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Microsoft 365 & workplace

Modern User or Modern Frontline User: which workplace for which employee?

25 August 2026 · 5 min read

Which Microsoft 365 workplace suits which employee? We compare the Modern User and the Modern Frontline User, so you make the right choice per employee.

Max HoltropBy Max Holtrop

Not every employee works the same way. One sits behind a laptop all day, another works mainly from their phone or a shared device. Yet many organisations give everyone the same, full workplace. There is a smarter way. In this article you read the difference between the Modern User and the Modern Frontline User, and which suits which employee.

Modern User: the full workplace

The Modern User is the complete, managed workplace for office staff. Think of the full Office apps on the laptop, a generous mailbox and access to all collaboration in Microsoft 365. Ideal for anyone who works with documents, mail and Teams all day.

Modern Frontline User: light and secure

The Modern Frontline User is built for frontline and production staff: people without a fixed workplace or their own laptop. They work with the Microsoft 365 apps in the browser and the mobile apps, with access to company data in SharePoint, Teams and OneDrive. Importantly, this workplace makes no compromise on security. Multi-factor authentication, Conditional Access and backup are included as standard, at a lower rate.

When do you choose what?

  • Office staff who work with documents a lot: Modern User.
  • Frontline, retail and production staff who mainly work via their phone or a shared device: Modern Frontline User.
  • You do not have to choose for the whole organisation. You mix both in the same managed environment, the right workplace per employee.

Pay only for what is needed

By choosing the right workplace per employee, you do not pay for features someone does not use. Work out your situation with the IT cost calculator or view the pricing. In doubt? Schedule a consultation and we will look at the best mix together.

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Frequently asked questions

Good to know

What is the difference between Modern User and Modern Frontline User?

Modern User is the full workplace with Office on the laptop, for office staff. Modern Frontline User is a lighter, cheaper workplace with the web and mobile apps, for staff without their own laptop. Security is in order with both.

Is the Frontline User less secure?

No. Multi-factor authentication, Conditional Access, blocking legacy authentication and Microsoft 365 backup are included as standard, just like on the other workplaces.

Can I combine both workplaces?

Yes. You choose the right workplace per employee and manage everything in the same environment. That way you only pay for what someone needs.

Questions about this?

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