How Choosing Premium Management Tools Can Save You Money

Your team is juggling emails, managing client files, hosting online meetings, and working from different devices.

They're operating like a well-oiled machine. Everything seems fine, for a time…

…until one day, an employee clicks on a suspicious email link. Suddenly your files are locked in a ransomware attack…

Or maybe you find out an ex-employee’s login still works, and they’ve been snooping around…

Or your team’s devices are so out of sync that half your staff can’t access the tools they need remotely.

These kinds of challenges are surprisingly common. Especially for businesses that rely on basic tools to keep things running. And while packages like Microsoft 365 Business Standard might seem to have it all - emails, cloud storage, and useful applications - they don’t always protect your business against security threats which, let’s face it, are evolving at a pace.

That's where the prospect of upgrading your management tools comes in. Think of it as getting a VIP version of what you might already have. Yes, they cost a little more, but they're designed to tackle the exact problems that keep business owners awake at night. From safeguarding against cyber threats to managing devices across your team, they don't just offer tools, they offer peace of mind.

Let's use an example.

As your business grows, so do the risks and challenges. Cyber attacks are on the rise, and businesses of all sizes are targets. Managing devices across a remote or hybrid workforce can quickly become a headache. And what about protecting sensitive information?

As your business grows, so do the risks and challenges. Cyber attacks are on the rise, and businesses of all sizes are targets. Managing devices across a remote or hybrid workforce can quickly become a headache. And what about protecting sensitive information?

This is where certain packages such as the aforementioned 365 Business Standard starts to show its limits.

Whether you have these types of packages or not, it may be time to start looking towards investing in premium management software, similar to 365 Business Premium. With them, your team’s devices are better managed and more secure It can also shield you from phishing emails (that trick you into giving away sensitive information by posing as someone you trust) and ransomware attacks (where your data is stolen and locked until you pay to unlock it). Sensitive business data, like client details or financial records, is automatically classified and protected, even if it leaves your network.

These are tools built for businesses that can’t afford to take chances with downtime or their data, and you want to make sure you have them.

So, while using these standard tools can get the job done, upgrading makes sure they are used securely and efficiently. It’s a step up and should enhance any protections you already have in place. It solves the challenges businesses face before they even know they’re facing them.

Running a growing business comes with its share of challenges. One day, you’re celebrating a new client win or onboarding a new team member. The next, you’re dealing with issues you never thought you’d face - like a suspicious email turning into a ransomware attack, or finding out a former employee’s login is still active months after they left. 

These are the kinds of risks that can sneak up on you as your business gets bigger.

While most management tools are fine enough for keeping your team connected and productive, they're not usually designed to handle the more dangerous threats businesses face every day.

The truth is cyber criminals don’t just target big corporations anymore. SMBs are often their prime targets because they’re seen as less protected. Having the right tools you need can make you equipped to help you tackle these risks.

Imagine you’re hit with a phishing attack out of the blue.

One of your employees clicks on a link in what looks like a legitimate email from a supplier. Instead, malware (malicious software) enters your system. 

In most circumstance, you’d be left relying on basic security software and hoping for the best. Premium software, on the other hand, can give you intrusion detection and prevention. This is a robust solution that actively scans for threats across your apps, emails, and devices, detecting and neutralizing them before they cause harm.

Every business has data it can’t afford to lose or share with the wrong people. Client contracts, financial records, or even internal strategies. When you have helps you safeguard this information. 

It automatically labels sensitive files and emails, restricting who can view or share them. Even if someone forwards an email outside the company, the protections stay in place. It’s like a digital lockbox for your most important assets.

The reality is, as your business grows, the stakes get higher. While the basic tools can get work done, upgrading can build on the security you already have in place and add the protections and controls you need to work securely. 

It’s not just about tools, it’s about confidence. Confidence that your data is safe, your team is protected, and your business is ready for whatever comes next.

Now that you know the possible offers, let’s talk about how these tools work in real life situations.

These are the kinds of scenarios that could happen in any business, and they highlight why the premium cost of these tools is a smart investment.

One of your employees receives an email from what looks like a trusted supplier. It asks them to update payment details, and there’s a link to click. It seems harmless until they click it. 

Suddenly, malware spreads through your system, locking your files and demanding a ransom.

Depending on your current setup, you might be relying on basic security software to handle the attack, which may not be enough. But, with a strong and feature-rich management system, it can make a huge difference. It can detect the threat, isolate the infected files, and stop the malware from spreading. This advanced protection helps you recover faster, and could save you from losing money, data, and your reputation.

One of your employees leaves their laptop on a train. It’s bad enough that they’ve lost an expensive piece of hardware, but now you’re worried about the sensitive files on it. What if someone accesses client contracts or your company’s financial records?

With the proper tools, you can make this problem manageable.

You can remotely wipe the laptop, erasing all company data so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. You can also track the device to see if it’s recovered. Without this level of control, a lost device could turn into a major security breach.

You’ve just had an employee leave the company. A few weeks later, you discover they can still log in to their work email and access files. It’s an unsettling situation. Whether it’s accidental or intentional, you don’t want former employees hanging onto sensitive company information.

With the proper management tools, you can make sure you have all of your bases covered. You can instantly revoke access to all apps, files, and emails the moment someone leaves your team. It’s a quick, easy way to keep your data secure and prevent potential misuse.

Your team is working on a confidential project for a high-profile client. You need to share files with the client, but you’re worried about the information being forwarded or accessed by unauthorized people.

Built-in labels let you mark files as sensitive. And with premium management you can restrict who can open, edit, or share them, even if they’re emailed outside your business. The encryption and access controls ensure your information stays protected, no matter where it goes.

These Scenarios Matter

The situations aren’t just what-ifs; they’re common challenges that many businesses face. The difference is whether you’re prepared to handle them. High-end management can give you the ability to react and enhances any protections you already have in place, but it also helps you prevent problems from happening in the first place.

Let’s address the big question: Are premium tools really worth the higher price of their basic counterparts?

The answer lies in understanding what you’re really paying for and how it translates into value for your business.

Imagine your business is hit with a ransomware attack, and your systems are down for days. The cost of that downtime - lost productivity, missed deadlines, and potentially lost clients - could be enormous. Having the right tools helps protect you from these situations, minimizing disruptions and making sure your team stays productive.

Compare the increase between settling for standard tools, and commiting to more premium options. It’s a small monthly increase per user, but it’s an investment in keeping your business running smoothly, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
  

Managing devices, users, and access manually can be a logistical nightmare, especially as your team grows. There are features that can simplify this, such as Conditional Access, saving time and reducing the likelihood of human error.

The time your team spends dealing with security or device management issues is time taken away from serving clients and growing your business. The proper tools can automates these processes, letting your team focus on what they do best.