In the vast landscape of enterprise solutions, Microsoft 365 stands as a comprehensive tool, offering a variety of services and plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. However, navigating through its complex licensing structure can often feel like traversing a labyrinth. This blog aims to serve as a compass in this journey, focusing on the two primary enterprise licensing tiers of Microsoft 365: E3 and E5.
We will delve into the nuances of these offerings, dissect their features, and highlight their differences. Our goal is to provide clarity and guidance, helping you make an informed decision about which plan best aligns with your organisation’s needs.
So, whether you’re a business owner considering a transition to Microsoft 365, or an IT professional tasked with managing your company’s digital infrastructure, read on to unravel the intricacies of Microsoft 365’s E3 and E5 licensing tiers.
Microsoft 365 E3 vs. E5: Overview
Understanding the differences between E3 and E5 plans is essential for making an informed decision. Below, we break down the details of each:
Microsoft 365 E3
Microsoft 365 E3 provides the Office productivity suite along with core security capabilities. It’s important to note that additional E5 features can be added as and when, allowing for customisation without committing to a full E5 package.
Microsoft 365 E5
Microsoft 365 E5 is a comprehensive suite that goes a step further. It includes advanced security, compliance, voice, and analytics capabilities. This tier encompasses Office 365 Enterprise, Windows 11 Enterprise, and Enterprise Mobility + Security technologies, offering a holistic solution for businesses seeking extensive features.
What’s Included in Microsoft 365 E3?
Microsoft 365 E3 covers essential productivity and security tools:
- Microsoft 365 Apps: Access on multiple devices, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
- Email and Calendar: Business-class email and calendar management with Outlook and Exchange.
- Meetings and Voice: Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration.
- Device and App Management: Secure work-from-anywhere capabilities with Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
- Social and Intranet: SharePoint and Yammer for intranet and employee engagement.
- Files and Content: Secure storage and access with OneDrive.
- Work Management: Workflow management with Power Apps, Power Automate, and Planner.
- Advanced Analytics: Productivity insights with Viva Insights.
- Identity and Access Management: Secure access with Azure AD Premium.
- Threat Protection: Basic threat detection with Defender for Endpoint.
- Information Protection: Data security with Azure Information Protection.
- Security Management: Monitor security settings with Microsoft Secure Score.
- Compliance Management: Tools for regulatory compliance with basic retention policies and audits.
Exclusive Features of Microsoft 365 E5
Microsoft 365 E5 includes everything in E3 plus:
- Meetings and Voice: Phone System and Audio Conferencing.
- Advanced Analytics: Power BI Pro for advanced data reporting.
- Identity and Access Management: Enhanced security with Azure AD Premium Plan 2.
- Threat Protection: Comprehensive threat detection with the full suite of Microsoft Defenders.
- Information Protection: Advanced data protection with Azure Information Protection Plan 2.
- Compliance Management: Advanced eDiscovery, Advanced Audit, and Insider Risk Management.
Cost Comparison
For UK customers, the pricing of Microsoft 365 plans varies significantly based on the features offered. Microsoft 365 E3 is available at approximately £32 per user per month, whereas Microsoft 365 E5 costs around £48 per user per month.
These prices are designed to scale with the number of active users, providing flexibility for organisations to adjust their expenses as their workforce fluctuates. This scalability ensures that companies only pay for what they need, making it easier to manage budgets while accommodating growth or contraction in their employee base.
FastTrack to a Successful Investment
To maximise the value of your investment in Microsoft 365, consider leveraging Microsoft’s FastTrack program. This program helps deploy, onboard, and optimise Microsoft 365 solutions at no additional cost. As a certified Microsoft 365 FastTrack Ready Partner, we can help ensure a smooth and successful adoption of E3 or E5 licenses, maximising your ROI.
If you’re looking to enhance your cybersecurity efforts, consider the professional and managed services offered by CWSI. Whether you need secure cloud and productivity services or tailored cybersecurity advice, CWSI has solutions to meet the needs of any business. Contact our team today to learn more.
