Microsoft 365 to Buy: The Complete Guide for Business Leaders

How to Choose, Buy and Set Up Microsoft 365 the Right Way

When business leaders search for “Microsoft 365 to buy,” they’re not just looking for another software licence — they’re looking for a solution that helps their team work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) has become the world’s leading business productivity suite — combining familiar apps like Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams with cloud-based collaboration and enterprise-grade security.

But with so many versions, pricing tiers, and options, how do you know which Microsoft 365 plan to buy, and where to get the best value?

This guide walks you step-by-step through the process.

Step 1: Understand What Microsoft 365 Actually Includes

Microsoft 365 isn’t just Office software — it’s an entire cloud ecosystem that covers communication, productivity, and cybersecurity.

Core Components

  • Office Apps – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote across PC, Mac, and mobile

  • Exchange Online – secure professional email hosting

  • OneDrive for Business – 1 TB of cloud storage per user

  • SharePoint Online – team document management and intranet portals

  • Microsoft Teams – chat, video conferencing, and collaboration

  • Defender for Business – advanced threat protection built in to most business plans

  • Intune & Endpoint Management – manage and secure company devices remotely

That combination allows small and medium-sized businesses to work anywhere, with data protected and synced automatically.

Step 2: Compare the Microsoft 365 Plans Before You Buy

Choosing the right licence makes a big difference in cost, features, and security.
Here’s a simplified comparison:

Plan Best For Key Features Approx. Price (per user / month ex VAT)
Microsoft 365 Business Basic Start-ups & small teams Web-only apps, Teams, Exchange, OneDrive £4.90
Microsoft 365 Business Standard Growing businesses Desktop + web apps, Teams, SharePoint £10.30
Microsoft 365 Business Premium Security-conscious SMEs Everything + Defender for Business & Intune £18.10
Microsoft 365 E3 / E5 Mid-large enterprises Advanced security, analytics, and compliance tools £27 – £45+

(Prices correct at the time of writing; subject to Microsoft’s official updates.)

If your business handles sensitive data, operates hybrid work, or needs to meet Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 requirements, Business Premium or E3/E5 are usually the best fit.

Step 3: Decide Where to Buy Microsoft 365

There are three main ways to purchase Microsoft 365:

  1. Direct from Microsoft – good for individuals or very small teams, but limited support.

  2. Through a Microsoft Partner or MSP (like Aurora Tech Support

    1. – best for businesses needing setup, migration, and ongoing management.

    2. Through a reseller portal or IT marketplace – fine for self-service, but support may be minimal.

    Buying through a Managed Service Provider (MSP) gives you all the benefits of Microsoft 365 plus expert guidance, licensing flexibility, and integrated security management.

    Step 4: Plan Your Migration and Setup

    Buying Microsoft 365 is only the first step — setting it up properly ensures security and efficiency.

    1. Assess current systems – email servers, file shares, user data.

    2. Plan migration – mailbox, calendar, and file transfers to Exchange Online and OneDrive.

    3. Configure security – multi-factor authentication, conditional access, Defender policies.

    4. Integrate with existing systems – CRM, ERP, telephony, or third-party apps.

    5. Train staff – Teams collaboration, SharePoint usage, data storage best practices.

    Aurora Tech Support provides complete setup, migration, and training for Microsoft 365 — ensuring your team is secure, connected, and productive from day one.

    Step 5: Add Managed Security and Monitoring

    While Microsoft 365 provides strong built-in protection, it’s even stronger when managed proactively.
    For around £250 per month upwards, Aurora includes:

    • Managed EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)

    • 24/7 Monitoring & Patch Management

    • Email Threat Protection & Spam Filtering

    • Cloud Backup & Recovery for Microsoft 365 data

    • User Support via Helpdesk for password resets, Teams issues, and access requests

    • Cyber Essentials Compliance Checks

    • Quarterly Security Reports & Strategy Reviews

    That turns your Microsoft 365 environment into a secure, fully managed platform rather than a DIY product.

    Step 6: Budgeting for Microsoft 365

    A realistic total monthly budget for small businesses (including licences, backup, and management) looks like this:

    Business Size Typical Monthly Cost (inc. licences & support) What’s Included
    1–5 Users £250–£400 Licences, email migration, backup, helpdesk
    6–15 Users £400–£700 Managed EDR, patching, 24/7 monitoring, Teams training
    16–30 Users £700–£1,200 Strategic reviews, on-site support, compliance
    30+ Users £1,200+ Advanced security, automation, CTO services

    When managed properly, Microsoft 365 often pays for itself in saved downtime, improved collaboration, and reduced security incidents.

    Step 7: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Microsoft 365

    • Choosing the wrong plan – paying for unused features or missing key security tools.

    • Skipping migration planning – losing data or causing downtime.

    • Ignoring security setup – leaving accounts unprotected.

    • Failing to back up Microsoft 365 data – Microsoft protects availability, not accidental deletion.

    • Assuming self-management is cheaper – issues fixed reactively cost more long-term.

    Working with an experienced IT partner eliminates these risks and ensures every pound of your investment delivers value.

    Step 8: Buy Microsoft 365 the Smart Way

    To get the most from Microsoft 365, treat it as part of a managed service — not just a software licence.

    That means:

    • Strategic planning before rollout

    • Secure migration

    • Ongoing monitoring and updates

    • User training and support

    • Backup and compliance reporting

    Aurora Tech Support provides all of this, helping Leeds-based and UK-wide businesses get the best out of Microsoft 365.

    Conclusion: Microsoft 365 Is More Than Software — It’s Your Business Platform

    Buying Microsoft 365 is easy.
    Buying it the right way — with security, setup, and ongoing management — is what makes it transformative.

    Whether you’re upgrading from an older Office suite, moving to the cloud for the first time, or tightening your cybersecurity, Microsoft 365 with Aurora Tech Support gives your business the tools and protection it needs to thrive.

    Ready to buy Microsoft 365 with expert setup and management?
    Visit Aurora Tech Support – IT Support Leeds or book a consultation today to get started.