The Cloud – The Model of the Future?
The cloud is often described as the model of the future – and for good reason. The Microsoft Cloud represents modern IT: scalable, efficient and packed with powerful features.
Services such as Azure, integrated cyber security solutions, multi‑factor authentication, artificial intelligence and Microsoft Teams enable productive, location‑independent work and
seamless collaboration across teams and departments.
However, as compelling as the Microsoft Cloud offering is, it is not a simple plug‑and‑play solution. Behind the wide range of features lie complex licensing models that can quickly lead to
unnecessary costs or security gaps.
Not every Microsoft 365 plan includes all required applications or protection mechanisms.
At the same time, moving to the cloud can mean losing certain advantages of traditional on‑premises solutions, such as device‑based licensing.
This is where we come in. At MRM, we take a differentiated and critical view of the Microsoft Cloud – with deep expertise and a clear goal: to design your IT environment
in a cost‑efficient and precisely tailored way.
When Is the Cloud the Right Choice?
The Microsoft Cloud as
a Productivity Driver
The cloud delivers its full potential especially when flexibility and up‑to‑date systems are key:
- When employees need to work independently
of location - When access to the latest software versions
is essential - When employee numbers fluctuate significantly
- To reduce investments in hardware
and maintenance - When high availability and scalability are required
- When maximum flexibility through
Azure is needed
Cloud‑Only” Is Not
Always the Best Solution
There are also scenarios where a pure cloud approach is not the optimal choice:
- When the lowest possible licensing costs
are required - With limited or unstable internet
connectivity - When working with particularly sensitive
data or systems - When existing IT resources should be used
to their full potential - When complete control over all workstations
is essential
Hybrid Instead of “Cloud‑Only
Not every IT strategy needs to move entirely to the cloud. In many cases, a hybrid solution
is the most economical and technically sensible solution.
By combining cloud services with locally operated software, hybrid environments
balance flexibility and cost control while making the best use
of existing investments.
Microsoft Cloud Plans – An Overview
Microsoft offers a wide range of different cloud plans that vary significantly in functionality, number of users and included security features.
MRM provides you with a clear initial overview, highlights the differences and helps you select exactly the plan that fits your organisation – no more and no less.
Microsoft 365
Apps for …
The Microsoft 365 Apps for Business plans include only the core Office applications and are limited to a maximum of 300 users.
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise additionally support terminal server environments.
Microsoft 365
Business …
Microsoft 365 Business plans are designed for organisations with up to 300 users and are available as Basic, Standard and Premium editions.
They are also available as bundle solutions that include the AI assistant Copilot.
Office 365
E1 / E3 / E5
Office 365 plans are enterprise solutions for organisations with more than 300 users. The different editions vary in terms of functionality and security features.
All plans are available with or without Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft 365
E3 / E5 / F3
These are the premium plans within the Microsoft portfolio. Both the standard enterprise plan E3 and the most comprehensive plan E5 are available with or without Microsoft Teams.
The F‑plans are designed for frontline workers without a fixed workstation, such as warehouse or production staff.
Refinance 40% of your cloud costs –
with used software
Are Microsoft cloud solutions a topic in your company?
Then keep in mind that new software subscriptions free up your
existing on-premises licenses.
These software assets are worth real money – typically around 40% of the cloud costs incurred in
the first year. Don’t leave this potential unused and remember:
You can finance IT investments such as moving to the cloud with your used software.