
      Copper 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.

    • Corniel430's avatar
      Corniel430
      Copper 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?

  • WilliamGRR 

     

    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 

     

    https://www.microsoft.com/en/microsoft-365/business/compare-all-microsoft-365-business-products-d?market=hk&ef_id=_k_CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E-UlC6iWaJH0DQmsXABV3Fpr2Zrqs4nLDaR0eXKyIi4Ak_Du6zD1lRoCBmwQAvD_BwE_k_&OCID=AIDcmmvzh5dy4o_SEM__k_CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E-UlC6iWaJH0DQmsXABV3Fpr2Zrqs4nLDaR0eXKyIi4Ak_Du6zD1lRoCBmwQAvD_BwE_k_&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8YyuBhBSEiwA5R3-E-UlC6iWaJH0DQmsXABV3Fpr2Zrqs4nLDaR0eXKyIi4Ak_Du6zD1lRoCBmwQAvD_BwE

     

    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

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