How to Choose the Right Microsoft Security Solution for your Business

Microsoft offers a range of security solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries. Whether you need to protect your data, devices, identity, or cloud applications, Microsoft has a suite of tools and services that can help you achieve your security goals. 

However, not all Microsoft security solutions are created equal. Depending on the size and complexity of your business, you may need more or less security features than what is included in your current Microsoft license. In this blog post, we will compare the security features included in Microsoft's Business suites versus the security features that are available for Microsoft's Enterprise suites. We will also explain why these differences exist and how you can upgrade your license to get more security benefits. 

Microsoft's Business Suites 

Microsoft's Business suites are designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that have up to 300 users. They include the following options: 

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: This suite includes online versions of Office apps, email, cloud storage, and Microsoft Teams. It also includes basic security features such as device management, data loss prevention, and multi-factor authentication. 

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: This suite includes everything in Business Basic, plus desktop versions of Office apps and business tools such as Outlook Customer Manager, Bookings, and MileIQ. It also includes advanced security features such as email encryption, advanced threat protection, and safe attachments. 

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: This suite includes everything in Business Standard, plus more security features such as Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Azure Information Protection. 

Microsoft's Business suites are ideal for SMBs that need a simple and affordable solution to manage their productivity and security needs. However, they have some limitations that may not suit larger or more complex businesses. For example, they do not include advanced security features such as identity and access management, threat intelligence, and compliance management. They also do not support hybrid deployments, which means that you cannot integrate your on-premises infrastructure with Microsoft's cloud services. 

Microsoft's Enterprise Suites 

Microsoft's Enterprise suites are designed for large and complex businesses that have more than 300 users or need more advanced security features. They include the following options: 

• Microsoft 365 E3: This suite includes everything in Business Premium, plus desktop versions of Office apps for up to five devices per user, unlimited cloud storage, and enterprise tools such as SharePoint, Yammer, and Power BI. It also includes advanced security features such as identity and access management, threat intelligence, and compliance management. 

• Microsoft 365 E5: This suite includes everything in E3, plus more security features such as Microsoft Defender for Identity, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Azure Advanced Threat Protection. 

• Microsoft 365 E5 Security: This suite includes only the security features of E5, without the productivity and collaboration features. It is ideal for businesses that already have an existing Microsoft 365 license and want to add more security capabilities. 

Microsoft's Enterprise suites are ideal for businesses that need a comprehensive and flexible solution to manage their productivity and security needs. They offer more security features than the Business suites, such as identity and access management, threat intelligence, and compliance management. They also support hybrid deployments, which means that you can integrate your on-premises infrastructure with Microsoft's cloud services. 

Why Do These Differences Exist? 

The main reason why Microsoft offers different security features for different business sizes and needs is to provide the best value and experience for each customer. Microsoft understands that SMBs and enterprises have different security challenges and requirements, and therefore need different security solutions. 

For example, SMBs may not have the resources or expertise to manage complex security systems, and may prefer a simple and affordable solution that covers the basic security needs. On the other hand, enterprises may have more sophisticated and diverse security threats, and may need a comprehensive and flexible solution that covers the advanced security needs. 

By offering different security features for different business sizes and needs, Microsoft aims to provide the right level of security for each customer, without compromising on quality or performance. 

How to Upgrade Your License 

If you are currently using a Microsoft Business suite and you want to get more security features, you can upgrade your license to an Enterprise suite. This will give you access to more security features that can help you protect your data, devices, identity, and cloud applications. 

To upgrade your license, you have two options: 

• Option 1: You can purchase a Microsoft 365 E5 Security license, which will add the security features of E5 to your existing Microsoft 365 license. This option is ideal if you are satisfied with your current productivity and collaboration features, and you only want to enhance your security capabilities. 

• Option 2: You can purchase a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 license, which will replace your existing Microsoft 365 license and give you access to both the productivity and security features of E3 or E5. This option is ideal if you want to upgrade both your productivity and security capabilities and get the full benefits of Microsoft 365. 

To purchase a new license, you can contact your Microsoft partner or reseller, or visit the Microsoft 365 website. You can also compare the features and prices of different Microsoft 365 plans and find the best option for your business. 

Microsoft offers a range of security solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries. Depending on the size and complexity of your business, you may need more or less security features than what is included in your current Microsoft license. In this blog post, we compared the security features included in Microsoft's Business suites versus the security features that are available for Microsoft's Enterprise suites. We also explained why these differences exist and how you can upgrade your license to get more security benefits.

If you want to learn more about Microsoft's security solutions and how they can help you achieve your security goals, you can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are a Microsoft partner with an extensive base of competent Reseller partners, and we can help you find the best Microsoft security solution for your business. We can also help you with the installation, configuration, and management of your Microsoft security solution via our Business Environment Cluster at 4Sight and provide you with ongoing support and guidance.

Don't wait any longer. Contact us today and get the best Microsoft security solution for your business.