Microsoft envisions the Microsoft 365 product as a crucial step in an organization’s transition from traditional on-premises computing to cloud-based services. For that transition to be complete, they consider it essential for workers at all levels of the business to participate. The Microsoft 365 F1 and F3 subscriptions are intended for frontline workers—that is, the segment of an organization’s work force that provides the first point of contact between the organization and the outside world. This refers specifically to workers in the field, call centers, shop floors, and customer service roles.

The Microsoft 365 F1 and F3 subscriptions provide a streamlined version of the same basic functionality as the other Microsoft 365 Enterprise subscriptions, including similar productivity, collaboration, and security tools but at a lower price and with limitations suitable to first-line workers’ typical needs.

Compared to the Enterprise and Business subscriptions, the primary difference in the Frontline subscriptions is that users only receive access to the Microsoft 365 productivity applications in their web and mobile versions; the installable desktop applications are not included. The product includes access to the Microsoft 365 cloud-based services, including limited access to Exchange Online and SharePoint, plus OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Intune, as well as access to some of the Microsoft Viva and Microsoft Defender services. Most of the applications and services in the Frontline subscriptions have limitations that suit the tasks they typically perform and the devices that these workers employ, including the following:

• Exchange Online mailboxes are limited to 2 GB.
• SharePoint access is included without personal sites, site mailboxes, or the ability to create forms.
• OneDrive is limited to 2 GB of cloud storage without desktop synchronization.
• Microsoft Teams is limited to one-to-one calls only; users can join but not create meetings.
• Stream is limited to consumption only; users cannot create or upload video streams.

The Microsoft 365 Frontline subscriptions also include many of the same threat protection and device management services as the Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise E3 subscriptions. The end result is a package that enables frontline workers to fully participate in the culture and community of the organization, with access to the same productivity, collaboration, and security tools as users with Microsoft 365 Enterprise or Business subscriptions. At the same time, frontline workers can gain skills and experience with tools that can enable them to grow and develop within the work force.

Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise feature comparison

The components and features included in the main Microsoft 365 subscriptions are shown in Table 4-1.

Note Microsoft 365 international users

The exact features included in the Microsoft 365 subscriptions and their pricing and licensing requirements can vary depending on the country or geographical region in which the subscription is purchased.