Most businesses don't spend much time thinking about their web browser.
It's simply the tool employees use to access email, SharePoint, Teams, cloud applications, supplier portals, project management systems and countless other business services throughout the day.
But what if your browser could help improve security, simplify management and help your business get more value from Microsoft 365?
If your organisation already uses Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft Edge deserves serious consideration as your default work browser.
At Netcare, we generally recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium because it provides an excellent foundation for modern business productivity, security and device management. When paired with Microsoft Edge for Business, organisations can unlock even more value from that investment.
The Browser Has Become Part of Your Technology Stack
A decade ago, browsers were simply used to view websites.
Today, much of the modern workday takes place inside a browser.
Employees use browsers to:
- Access Microsoft 365 applications
- Work with SharePoint and OneDrive
- Join Teams meetings
- Review documents and PDFs
- Access business applications
- Research information
- Use AI-powered tools
- Collaborate with colleagues and clients
Because the browser sits at the centre of so many daily activities, it has become an important part of your productivity, security and compliance strategy.
For organisations already invested in Microsoft 365, Edge offers advantages that extend well beyond simply browsing the web.
Why Microsoft 365 Business Premium Matters
Many businesses think of Microsoft 365 as Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
However, Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes significantly more than productivity applications.
Depending on your configuration, Business Premium can provide:
- Microsoft Intune for device management
- Microsoft Defender for Business
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Microsoft Entra ID identity protection
- Information protection and data loss prevention capabilities
- Conditional access controls
- Mobile device management
- Endpoint security management
These capabilities work together to create a secure and manageable workplace.
The more components that operate within the Microsoft ecosystem, the easier it becomes to apply consistent security controls and governance across the business.
This is one of the key reasons Edge makes sense for Business Premium customers.
Edge Extends the Value of Business Premium
When employees use Chrome, many browser activities sit outside the broader Microsoft management and security ecosystem.
Edge brings those activities back into the environment you're already paying for.
Users can seamlessly access Microsoft 365 services while IT administrators can better integrate browser management with existing Microsoft tools.
Rather than managing Microsoft 365, Intune, Defender, Entra ID and then a completely separate browser platform, Edge allows organisations to create a more unified environment.
This reduces complexity while improving visibility and control.
Better Protection for Business Data
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt Edge is data protection.
Many organisations focus heavily on securing email and documents but overlook the browser.
In reality, browsers are often where sensitive information is most vulnerable.
Employees regularly:
- Upload files
- Download documents
- Copy and paste business information
- Access cloud applications
- Share information externally
- Store passwords and credentials
For organisations using Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft Purview capabilities, Edge can play an important role in helping protect sensitive business information.
Whether your organisation handles client records, contracts, financial information, project documentation or confidential communications, controlling how information moves through the browser can help reduce risk.
As businesses increasingly focus on cyber security, protecting browser-based activity has become just as important as protecting email and endpoints.
Preparing for Microsoft Copilot
Many businesses are currently exploring Microsoft 365 Copilot.
While most conversations focus on the productivity benefits of AI, fewer organisations consider whether their environment is ready for AI adoption.
Copilot works best when your Microsoft 365 environment is properly governed.
If permissions are poorly managed or sensitive information lacks appropriate controls, AI can amplify those issues.
This is one reason Netcare recommends Business Premium as a baseline for most organisations.
Business Premium provides the identity, security and management capabilities needed to build a solid foundation for AI adoption.
Edge complements this strategy by helping organisations keep more work activity within the Microsoft ecosystem, where security and governance controls can be applied consistently.
The result is not simply better AI.
It's safer and more controlled AI adoption.
Separating Work and Personal Activity
One challenge many organisations face is the blending of personal and business browsing.
Employees often use the same browser for:
- Work email
- Personal email
- Online shopping
- Banking
- Social media
- Business applications
This can create confusion and increase security risks.
Edge for Business provides a dedicated work browsing experience tied to an employee's work identity.
This helps create clearer separation between work and personal activity while giving organisations greater control over company data.
For hybrid work and bring-your-own-device environments, this separation can be particularly valuable.
Easier Management with Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is one of the most valuable components included in Business Premium.
When Edge is deployed as the standard work browser, organisations can use Intune to help manage browser settings and policies across devices.
This may include:
- Browser configuration
- Extension management
- Security settings
- Access controls
- Sign-in policies
- Data protection controls
Standardising on Edge can reduce complexity for IT teams while providing a more consistent experience for users.
It also allows organisations to align browser management with broader Microsoft 365 management practices.
Chrome Still Has a Place
This isn't about eliminating Chrome completely.
Some organisations may have legacy applications, specialist software or specific websites that work best in Chrome.
That's perfectly reasonable.
For many businesses, the best approach is to make Edge the default work browser while retaining Chrome where a genuine business need exists.
This allows organisations to benefit from Microsoft's integrated ecosystem without disrupting critical workflows.
Are You getting Full Value from Microsoft 365?
Many businesses invest in Microsoft 365 Business Premium but only use a fraction of its capabilities.
The opportunity isn't necessarily to purchase more technology.
It's often to get more value from the technology you already have.
For organisations using Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft Edge can help extend the value of that investment by improving security, simplifying management, supporting information protection and helping prepare for AI-powered work.
Chrome remains an excellent browser.
However, for businesses committed to Microsoft 365, Edge is increasingly becoming the more logical choice.
Need Help getting More Value from Microsoft 365?
At Netcare, we help businesses maximise their Microsoft 365 investment through better security, governance, device management and productivity strategies.
If you're already using Microsoft 365 Business Premium and want to ensure you're getting the full value from your subscription, we'd be happy to help.
Book a Technology Success Conversation with Netcare.
Call us now on: (02) 9114 9920 or