Microsoft 365 License Types: Features & Comparison

This guide compares the Microsoft 365 license types ALCO USA offers, so you can understand which plan fits your needs and how to manage your license.

ALCO USA Standard Licenses

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Best for: small to medium businesses

Included Applications

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Outlook email and calendar
• OneNote for note-taking
• Teams for communication
• OneDrive with 1TB cloud storage
• SharePoint for collaboration
• Publisher for desktop publishing
• Access for database management

Key Features

• Email hosting (50GB mailbox)
• Video conferencing via Teams
• Collaboration tools included
• Desktop app versions included
• Mobile apps for all platforms

Cost: contact ALCO USA for pricing

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Best for: businesses requiring enhanced security

Additional Security Features

• Advanced threat protection
• Device management and security
• Data loss prevention
• Multi-factor authentication
• App and device control
• Enhanced compliance features

Included in Standard Plus

• All Business Standard features
• Advanced security capabilities
• Managed devices and data
• Windows 11 Pro upgrade

Enterprise Licenses

For larger organizations

• E1: web-based apps only
• E3: full desktop applications
• E5: premium security and analytics

Storage & Quotas

OneDrive Storage

• Personal: 1TB included
• Expandable: purchase additional storage
• Shared team sites: separate pool

Email Storage

• Standard mailbox: 50GB
• Archive mailbox: unlimited
• Retention policies available

Accessing Your Licenses

Activating Microsoft 365

1. Sign in with your ALCO USA credentials
2. Go to account.microsoft.com
3. Install desktop applications
4. Access web versions at office.com
5. Verify all features are activated

Adding Users

• Contact your ALCO USA admin
• Provide the user’s email address
• The license is assigned automatically
• The user receives an activation email
• Activation takes 1-2 hours

License Management

Checking Your License

• Open any Office app
• Click File, then Account
• The license status is shown
• Contact us if it is not activated

Transferring Licenses

• Licenses cannot transfer between users
• Contact your ALCO USA admin
• The old license must be removed
• The new user is assigned a new license

Troubleshooting

Activation Issues

• Verify all downloads completed
• Update to the latest version
• Restart applications

Access Denied Errors

• Verify the license is active
• Check user permissions
• Clear cached credentials
• Contact support if it persists

Best Practices

1. Update regularly to keep apps current and secure
2. Back up data with OneDrive automatic backups
3. Use strong passwords to protect your account
4. Enable MFA for an extra security layer
5. Review licenses with a quarterly audit

Contact

For license questions or upgrades, reach our team:

Email: Team@alcousa.org

Phone: +1(208) 391-7176

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM EST