There are plenty of software solutions on the market that are designed to boost productivity. Despite this, Microsoft continues to be a leader in the industry.
A software solution, such as Microsoft 365, is a great option for both businesses and individuals looking to streamline their work load while maintaining a high level of security.
With the Microsoft 365 E5 licence, you can enhance your organisation’s collaboration, communication, data management, and security features.
What is a Microsoft 365 E5 Licence?
The Microsoft 365 E5 Licence is a cloud-based subscription which gives users access to the Microsoft 365 suite of apps, as well as advanced analytics, security and compliance services.
With a Microsoft 365 E5 subscription, you will gain access to:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- OneNote
- SharePoint
- OneDrive
- Power BI Pro
- Windows
It’s worth noting that all of the above tools are included in the E3 licence, apart from Power BI Pro.
Differences Between the E5 and E3 Microsoft Licences
While very similar at first glance, there are a number of features that you gain with the E5 licence that you do not with the E3.
Audio-Conferencing Features
In previous Microsoft plans, audio conferencing features were an additional purchase. With the E5 licence, your Microsoft suite will come with audio conferencing features built in, allowing you to join a Microsoft Teams meeting from anywhere using your phone.
Advanced Compliance Features
Included with your E5 licence, Microsoft 365’s compliance features help you to safeguard your organisation’s sensitive data across clouds, apps, and endpoints. Manage risks, protect and govern sensitive data, and respond to regulatory requirements with E5’s comprehensive compliance and data governance solutions.
Advanced Analytics
With an E5 licence you will gain access to a high-end analytic software that will allow you to collect, process, and analyse your data in one place.
Advanced Threat Protection
The Microsoft 365 E5 licence comes with a variety of security features, including:
- Microsoft Entra ID P2
- Microsoft Entra ID (formerly known as Azure Active Directory or Azure AD)
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Microsoft Defender XDR
- Microsoft Defender for Identity
- Azure Information Protection Plan 2
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
- Information protection and governance
- Microsoft Purview eDiscovery
- Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management
- Built-in non-Microsoft connectors
- Power BI Pro
Customer Lockbox
The addition of a Customer Lockbox brings you as a user into the approval workflow process that Microsoft uses to ensure only authorised parties have access to your content.
PSTN Capabilities
The E5’s built in PSTN capabilities allow you to make and receive calls, forward calls, leave voice messages, make conference calls, and contact emergency services, all from your Microsoft suite.
5 Benefits of Having an E5 Licence
With a Microsoft 365 E5 Licence comes a wide variety of built-in benefits to help your organisation operate in a more streamlined fashion.
1. Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID allows users to safeguard their organisation’s apps, data, and devices, with a cloud identity and access management solution. Using tools such as Multifactor Authentication, Identity Protection, and a Unified Admin Centre, Entra ID helps to connect employees, customers, and partners throughout your organisation.
2. Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender is an umbrella term used to refer to the security software Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Identity, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. The Microsoft Defender software is designed to give users control over their network’s security in a way that is accessible for all user backgrounds.
3. Power BI Pro
Power BI Pro is a software that provides users with the capability to gain real time analytics, that can be shared within your organisation. The Power BI Pro system is designed to be easy to use, on both desktop and handheld devices.
4. Built-in Non-Microsoft Connectors
The Microsoft 365 E5 licence allows users to import and archive non-Microsoft data through the use of built-in data connectors. The imported third party data could come from social media, email, document collaboration platforms, and instant messaging platforms.
5. Microsoft Purview Information Protection
The Microsoft Purview Information Protection software is a security feature built into the Microsoft 365 E5 licence. Microsoft Purview is designed to help you discover, classify, and protect sensitive information while it is both stored and transferred to another party.
How Does the Microsoft E5 Licence Improve Cybersecurity?
Through the use of software, such as, Azure AD, Microsoft Defender, and tools like Defender’s security and governance capabilities, Microsoft 365 E5 is designed to streamline cybersecurity.
The built-in security systems of the Microsoft 365 E5 licence are designed to work cohesively and are accessible for users of all backgrounds.
According to a study by Forrester, 78% of users believe that Microsoft 365 has improved the accuracy of their security audits, and users have seen a 50% reduction in time used to manage their security environment.
5 Potential Drawbacks of a Microsoft E5 Licence
1. Cost
The Microsoft 365 E5 licence is the most expensive Microsoft 365 plan currently available. This can make it a significant investment for small businesses and budget-conscious organisations.
2. Internet Dependency
As a cloud based service, Microsoft 365 E5 is dependent on a strong, stable internet connection to properly run. Disruptions to your internet connection while using 365 could impact your access to applications and data.
3. Subscription Model
The monthly payments of a subscription model can be difficult to efficiently plan for, especially for smaller businesses. Compared to one-time-purchase software, subscription costs can begin to add up for organisations with a tighter budget.
4. Data Privacy Concerns
For some, storing data in the cloud can raise some data privacy concerns. Especially for businesses that deal with sensitive information.
5. Migration Challenges
If you already use a system similar to Microsoft 365 and are looking to migrate, it can be complicated to completely transfer over your data to the new system.
Is a Microsoft E5 Right for Your Organisation?
The E5 license offers a complete range of solutions to help organisations secure their data, maintain compliance, and gain deeper operational insights. CWSI’s award winning Microsoft services are here to support you with extensive expertise and critical knowledge. Get in touch today.
Alternatively, you can browse our professional and managed services to explore how we can work together.
Sources
https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE58lPp
