Microsoft 365 E5: The Ultimate Microsoft License

Microsoft 365 E5 is the most comprehensive and secure cloud solution that Microsoft offers. It includes everything in Microsoft 365 E3, plus advanced security, compliance, voice, and analytics capabilities. In this blog, we will explore what makes Microsoft 365 E5 the ultimate Microsoft license, and how it differs from the same license type in the Charity and Education segments.

Microsoft 365 E5 Features

Microsoft 365 E5 provides a complete set of productivity, collaboration, and communication tools for your organization. You get access to the latest versions of Office apps, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. You also get cloud services, such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Exchange Online, and Yammer. Additionally, you get premium features, such as:

- Advanced security: Microsoft 365 E5 includes Microsoft Defender for Office 365, which protects your email and files from malware, phishing, and ransomware. It also includes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which detects and responds to advanced threats on your devices. Furthermore, it includes Microsoft Cloud App Security, which monitors and controls your cloud apps usage and data. And finally, it includes Azure Active Directory Premium P2, which enables identity and access management, conditional access, privileged identity management, and identity protection.

- Advanced compliance: Microsoft 365 E5 includes Microsoft 365 Compliance Center, which helps you manage your compliance posture and risks across Microsoft 365. It also includes Microsoft Information Protection and Governance, which helps you classify, protect, and retain your sensitive data. Moreover, it includes Microsoft eDiscovery and Audit, which helps you respond to legal requests and investigations. And lastly, it includes Microsoft Insider Risk Management and Communication Compliance, which helps you detect and mitigate insider threats and policy violations.

- Advanced voice: Microsoft 365 E5 includes Microsoft Teams Phone System, which enables cloud-based calling from any device. It also includes Microsoft Teams Audio Conferencing, which allows you to join Teams meetings from any phone. Additionally, it includes Microsoft Teams Calling Plan, which gives you domestic and international calling minutes. And finally, it includes Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, which lets you connect your own telephony provider to Teams.

- Advanced analytics: Microsoft 365 E5 includes Microsoft Power BI Pro, which enables you to create and share interactive dashboards and reports. It also includes Microsoft MyAnalytics, which helps you improve your work habits and well-being. Furthermore, it includes Microsoft Workplace Analytics, which helps you understand how your organization works and collaborates. And lastly, it includes Microsoft Productivity Score, which measures and improves your organization's productivity.

Microsoft 365 E5 for Charity and Education

Microsoft 365 E5 is also available for Charity and Education segments at a discounted price. The features and functionality are the same as the commercial version of Microsoft 365 E5. However, there are some eligibility requirements and limitations that apply to these segments.

For Charity segment:

- You must be a registered nonprofit or non-governmental organization (NGO) with recognized legal status in your country.

- You must operate on a not-for-profit basis and have a mission to benefit the local community.

- You must not be engaged in discriminating practices or proselytizing activities.

- You must not be an educational institution or a healthcare organization.

For Education segment:

- You must be an accredited academic institution that offers formal education to students.

- You must not be a for-profit school or a government-funded school.

- You must not be a hospital or a healthcare organization.

How to Overcome the High Pricing of Microsoft 365 E5

Microsoft 365 E5 is the ultimate Microsoft license that provides unparalleled value and consolidation of so many services and apps. However, it also comes with a high price tag that may deter some organizations from adopting it. Here are some ways to overcome the high pricing of Microsoft 365 E5:

- Assess your needs: Before you decide to purchase Microsoft 365 E5, you should evaluate your current and future needs and determine if you really need all the features that it offers. You may find that some features are not relevant or essential for your organization. For example, if you already have a robust telephony system in place, you may not need the advanced voice features of Microsoft 365 E5. In that case, you may consider opting for a lower license tier or purchasing individual add-ons instead of the full bundle.

- Compare the costs: Another way to justify the high pricing of Microsoft 365 E5 is to compare the costs of using separate solutions versus using a single integrated solution. You may discover that using multiple solutions can incur higher costs in terms of licensing fees, maintenance costs, security risks, compliance issues, training costs, user adoption challenges, etc. On the other hand, using a single integrated solution like Microsoft 365 E5 can reduce these costs by providing a consistent user experience, streamlining administration, enhancing security, simplifying compliance, etc. Therefore, you should calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) and the return on investment (ROI) of Microsoft 365 E5 versus other alternatives and make an informed decision.

- Leverage the discounts: As mentioned earlier, Microsoft 365 E5 is available for Charity and Education segments at a discounted price. If you belong to one of these segments, you should take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the eligibility verification process. You may also qualify for additional discounts if you have a large number of users or if you have an existing agreement with Microsoft. You should contact your Microsoft partner or account manager to explore the best pricing options for your organization.

Microsoft 365 E5 is the ultimate Microsoft license that offers a complete and secure cloud solution for your organization. It provides a range of advanced features that can help you improve your productivity, collaboration, communication, security, compliance, voice, and analytics. It also offers the same features and functionality for Charity and Education segments at a discounted price. However, it also comes with a high price tag that may require some justification and planning. Therefore, you should assess your needs, compare the costs, and leverage the discounts to overcome the high pricing of Microsoft 365 E5 and focus on the value and consolidation of so many services and apps.

If you are interested in learning more about Microsoft 365 E5 or want to purchase it for your organization, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today. Our highly skilled SureStep Ambassadors can help you with the licensing, deployment, migration, training, and support of Microsoft 365 E5. We can also help you with any other Microsoft solutions that you may need. We look forward to hearing from you soon.