Tag: m365

Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and.. Apple Business ? What is Apple’s new entry into enterprise software and what does it mean for your business
For years, the enterprise productivity conversation has been a two-horse race. You either ran your business on Microsoft 365 or you went with Google Workspace. Sure, there were niche players and industry-specific platforms, but when it came to the core suite of tools that kept your team communicating, collaborating, and managed, it was Microsoft or Google, full stop. That just changed.

On March 24, 2026, Apple announced Apple Business, a unified platform that rolls device management, business email with custom domains, calendar services, a company directory, and customer-facing brand tools into a single portal. It launches April 14, 2026, in over 200 countries. And here is the part that should really get your attention: the core platform is free.

Let’s break down what this means, what it includes, what it costs, and why your MSP partner should already be thinking about how it fits into your environment.

So, what exactly is Apple Business? Apple Business is the consolidation of three previously separate platforms: Apple Business Manager (device enrollment and app distribution), Apple Business Essentials (device management for small businesses), and Apple Business Connect (brand presence across Apple Maps and other services). Instead of juggling three portals with overlapping features and confusing boundaries, businesses now get one unified dashboard.
The platform is organized around two core pillars: Run and Grow.

Run is the IT and operations side. This is where you manage devices, deploy apps, configure security settings, and handle employee onboarding. The headline feature here is called Blueprints, which allows administrators to preconfigure device settings, apps, and security policies so that a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac is ready to go the moment an employee powers it on. Apple calls this “zero-touch deployment,” and if you have ever spent an afternoon manually setting up a batch of company phones, you already understand the appeal.

Built-in mobile device management (MDM) gives IT teams a single view of every Apple device in the organization, along with the ability to create user groups, assign roles, and distribute apps. For companies that previously needed a third-party MDM solution just to manage a handful of iPads, this is a significant shift. Apple has also included Managed Apple Accounts with cryptographic separation between personal and work data, so employees can use one device for both without the two worlds bleeding into each other. Account provisioning integrates with identity providers like Microsoft Entra ID and Google Workspace, which means Apple is not asking you to abandon your existing identity infrastructure.

The platform also introduces integrated email, calendar, and directory services. Businesses can bring their own custom domain or purchase one directly through Apple Business. Calendar delegation, a built-in company directory with personalized contact cards, and user groups round out the collaboration toolset. This is the piece that moves Apple Business from “device management tool” into territory that starts to overlap with what Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer.

Grow is the customer-facing side. This is where Apple gets creative. Businesses can manage how their brand appears across Apple Maps, Mail, Wallet, and Siri. Think customizable place cards in Maps with photos, hours, and action buttons for ordering or reservations. Branded communications in the Mail app. Custom Tap to Pay branding when customers pay with their iPhone. Location insights that show how customers discover and interact with your business. And coming this summer, businesses will be able to purchase advertising directly within Apple Maps to appear in search results.

So, you may be wondering, how does pricing work? This is where Apple Business gets genuinely interesting from a cost perspective.

The core platform is free. Device management, Blueprints, zero-touch deployment, email and calendar services, brand management tools, and the full Run and Grow feature set all come at no additional charge. Every user gets 5GB of iCloud storage included.

The paid add-ons are straightforward. Additional iCloud storage is available up to 2TB per user, starting at $0.99 per user per month in the US. If you want dedicated device support, AppleCare+ for Business starts at $6.99 per month per device or $13.99 per month per user (covering up to three devices).

To put this in context, here is how the base costs compare to the competition:
• Apple Business: Free for core features. Storage upgrades from $0.99/user/month. AppleCare+ from $6.99/device/month.
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6.00/user/month. Includes Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive (1TB), and web versions of Office apps.
• Google Workspace Business Starter: $7.20/user/month. Includes Gmail, Drive (30GB), Meet, and the full Google Docs suite.

The comparison is not perfectly apples-to-apples (no pun intended). Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace include full productivity suites with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools. Apple Business does not include equivalents to Word, Excel, Sheets, or Slides. If your team relies on those tools daily, you are still going to need a Microsoft or Google subscription alongside Apple Business.

However, for businesses that primarily need device management, business email, and basic collaboration, Apple Business at zero cost is a compelling proposition, especially for small and mid-sized organizations that were previously paying $2.99 to $24.99 per user per month for Apple Business Essentials.

If your organization runs on Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace today, Apple Business is not going to replace either of those platforms overnight. The productivity suite gap is too significant. You are not going to write proposals in Apple Business or build financial models there.

What Apple Business does change is the device management and identity layer. If your company issues iPhones, iPads, or Macs to employees, you may have been paying for a third-party MDM solution like Jamf, Mosyle, or Microsoft Intune to manage those devices. Apple is now offering that capability for free, built directly into the platform, with tighter integration than any third party can achieve.

For organizations with a mixed environment, the most likely scenario is a layered approach: Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for productivity and collaboration, and Apple Business for device management, deployment, and the customer-facing brand tools that neither Microsoft nor Google offer.

The identity provider integration is key here. Because Apple Business works with Microsoft Entra ID and Google Workspace for account provisioning, it is designed to complement your existing stack rather than compete with it head-on.

What does this mean for your business? Small businesses stand to benefit the most from this announcement. If you are a company with 5 to 50 employees, all using iPhones and Macs, Apple Business gives you enterprise-grade device management, business email with your own domain, and a professional brand presence across Apple’s ecosystem for free. That is a package that would have cost hundreds of dollars per month just a year ago.

The zero-touch deployment feature alone could save hours of IT setup time per device. For a 20-person company that refreshes devices every three years, that adds up to meaningful labor savings on every cycle.

If you are a business owner or IT decision-maker, here are the questions worth discussing with your MSP:
• Is your current MDM redundant? If you are paying for a third-party MDM primarily to manage Apple devices, Apple Business may eliminate that cost entirely. However, if your MDM also manages Windows or Android devices, you will still need it for those platforms.
• Does your team need a full productivity suite? Apple Business does not replace Word, Excel, or Google Docs. If those tools are central to your workflow, Apple Business is an addition to your stack, not a replacement.
• Are you taking advantage of the brand tools? The Grow side of Apple Business is genuinely unique. Neither Microsoft nor Google offers anything comparable for managing your business presence across a consumer ecosystem. If your customers find you through Maps, pay with Apple Pay, or interact with your brand through Mail or Wallet, these tools are worth exploring.
• What does your device lifecycle look like? Zero-touch deployment through Apple Business requires devices purchased through Apple or Apple Authorized Resellers. If your company buys devices through other channels, you may not get the full benefit of Blueprints.

Apple Business is not a Microsoft 365 killer or a Google Workspace replacement. It is something different: a free, unified platform that makes managing Apple devices dramatically simpler while giving businesses tools to control their brand presence across Apple’s ecosystem. The fact that it includes business email and calendar services at no cost is a nice bonus, even if those tools are not as mature as what Microsoft and Google offer.

For an MSP like us, this is an opportunity to help our clients optimize their tech stack. Some will save money by dropping third-party MDM tools. Some will layer Apple Business underneath their existing Microsoft or Google environment for a more streamlined device management experience. And some small businesses that were cobbling together free tools and manual processes will finally have a professional, unified platform without the monthly subscription cost. In the world of business software, more options is a good thing.

Have questions about how Apple Business fits into your current IT environment? Reach out to our team for a complimentary assessment. We will help you understand where Apple Business adds value, where your existing tools still matter, and how to build a technology stack that works for your business without paying for overlap.
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This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.
April 3, 2026
5 Ways Microsoft 365 Business Premium Elevates Your Operations and is the Superior Choice for Your Business
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, having the right tools to streamline your business operations is essential. Microsoft 365 offers a suite of powerful applications designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security. Among its offerings, Microsoft 365 Business Premium stands out as the ultimate solution for businesses seeking a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to their needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the five best ways to leverage Microsoft 365 Business Premium in your business and why it greatly surpasses Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Microsoft 365 Business Standard as our top choice in Microsoft 365 subscription options.
1. Advanced Security Features
One of the most compelling reasons we’ve found to opt for Microsoft 365 Business Premium is its advanced security features. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, protecting your business data is paramount. Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers built-in threat protection, advanced data loss prevention, and information protection capabilities. Features like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) safeguard your business from phishing attacks, malware, and other malicious activities. By investing in robust security measures, you can mitigate risks and safeguard your sensitive information effectively.
1. Enhanced Collaboration Tools
Effective collaboration is the cornerstone of success for modern businesses. Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides a suite of collaboration tools that facilitate seamless communication and teamwork. With Microsoft Teams, employees can chat, meet, call, and collaborate in real-time, regardless of their location. SharePoint Online enables secure document management and file sharing, allowing teams to access important resources from any device. Moreover, features like Microsoft Whiteboard and OneNote promote creativity and idea sharing, fostering a culture of innovation within your organization.
1. Comprehensive Productivity Applications
Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers access to a comprehensive suite of productivity applications, including office favorites like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These applications are essential for creating, editing, and sharing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails. By harnessing these productivity tools, your team can work more efficiently and deliver high-quality results.
1. Simplified IT Management
Managing IT infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming, especially for small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources. Microsoft 365 Business Premium simplifies IT management by providing centralized administration through the Microsoft 365 admin center. From one intuitive dashboard, administrators can manage user accounts, devices, security policies, and compliance settings. By streamlining IT management processes, you can focus on growing your business without being burdened by technical complexities. All of this can be set up by your IT provider (looking for an IT provider? Consider Valley Techlogic).
1. Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows and evolves, your technological needs may change. Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers scalability and flexibility to adapt to your organization’s requirements. Whether you’re adding new users, expanding into new markets, or embracing remote work, Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides the flexibility to scale your IT infrastructure accordingly. With a predictable monthly subscription model, you can align your technology expenses with your business priorities and avoid the upfront costs associated with traditional software licensing.

Why Microsoft 365 Business Premium?

While Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Microsoft 365 Business Standard offer valuable features, Microsoft 365 Business Premium emerges as the superior choice for businesses seeking an all-inclusive solution that combines advanced security, enhanced collaboration, comprehensive productivity applications, simplified IT management, and scalability. By investing in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you’re not just adopting a suite of tools – you’re empowering your business to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers a compelling value proposition for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to unlock their full potential and achieve greater success. By leveraging its advanced features and capabilities, businesses can enhance productivity, foster collaboration, strengthen security, streamline IT management, and adapt to changing business needs with ease. Embrace the power of Microsoft 365 Business Premium and take your business to new heights. Learn more today by scheduling a consultation with Valley Techlogic.

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This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, an IT service provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.
March 29, 2024
Netflix ends password sharing, and 3 reasons why sharing accounts in your business is a terrible idea
While this has been in the works for a while, Netflix is moving forward with their plan to crack down on users sharing accounts with those outside of their immediate household much to the chagrin of a vocal portion of their userbase.

Streaming services have become ubiquitous, and the market is profuse with options. So much so that it’s made financial sense for friends and family to take advantage of password sharing to cut down on the cost of having multiple services to see all of their favorite shows. This is of course, not what the streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max and more had in mind when creating a niche place to view their content versus the all-in-one option traditional cable provides.

Netflix is the first one to lay the hammer down on it however, with plans for a US rollout to occur this June. While your friends may not be immediately booted off, you can expect that you may have to verify your personal devices at some point. There will also be a code required if you access your Netflix account while traveling, making it slightly less convenient to pick back up with your favorite shows while on the go.

There will also likely be hiccups for those who use a VPN to access other countries content, with their algorithms already able to sniff out your device information and watching habits so they offer you suggestions also picking up on this behavior. What crackdowns if any will occur on this front have yet to be seen, however.

Despite the complaints, Netflix has experienced substantial subscriber growth, including for their new ads-included subscription model (which also was heavily protested at it’s announcement). We’ll have to see how many of these subscribers stick around as the password sharing crackdown truly gets underway.

Speaking of password sharing, while it’s fairly harmless in the context of watching your favorite shows via a family or friends streaming account, in the business world it’s less benign.

We get asked this from time to time, what’s the downside of having our users share an email or Microsoft 365 account? The argument is usually they don’t use it enough to warrant having their own. Besides the potential confusion from clients who try and communicate with these employees or having the hassle of having their workloads intermixed, there are significant security concerns when it comes to password sharing at work.

The top three reasons we recommend NOT allowing password or account sharing at work are:
1. You’re reusing passwords. Reusing passwords is a big no no, even if it’s to one account. Having that same password and account accessible to multiple users only multiplies your risk if one of them is exposed to a vulnerability.
2. Limited oversight into particular employee activity. If you have your users working under one account, it’s a lot harder to tell what any one person is actually doing. Who sent that email from last week? Who created this document? It’s setting yourself up for confusion and tedium.
3. If you have one “master account” the risk is extraordinary. Not only is having a singular administrative level master account that everyone uses a risk if it’s compromised, it’s also difficult to properly secure it especially with MFA enabled. Who controls the code? Who is the primary manager of it? All so much to say, having account division and distinction in your business is a must have.
You probably have some rebuttals to our arguments, such as budgetary concerns or increased convenience when collaborating. Luckily, Microsoft 365 has very clear answers to these concerns, see our chart below.

Looking to create a better system for user accounts in your business or increase your visibility into employee activity? Valley Techlogic can assist you with that. Whether it’s Microsoft accounts or proprietary accounts for your business, we have experience assisting in a wide range of setups and creating the accountability you need without hassles or hoops to jump through. Reach out today to learn more.

Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.
This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, an IT service provider in Atwater, CA. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on Twitter at https://x.com/valleytechlogic.
April 28, 2023