Microsoft E3 and E5 license: What's best for you?

Choosing the suitable Microsoft 365 license for your organisation is crucial for optimising productivity and ensuring you have the necessary tools and security features. 

Microsoft offers several licensing options, with the E3 and E5 plans being the most popular among businesses. But how do you decide which one is best for your needs? Let's dive into the details of each to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Microsoft E3

The E3 license is designed for organisations that need a robust set of productivity tools and advanced security features without breaking the bank. Here's what it offers:

Productivity Apps: Access to the full suite of Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.

Email and Calendaring: Exchange Online with a 100 GB mailbox per user.

File Storage and Sharing: OneDrive with 1 TB of storage per user.

Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams for chat, meetings, and collaboration.

Device Management: Microsoft Intune for mobile device and application management.

Security: Basic security features like data loss prevention (DLP), Azure Information Protection (AIP) Plan 1, and conditional access.

Understanding Microsoft 365 E5

The E5 license is Microsoft's most comprehensive offering, providing advanced security, analytics, and voice capabilities. In addition to everything included in E3, E5 adds:

Advanced Security: Enhanced security features like Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Azure Information Protection (AIP) Plan 2, and Microsoft Cloud App Security.

Identity and Access Management: Azure Active Directory Premium P2 offers advanced identity protection and privileged identity management.

Threat Protection: Advanced threat analytics and automated incident response.

Analytics: Power BI Pro for advanced data visualisation and business intelligence.

Communication: Advanced calling features with Phone System and Audio Conferencing for Teams.

Key differences between E3 and E5

Security and Compliance: E5 includes advanced threat protection, crucial for organisations dealing with sensitive data and needing comprehensive security measures. E3 provides essential security features but lacks the advanced protections available in E5.

Analytics: E5's inclusion of Power BI Pro allows for sophisticated data analysis and visualisation, which can be a game-changer for businesses focused on data-driven decision-making.

Communication: E5 offers advanced communication tools like phone systems and audio conferencing, ideal for organisations with extensive telephony needs or those looking to consolidate their communication infrastructure within Microsoft Teams.

Cost: E5 is significantly more expensive than E3, so budget considerations are essential. The added features in E5 justify the cost for some organisations but may be unnecessary for others.

Which one is right for you?

Opt for E3 if your organisation needs a robust set of productivity tools at a more affordable price. E3 is ideal for those who require basic security features without the need for advanced threat protection. It provides essential tools for productivity and collaboration, making it suitable for standard business operations.

Additionally, E3 is a good choice if your communication needs are met with standard Microsoft Teams capabilities and you do not require advanced data analytics tools like Power BI Pro. This option ensures that you can access the necessary apps and services to maintain efficient workflows without the added cost of high-end features.

Choose E5 if comprehensive threat protection and incident response capabilities are a top priority for your organisation. This ensures your systems are safeguarded against sophisticated cyber threats, providing peace of mind through robust security measures.

Opt for advanced features if your organisation relies heavily on data analytics and visualisation to drive business decisions and requires advanced communication tools, including integrated telephony and audio conferencing. In this scenario, budget concerns take a back seat to the need for cutting-edge capabilities that enhance productivity and decision-making.

Justin Rutherford, CTO and Co-founder at OryxAlign emphasises the importance of this choice: "Selecting the right Microsoft 365 license, whether E3 or E5, is essential for aligning your organisation's productivity and security needs with your operational goals. The right license ensures you have the necessary tools to drive business success while maintaining robust security."

Summary of Microsoft E3 and E5 licenses

Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses offer powerful tools and features designed to enhance productivity and security within your organisation. Whether you choose the cost-effective E3 or the feature-rich E5, Microsoft 365 ensures you have the resources to drive your business forward.

By carefully evaluating your needs and priorities, you can select the plan that provides your team with the best value and functionality. Still not sure? Reach out to our team for free, unbiased advice with no obligation. Email hello@oryxalign.com.