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Microsoft E3 and E5 Licensing Explained: Enhanced Security Products
Feb 5
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Microsoft E3 and E5 Licensing Explained: Enhanced Security Products
Microsoft offers a variety of licensing options for its Microsoft 365 suite of productivity and security tools. Two of the most popular options for enterprise organizations (those with more than 300 users) are Microsoft 365 E3 and E5. These licenses provide access to a comprehensive set of applications and services, but there are key differences between the two that organizations should understand before making a purchasing decision. This report provides a detailed explanation of Microsoft E3 and E5 licensing, including the applications and services included in each.
Recent Changes to Microsoft Licensing
In a recent update to its licensing model, Microsoft has separated Microsoft Teams from the core Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites1. This means that organizations will now need to purchase separate licenses for Microsoft Teams, in addition to their chosen Microsoft 365 or Office 365 plan. This change may impact customers who were previously relying on bundled licenses that included Teams. Organizations should carefully evaluate their needs and budget to determine the most cost-effective licensing strategy.
Core Applications and Services
Both Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 include a core set of productivity apps and cloud services that enable employees to collaborate effectively and efficiently, regardless of their location. These core offerings include:
Productivity Apps:
Word 2
Excel 2
PowerPoint 2
Outlook 2
OneNote 2
Publisher (PC only) 3
Access (PC only) 3
Cloud Services:
Exchange Online 2
SharePoint Online 2
OneDrive for Business 4Â (1 TB of cloud storage per user)
Microsoft Stream 2
Microsoft 365 E3
Microsoft 365 E3 combines best-in-class enterprise productivity apps with core security and compliance capabilities5. It is designed for organizations of all sizes that want to enhance productivity and collaboration while strengthening security and compliance6. The cost of a Microsoft 365 E3 license starts from $33.75 per user per month with an annual commitment5.
Applications and Services Included in E3
In addition to the core applications and services, Microsoft 365 E3 includes:
Security and Compliance:
Windows 11 Enterprise E3 5
Microsoft Defender Antivirus 5
Windows Defender Application Control 5
Microsoft Entra ID P1 5
Windows Information Protection 5
Microsoft Purview Information Protection 5
Microsoft Purview eDiscovery 5
BitLocker 5
Other Services:
Microsoft 365 admin center 5
Endpoint analytics proactive remediation 5
Windows Autopilot 5
Windows Autopatch 5
Microsoft Security and Compliance Center 5
Device health 5
Microsoft Viva Insights (personal insights) 5
Key Features and Benefits of E3
Productivity and Collaboration:Â E3 provides a comprehensive suite of productivity apps and services that enable employees to create, share, and collaborate on documents and projects from anywhere.
Enhanced Security:Â E3 includes essential security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data loss prevention, to protect against common threats like malware and phishing attacks7.
Simplified Management:Â E3 provides tools to simplify IT management and administration, allowing organizations to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Cost-Effectiveness:Â E3 offers a cost-effective solution by bundling essential productivity and security features into a single subscription.
Microsoft 365 E3 Unattended License
The Microsoft 365 E3 Unattended License is an add-on to the standard Microsoft 365 E3 license8. It grants access to Office client applications using service or non-user accounts, making it ideal for executing automated processes where using traditional user accounts is not recommended8.
Use Cases:
Automation tasks, such as executing scripts or workflows.
System integrations.
Background services requiring access to Microsoft 365 services.
Server-based solutions that work with robotic process automation (RPA).
Benefits:
Facilitates large-scale automation across multiple devices.
Provides secure and controlled access to Microsoft 365 services in unattended settings.
Offers a cost-effective licensing solution for automation.
Seamlessly integrates with existing Microsoft 365 environments.
How to Purchase E3 Licenses
To purchase Microsoft E3 licenses, you can follow these steps: 9
Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Select the subscription you want to change.
On the subscription details page, select Buy licenses.
Choose when to schedule the license change.
Enter the total number of licenses you want.
Select Save.
You can also purchase E3 licenses through Microsoft partners or authorized resellers.
Microsoft 365 E5
Microsoft 365 E5 is the most comprehensive Microsoft 365 offering, combining best-in-class productivity apps with advanced security, compliance, and analytical capabilities10. It is designed for organizations with high security and compliance requirements, such as those in healthcare, finance, or government, as well as those that want to leverage data-driven insights for decision-making. The cost of a Microsoft 365 E5 license starts from $35.75 per user per month with an annual commitment11.
Applications and Services Included in E5
Microsoft 365 E5 includes all the applications and services available in E3, plus:
Security:
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 12
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 12
Microsoft Defender for Identity 12
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps 12
Azure Information Protection Plan 2 13
Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management 13
Compliance:
Advanced eDiscovery 13
Advanced Audit 14
Analytics:
Power BI Pro 13
Communication:
Audio conferencing for up to 1,000 attendees 13
Key Features and Benefits of E5
Advanced Security:Â E5 provides advanced security features to protect against sophisticated threats, such as zero-day exploits and insider risks15. These features include enhanced identity and access management, threat protection, and information protection.
Enhanced Compliance:Â E5 includes advanced compliance capabilities to help organizations meet regulatory requirements and protect sensitive data15. This can help organizations avoid penalties and maintain a strong security posture.
Advanced Analytics:Â E5 includes Power BI Pro, which enables organizations to gain deeper insights from their data and make better decisions.
Integrated Communication:Â E5 offers a comprehensive communication solution with audio conferencing and advanced Teams features.
Consolidated Security:Â E5 can help organizations consolidate their security solutions under a single vendor, leading to improved efficiency, reduced complexity, and potentially lower costs16.
How to Purchase E5 Licenses
To purchase Microsoft E5 licenses, you can follow these steps: 17
Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Select the subscription you want to change.
On the subscription details page, select Buy licenses.
Choose when to schedule the license change.
Enter the total number of licenses you want.
Select Save.
You can also purchase E5 licenses through Microsoft partners or authorized resellers.
E5 Enhanced Security Products
Microsoft E5 offers a suite of enhanced security products that provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats. These products work together to provide a layered defense, helping organizations to secure their users, devices, and data.
Product | Description | Key Features | Benefits |
Azure Active Directory Premium 1 & 2 | A cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) solution that provides single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication, and identity protection18. | - Single sign-on (SSO) <br> - Multi-factor authentication <br> - Identity Protection <br> - Conditional access policies 15 | - Enhanced security against identity theft and unauthorized access. <br> - Improved user experience with simplified logins. <br> - Reduced risk of data breaches. |
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | An email filtering service that protects against various threats, including phishing, malware, and business email compromise18. | - Safe Attachments 19Â <br> - Safe Links 19Â <br> - Anti-phishing 20Â <br> - Real-time detections 20Â <br> - Attack simulation training 20Â <br> - Automated investigation and response (AIR) 20Â <br> - Threat explorer 20Â <br> - Compromised user detection 20 | - Protection against email-borne threats. <br> - Improved threat detection and response capabilities. <br> - Reduced risk of phishing attacks and malware infections. |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | An endpoint security solution that helps prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats21. | - Cross-domain security capabilities <br> - AI and automation for endpoint security <br> - Centralized security orchestration platform 21 | - Enhanced protection against advanced threats. <br> - Simplified security management. <br> - Improved threat detection and response capabilities. |
Azure Information Protection | A tool that helps classify, label, and protect sensitive data21. | - Classification and labeling of sensitive data <br> - Encryption and access control 15 | - Protection of sensitive data from unauthorized access and use. <br> - Improved compliance with data privacy regulations. |
Microsoft Defender for Identity | A cloud-based identity security solution that uses on-premises Active Directory signals to identify and investigate compromised identities and threats18. | - Leverages on-premises Active Directory signals <br> - Identifies compromised identities and insider threats 18 | - Proactive protection against identity-based attacks. <br> - Improved threat detection and response capabilities. |
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps | A cloud access security broker (CASB) that provides visibility and control over data travel in cloud applications18. | - Monitors and controls cloud application usage <br> - Provides advanced analytics to detect threats 18 | - Enhanced security for cloud applications. <br> - Improved visibility and control over data. <br> - Reduced risk of data breaches. |
Key Differences Between E3 and E5
While both E3 and E5 offer a robust set of features, there are some key differences to consider:
Security:Â E3 provides basic security features, while E5 offers advanced security capabilities to protect against more sophisticated threats12. Organizations with high security needs, such as those that handle sensitive data or operate in regulated industries, should consider E5 for its enhanced protection against zero-day exploits, insider risks, and advanced persistent threats.
Compliance:Â E5 includes advanced compliance capabilities that are not available in E3. These features can help organizations meet regulatory requirements, avoid penalties, and maintain a strong security posture.
Analytics:Â E5 includes Power BI Pro, which provides advanced analytics and data visualization capabilities that are not available in E3.
Cost:Â E5 has a higher upfront cost than E3. However, it can lead to cost savings in the long run by reducing the need for third-party security solutions and streamlining business processes7.
Conclusion
Choosing between Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 depends on an organization's specific needs and priorities. E3 is a good option for organizations that need a solid foundation of productivity and security tools. However, organizations with high security and compliance requirements, or those that want to leverage advanced analytics and data visualization capabilities, should consider E5.
While E5 has a higher upfront cost, it can potentially lead to cost savings in the long run by consolidating security solutions, improving efficiency, and reducing the risk of security breaches. Organizations should carefully evaluate their needs, budget, and resources to determine the best licensing option. It's also crucial to invest in proper training and consider outsourcing management of E5 solutions to maximize its benefits16.
Works cited
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