Octobits Blog – Microsoft 365 F1 is a licensing option designed with frontline workers in mind. It offers essential communication and collaboration tools at an affordable price. Learn more about Microsoft 365 F1 price to helps you make a better decision on budgeting.
But as of September 2023, Australian businesses saw a big 9% rise across various Microsoft 365 licences, including the Microsoft 365 F1 price.
This was part of Microsoft’s plan to make global pricing more consistent.
This change has got IT managers and business owners wondering whether the F1 plan is worth the cost, especially when compared to other Microsoft 365 offerings.
What is the Microsoft 365 F1 License?
The Office 365 F1 licence, now known as Microsoft 365 F1, is a cloud-based subscription plan aimed at frontline workers in industries like retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality.
These workers usually don’t need the full desktop versions of Microsoft Office, but they do need access to key communication and collaboration tools.
The F1 plan includes web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with Microsoft Teams, Exchange email services, and OneDrive with 2GB of storage.
Plus, it gives you secure access to company resources via Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) and some basic security and compliance features.
Why Teams so great deals? You can read “Microsoft 365 Domestic Calling Plan Price: Features, Tiers, Plans, & Benefits“
Pricing Details for Microsoft 365 F1
Current Pricing
In Australia, the Microsoft 365 F1 plan with Teams is priced at AU$3.40 per user per month, with an annual commitment.
If you go for the Microsoft 365 F1 plan without Teams, the cost will be AU$2.60 per user per month.
When you look at the pricing in the USA, there’s a bit of a difference.
The Microsoft 365 F1 price with Teams is US$2.25 per user per month on an annual contract. The Microsoft 365 F1 plan without Teams is US$1.75 per user per month.
This is a great, cost-effective way for businesses to equip their frontline staff with essential tools without having to pay for more comprehensive and expensive plans.
Comparison with Other Plans
Please note; we’re only comparing with F3 because both plans are designed with frontline workers in mind.
When we compare with Microsoft plans other than F3, it seems like you’re financially overpaying and going overkill in terms of what you need.
So, if you take a look at the “Microsoft 365 Enterprise Licensing Guide,” you’ll see the main difference between the Microsoft 365 F1 plan and the F3 in the price and the range of features.
The F1 plan, which costs AU$3.40 per user per month, is aimed at frontline workers who are just getting started.
The plan gives them all the essential tools they need, like web and mobile versions of Office apps, 2 GB of OneDrive storage, and access to Microsoft Teams.
By comparison, the F3 plan costs a lot more, at around AU$12.00 per user per month.
The F3 plan gives you the full desktop versions of Office apps, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, and advanced features like Power Apps and Power Automate, along with Microsoft Intune for device management.
The F3 plan is better suited to frontline workers who need a wider range of capabilities and more robust security measures.
It often comes down to the specific needs of your workforce when it comes to choosing between F1 and F3.
If your employees just need basic tools for communication and file access, the F1 plan is a great, cost-effective option.
But if they need desktop apps, more storage or advanced security, the F3 plan might be worth the extra cost.
Features of Microsoft 365 F1
This plan is a great choice for businesses who want to give their frontline workers the tools they need to be more efficient and mobile, without breaking the bank.
Firstly, the web and mobile apps feature gives workers access to read-only versions of Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
This is great for employees who need to review documents on the go but don’t need to edit them.
The read-only nature helps to keep documents safe and secure, especially in fast-paced environments such as retail or logistics.
The Microsoft Teams feature in the F1 plan lets workers chat, make video calls and share files, so they can stay connected and work together in real time, whether they’re on site or working remotely.
Microsoft Stream is also included in the plan and helps with communication by providing a platform for sharing video content, such as training materials or corporate announcements.
Plus, Microsoft 365 F1 has some basic security features, like Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), which lets you access company resources safely and manage them.
The plan also helps you get things done with tools like Exchange Online, which offers business-class email and calendaring. This means you can manage your schedule and communications more easily.
Plus, OneDrive gives you 2 GB of storage space so you can easily access important files, while SharePoint helps you manage content and work together with your team.
Is Benefit worth the Microsoft 365 F1 price?
At just US$2.25 per user per month, it’s one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market. The Microsoft 365 F1 offers all the essential tools you need without any compromise on quality.
This affordability is especially valuable for businesses with limited IT budgets or large workforces, as it allows them to provide digital tools without a lot of financial pressure.
Another great thing about the F1 plan is you can be flexible with it.
The F1 plan lets workers access key business apps like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive online and on the go, so they can communicate and collaborate easily, no matter where they are.
This is great for industries like retail and healthcare, where employees are always on the go.
Security is also a big focus for a lot of us. Microsoft Entra ID lets businesses keep their systems safe, so frontline workers can access corporate resources securely.
What is the Difference Between F1 and F3 365?
The main thing you’ll notice between the Microsoft 365 F1 and F3 plans is the difference in the features they offer.
Both plans are designed for frontline workers, but the F3 plan includes full desktop versions of Office apps, advanced threat protection, and larger storage options.
The F3 plan costs more than the F1 plan, which is fair given the extra features it offers. However, if your business just needs the basic tools that F1 provides, you could save a lot of money.
If you want to know more about the F3 plan, please refer to “How Microsoft 365 F3 Price Fit with What Your Frontline Teams Need?“
How Octobits Helps You Manage Microsoft 365 F1?
What if you have a single, streamlined dashboard where you can oversee all your IT services.
From keeping tabs on every device in your network to creating detailed billing reports, it’s all at your fingertips.
No more juggling multiple tools or spreadsheets. No more guesswork. It’s just pure, unadulterated control.
This kind of visibility isn’t just handy; it’s empowering too. It means you can make smart choices about your Microsoft 365 F1 subscriptions.
You’ll be able to spot underused licences, make sure you’re only paying for what you need and optimise your usage.
And you’ll have all those ideas in Octobits, your go-to license management software.
Octobits is your financial watchdog, keeping an eye on your licence landscape for ways to save you money.
Yes, you can count on Octobits. You can use Octobits free of charge until December 2024.
That’s right, there’s no cost to start optimising your Microsoft 365 F1 licences and taking control of your IT spending.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to give your business a boost with smarter licence management. It’s time you try Octobits.
In Closing
Microsoft 365 F1 is a great deal for companies who want to give their frontline workers the tools they need to communicate and collaborate.
Investing in Microsoft 365 F1 licences can help you boost productivity, make operations more efficient, and create a more connected and engaged workforce, all at a great price.
But remember, the Microsoft 365 F1 price is just one part of the picture. That’s why you can use Octobits to manage it.
