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Best Microsoft 365 Plans for Businesses | 101 IT Licensing Guide

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Menu Home Our Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Solutions Custom IT Solutions Cybersecurity Managed IT Services (MSP) About Us Blog Contact Us Back to Blog Best Microsoft 365 Plans for Businesses 101 IT Licensing Guide November 21, 2025 Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, each one offering different tools, security features, and compliance capabilities. Many companies end up confused, unsure about what they really need, and some even invest in subscriptions that provide too much or too little for their environment. At 101 IT, our goal is to simplify everything. As a certified Microsoft Partner and Pax8 Partner, we guide businesses through the entire licensing process. We analyze your workflows, security requirements, data protection needs, and long term goals, then match you with the exact Microsoft 365 plan that fits your team. Our approach is always personalized and cost effective so you never pay for features you will not use and never miss the security tools your business truly needs. Below are the five most important ways we help companies choose the right Microsoft 365 licensing strategy. 1. We Explain All Microsoft 365 Plans in a Simple, Clear Way Microsoft 365 offers a wide range of plans. Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium, and the Enterprise family like E1, E3, and E5. Some focus on productivity, others introduce advanced security, while the top tiers include full compliance, endpoint management, and threat protection solutions. Most companies do not have the time to analyze the differences between each plan. Many feel stuck between “too basic” and “too advanced.” At 101 IT, we break everything down in an easy and understandable way. We explain what each plan includes, how it compares to others, and what makes sense for your team size and structure. Our goal is to help you understand the value of each subscription so you can make a confident decision. 2. We Build Personalized Licensing Structures Based on Real Needs There is no universal Microsoft 365 plan that fits everyone. Every organization has different roles, responsibilities, workflows, and risk levels. Some employees need advanced features like Intune or Defender. Others only need email. Some teams require collaboration tools. Others need secure access from multiple devices. We take time to understand how your business operates. We look at user roles, device management, cybersecurity posture, remote work needs, and the overall technology structure of your company. Then we build a license strategy that assigns the right subscription to each user rather than giving everyone the same plan. This personalized approach is one of the most effective ways to reduce unnecessary costs while improving security and productivity. 3. We Highlight the Security Features Included in Each Plan Security is one of the strongest benefits of Microsoft 365 and one of the biggest reasons companies upgrade their plans. However, understanding which plan includes which security controls is not always easy. We help you understand the differences between standard protection and advanced security features. We guide you through tools such as: Multifactor Authentication Conditional Access Microsoft Defender for Business Intune for device and application management Data Loss Prevention Email protection and threat detection Compliance and data retention tools Our focus is always on helping you choose a plan that protects your users, devices, data, and applications with the level of security your business requires. 4. We Ensure Compliance, Data Protection, and Governance Requirements Are Met Some industries have strict data rules. Some need advanced auditing. Others require encryption policies, retention policies, eDiscovery tools, or secure file handling. This is where many companies struggle with Microsoft 365 licensing because not all plans include the compliance tools needed to stay audit ready. At 101 IT, we guide you through the options that support your legal, privacy, and governance requirements. We help you understand what each subscription offers in terms of retention, investigation tools, regulatory support, and secure data handling. This ensures your business stays aligned with industry standards and prepared for any compliance review. 5. We Manage the Entire Lifecycle of Your Microsoft Licensing for You Once the right plans are selected, we take care of everything else. Managing Microsoft licensing is not a one-time task. It requires continuous monitoring, regular adjustments, and consistent oversight to ensure your subscriptions always match your business environment. As a Microsoft Partner and Pax8 Partner, 101 IT handles every part of this lifecycle for you so you never need to worry about the details. We oversee all provisioning, activation, billing, renewals, upgrades, and transitions between plans. If Microsoft releases new features, improves security bundles, or restructures their licensing options, we evaluate these changes and advise you when an update will improve your protection or reduce your costs. Our team keeps track of renewal dates, contract terms, and usage patterns so you never lose access to critical tools or pay for licenses that are no longer being used. We also monitor your licensing month by month to ensure your environment stays optimized. When your company grows, restructures, hires new staff, or introduces new workflows, we adjust your subscriptions accordingly. If a department needs more advanced security, if temporary staff only need basic access, or if certain users require mobile device management, we make sure your license assignments reflect those needs immediately. This ongoing support removes the stress and complexity from your internal team. You do not need to spend time navigating the Microsoft admin center, analyzing reports, or trying to interpret licensing changes. We maintain a clean, organized, and fully aligned licensing structure that evolves with your business. The result is a secure, stable, and cost effective environment that supports your operations without unnecessary effort on your side. Microsoft 365 offers powerful tools that can transform the way your business operates, but choosing the right plan requires clarity, guidance, and a personalized approach. At 101 IT, we make the entire licensing experience simple and strategic. From understanding each subscription to matching plans with your real needs and managing everything long term, our focus is … Read more

Microsoft Licensing for Businesses

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Menu Home Our Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Solutions Custom IT Solutions Cybersecurity Managed IT Services (MSP) About Us Blog Contact Us Back to Blog Microsoft Licensing for Businesses November 20, 2025 Microsoft Licensing is a challenge for most companies. With so many subscription models, add-ons, security bundles, and device-based options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. At 101 IT, we help businesses choose, purchase, and manage the right licenses by providing clear guidance based on real needs. As a Microsoft Partner and a Pax8 Partner, we simplify the entire process and distribute licenses directly so you only pay for what you truly need. Below are six essential points that explain how we support your business with a complete, reliable, and cost effective licensing strategy. Personalized Licensing Assessments Different companies have different requirements. Instead of offering generic bundles, we take time to understand how your team works, which applications you rely on, and what your long-term goals look like. We evaluate your workflow, cybersecurity posture, compliance requirements, and current configuration. Our objective is to select only the licenses that match your real operational needs. This ensures accuracy, efficiency, and clarity across the entire licensing structure. Microsoft Partner Advantages Being a Microsoft Partner allows us to streamline the licensing process for our clients. We provide direct access to Microsoft 365 subscriptions, Azure services, Windows licenses, and security-focused bundles. Because we manage the distribution, you do not need to deal with third party sellers or complex billing systems. You get trusted support, faster provisioning, and a licensing roadmap that follows Microsoft recommendations and best practices. Access to a Wide Range of Solutions Through Pax8 In addition to being Microsoft Partners, we are also fully integrated with Pax8. This gives us the ability to distribute licenses for many additional products through their catalogue. If your business needs backup solutions, email security tools, cybersecurity add-ons, cloud storage, or advanced productivity applications, we can supply and manage everything. This approach keeps your software ecosystem centralized. One provider, one bill, and one clear strategy. Security First Licensing Licensing is not only about productivity tools. It is also an important part of cybersecurity and compliance. Choosing the wrong plan can leave your business unprotected without you realizing it. We make sure your subscriptions include essential technologies such as Conditional Access, MFA enforcement, Intune management, advanced email protection, and identity security features. If your business needs to meet cyber insurance requirements, we help align your licensing with the controls insurers expect to see. Our goal is to elevate your protection while keeping your costs predictable. Cost Optimization and Elimination of Waste Companies often pay for licenses they no longer use. Some accounts remain active after employees leave. Others include unnecessary add-ons or higher tier plans that bring no additional value. As your MSP, we continuously monitor your subscription usage and identify opportunities to reduce waste. If you can downgrade a plan, we let you know. If a cheaper but equally effective option exists, we recommend it. Through regular audits and transparent advice, we make sure your software budget stays under control. Full Support, Management, and Lifecycle Maintenance Once your licensing environment is in place, we handle the entire lifecycle for you. We manage upgrades, downgrades, assignments, renewals, compliance checks, and security validations. You do not need to spend time navigating the Microsoft portal or wondering which plan to choose next year. We keep everything aligned with your business needs and growth. With 101 IT maintaining your subscriptions, you always have the right tools, the right level of protection, and the right structure for your team. Microsoft licensing does not have to be confusing or expensive. With the support of a trusted MSP that is both a Microsoft Partner and a Pax8 Partner, your business can optimize its software environment without stress. At 101 IT, we build personalized licensing strategies that focus on security, clarity, and cost efficiency. You get access to the best tools in the industry while staying fully protected and aligned with your operational goals. Enjoyed this article? Share it with your network! Get in Touch with Us Ready to elevate your IT? Whether you’re in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario, or anywhere across Canada, we’re here to help your business grow and thrive. Let’s start the conversation today! Contact Us Today Copyright © | Powered by

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small Businesses: Protecting Your Company in a Digital World

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Menu Home Our Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Solutions Custom IT Solutions Cybersecurity Managed IT Services (MSP) About Us Blog Contact Us Back to Blog Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small Businesses: Protecting Your Company in a Digital World November 6, 2025 Running a small business today means depending on technology for almost everything sales, communication, customer relationships, accounting, and daily operations. But with this reliance comes risk. Cybercriminals know that small businesses often have limited IT resources, making them prime targets for phishing attacks, data breaches, and ransomware. The good news is that protecting your business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart practices and the right tools, you can significantly reduce your exposure to cyber threats and safeguard what you’ve built. 1. Build a Strong Foundation with Employee Awareness Human error remains one of the top causes of security incidents. A single click on a malicious email or a careless password share can lead to serious damage. Start by creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Train your employees regularly on recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding suspicious links, and handling sensitive information responsibly. Encourage open communication if something looks odd, they should feel comfortable reporting it immediately without fear of blame. The goal is to make cybersecurity a shared responsibility across your team. 2. Keep Software and Devices Updated Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems, applications, and firmware. Ensuring your devices are running the latest versions of software and operating systems closes many of these security gaps. Schedule regular updates and, where possible, enable automatic updates to make the process seamless. Also, make sure your antivirus and firewall protection are active and configured correctly. These simple habits help protect your business from attacks that take advantage of old or unpatched software. 3. Secure Access with Strong Authentication Strong passwords are essential, but they’re no longer enough on their own. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity with a second method, such as a code sent to their phone or an authentication app. This small step can make a huge difference in preventing unauthorized access. Some easy-to-use MFA tools for small businesses include Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, and Duo Mobile. These apps are free, quick to set up, and work seamlessly with most platforms and online services. For password management, consider tools like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. They store and encrypt your credentials securely, allowing employees to access business accounts safely without sharing passwords through insecure channels like email or chat. 4. Protect Your Data, Customer Information, and Business Network Your data is one of your most valuable assets, and protecting it is crucial to maintaining customer trust. Encrypt sensitive files and store them in secure locations, such as encrypted drives or trusted cloud platforms with strong privacy controls. Regularly back up your data to both local and cloud-based storage so that you can recover quickly if an attack or hardware failure occurs. Establish clear policies for data access, retention, and disposal, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or edit important files. At the same time, make sure your network is protected. Your business Wi-Fi should always be secured with a strong password and WPA3 encryption. Avoid using default router credentials and change them immediately during setup. If you have employees or visitors who need internet access, create a separate guest network that is isolated from your main systems. For teams that work remotely, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, or ExpressVPN adds another layer of protection by encrypting internet traffic and keeping sensitive data private, even on public networks. 5. Balance Security with Productivity Cybersecurity should never come at the expense of productivity. Many modern security tools are designed to work quietly in the background, keeping your systems protected without slowing down your operations. For example, platforms like Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Google Workspace offer built-in security features such as identity management, spam filtering, and endpoint protection all while keeping teams productive and connected. Automating routine tasks like software updates, password resets, and backups can save time and reduce the chance of human error. 6. Stay Informed, Improve Continuously, and Partner with Experts Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process. Threats evolve, and so should your defenses. Make it a habit to review your company’s security policies, evaluate new tools, and stay informed about the latest scams and vulnerabilities. Many resources, including government sites and industry newsletters, provide free alerts and best practices tailored for small businesses. Staying proactive helps you anticipate risks and respond quickly before they escalate. As a small business owner, your focus should be on growth and serving your clients—not constantly worrying about digital threats. That’s where 101 IT can help. We provide affordable, scalable cybersecurity solutions designed for small businesses, helping you implement practical protections that align with your goals. From setting up secure systems and MFA tools to monitoring threats and training your team, our mission is to help you operate with confidence in today’s connected world. Visit us at 101-it.com to learn more about how we can help your business stay secure, efficient, and ready for the future. Enjoyed this article? Share it with your network! Get in Touch with Us Ready to elevate your IT? Whether you’re in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario, or anywhere across Canada, we’re here to help your business grow and thrive. Let’s start the conversation today! Contact Us Today Copyright © | Powered by

HEC – Protect Your Business Email Before It Costs You

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Menu Home Our Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Solutions Custom IT Solutions Cybersecurity Managed IT Services (MSP) About Us Blog Contact Us Back to Blog HEC – Protect Your Business Email Before It Costs You October 3, 2025 Email is the backbone of business communication. It connects teams, drives decisions, and manages customer relationships. However, email is also the single most targeted channel for cyberattacks. Each week, businesses face threats that range from phishing attempts to highly sophisticated Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. Often, these threats appear innocuous at first — a link that looks legitimate, an email that seems to come from a trusted colleague, or a seemingly harmless attachment. Within hours, the consequences can escalate, from stolen sensitive data to fraudulent wire transfers. The financial impact is clear, but the reputational damage is often even more severe. Rebuilding trust with clients, partners, and employees can take months, if not years. At 101 IT, we help businesses stay ahead of these threats by implementing Check Point’s Harmony Email & Collaboration (HEC) — a solution designed to protect your email and collaboration platforms before attackers can exploit them. What is Harmony Email & Collaboration (HEC)? Harmony Email & Collaboration (HEC) is a modern, API-based email security platform that protects organizations from the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Unlike traditional MX-based gateways, HEC integrates directly with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Teams, Slack, Zoom, and other collaboration tools. This API-driven, inside-out approach allows HEC to actively monitor your environment, detect suspicious activity, and respond in real time. It does not merely filter messages before delivery; it provides comprehensive visibility and protection across your entire communication ecosystem. HEC addresses the modern security challenges that traditional solutions often fail to catch. Here’s why it’s a game-changer: Direct API IntegrationHEC connects seamlessly with email and collaboration platforms without rerouting traffic or modifying MX records. Deployment is quick, and there’s minimal disruption to daily operations. Inside-Out Threat VisibilityBy integrating directly into your environment, HEC can detect unusual login attempts, compromised accounts, lateral movement across platforms, and suspicious file sharing. This is critical because many modern attacks come from within the organization. Advanced Phishing and BEC DetectionHEC uses AI-driven analytics to identify subtle signs of phishing and Business Email Compromise. It can detect domain impersonation, spoofed sender addresses, and suspicious payment requests that traditional filters would miss. Account Takeover PreventionHEC continuously monitors user behavior and blocks unauthorized access attempts, preventing attackers from exploiting compromised accounts. Zero-Day and Malware ProtectionPowered by Check Point’s ThreatCloud intelligence, HEC identifies and blocks new malware, ransomware, and zero-day threats as soon as they appear. Automated RemediationThreats can be removed from all affected inboxes within seconds, minimizing exposure and limiting potential damage. Lower False PositivesWith intelligent detection, HEC reduces unnecessary quarantines, ensuring legitimate emails reach employees without delay. Comprehensive Protection Beyond EmailHEC safeguards not just emails but collaboration tools like Teams, Slack, and Zoom. This ensures a broader defense against attacks that move beyond the inbox. Why Traditional Email Gateways Are No Longer Enough For many years, businesses relied on MX-based email gateways. These solutions filtered emails before they reached the inbox, which worked when most attacks were external and relatively simple. However, attackers have adapted: They compromise trusted accounts, sending malicious messages from within your organization. They exploit cloud collaboration platforms to deliver phishing links and malware. They use AI to craft messages that bypass conventional filters, making attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect. Traditional gateways are limited in visibility. They cannot monitor internal account activity, collaboration platforms, or user behavior in real time. As a result, many attacks go unnoticed until damage is done. The Importance of API-Based Security Modern threats require modern solutions. API-based platforms like HEC provide real-time visibility and protection by working directly inside the systems your organization uses every day. Key benefits include: Real-Time Monitoring and DetectionHEC constantly analyzes user activity and email content to detect threats immediately. Proactive Threat ResponseWhen a threat is identified, HEC can act automatically to remove malicious emails or block suspicious activity. Scalable ProtectionAs your organization grows, HEC scales to protect more users, devices, and collaboration tools without creating bottlenecks. Comprehensive CoverageBeyond email, HEC secures chat, file sharing, and video conferencing platforms, providing complete communication protection. Real-World Example: How HEC Prevented a Costly Attack Consider a mid-sized company in the financial services sector that faced a sudden spike in phishing attacks over just one month. Employees were receiving emails that appeared to come from the CEO, finance department, and trusted vendors. Using their traditional MX-based gateway, several malicious emails made it to employees’ inboxes. One particular email nearly led to a fraudulent wire transfer of $75,000. Fortunately, the finance team noticed inconsistencies and halted the transaction in time. However, the scare highlighted just how vulnerable the company’s email systems had become. After implementing Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration (HEC), the results were immediate and measurable: 100% of phishing emails were flagged immediately before employees could interact with them. Suspicious activity across collaboration platforms like Teams and Slack was detected and blocked in real time. Account takeover attempts dropped by over 90%, preventing attackers from gaining internal access. Employee-reported phishing incidents decreased by 80%, because HEC caught the threats automatically. Zero financial losses occurred after HEC implementation, avoiding costly wire fraud and reputational damage. This proactive, API-driven approach demonstrates how a modern solution like HEC goes beyond traditional email gateways. Not only did it stop attacks before they could escalate, but it also gave the company confidence in its security posture, allowing employees to focus on work instead of worrying about phishing threats. According to recent industry statistics: 76% of organizations reported a successful phishing attack in the last year, resulting in financial and data losses. Businesses using advanced API-based email protection saw a reduction of phishing-related incidents by up to 85%. Companies that adopt proactive email security solutions recover faster from attempted attacks and report higher employee confidence in email safety. This example clearly illustrates that adopting HEC isn’t … Read more