Microsoft 365 Business Premium vs Microsoft 365 E3

Which One Is Right for Your Organization?

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based suite of productivity and collaboration tools that includes Office apps, Windows 10, and advanced security and compliance features. Microsoft offers different plans for different needs and budgets, but how do you choose the best one for your organization?

In this article, we will compare two popular plans: Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 E3. We will highlight the main differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each plan, and help you decide which one is right for you.

Microsoft 365 E3: The Enterprise Solution

Microsoft 365 E3 is designed for large and complex organizations that need unlimited scalability, advanced security and compliance capabilities, and business analytics. Some of the key features of Microsoft 365 E3 are:

• Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise: This includes the desktop and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Office apps, as well as online services like Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Stream. Unlike Microsoft 365 Apps for Business, which is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise offers some additional features, such as Group Policy support, Power Map for Excel, Power Query for Excel, Power View for Excel, and Tap to find and reuse content.
• Windows 10 Enterprise: This is the most secure and flexible version of Windows 10, which offers features like Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Windows Information Protection, Windows Hello for Business, BitLocker, and Credential Guard. Windows 10 Enterprise also allows you to choose between different update channels, such as Semi-Annual Channel, Long-Term Servicing Channel, and Windows Insider Program.
• Advanced security and compliance capabilities: Microsoft 365 E3 includes features like Azure Active Directory Premium P1, which enables identity and access management, conditional access, multi-factor authentication, and self-service password reset. It also includes Microsoft Intune, which allows you to manage and secure your devices, apps, and data. Additionally, Microsoft 365 E3 offers features like Data Loss Prevention, eDiscovery, and In-Place Hold, which help you protect and manage your sensitive data and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Scalable business analytics with Power BI: Microsoft 365 E3 includes Power BI Pro, which is a cloud-based business intelligence service that lets you create and share interactive dashboards and reports. Power BI Pro allows you to connect to hundreds of data sources, analyze and visualize your data, and collaborate with your team. You can also embed your Power BI content into other apps and websites, and access it from any device.
• Audio conferencing for up to 1,000 attendees: Microsoft 365 E3 includes the ability to host online meetings with up to 1,000 participants, and allow them to join by phone or by using the Teams app. You can also record your meetings, share your screen, and use live captions and subtitles.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium: The Business Solution

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is designed for small and medium-sized businesses that need a comprehensive and affordable solution that includes Office apps, Windows 10, and advanced security and management tools. Some of the key features of Microsoft 365 Business Premium are:

• Microsoft 365 Apps for Business: This includes the desktop and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Office apps, as well as online services like Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Stream. Microsoft 365 Apps for Business offers most of the features that you need for your everyday work, such as co-authoring, real-time collaboration, and cloud storage.
• Windows 10 Pro: This is the standard version of Windows 10, which offers features like Windows Defender, Windows Hello, BitLocker, and Remote Desktop. Windows 10 Pro also allows you to join a domain, access Azure Active Directory, and use Windows Update for Business.
• Advanced security and management tools: Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes features like Azure Active Directory Premium P1, which enables identity and access management, conditional access, multi-factor authentication, and self-service password reset. It also includes Microsoft Intune, which allows you to manage and secure your devices, apps, and data. Additionally, Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers features like Microsoft Defender for Office 365, which protects your email and files from malware, phishing, and ransomware. It also includes Microsoft 365 Backup, which automatically backs up your data to the cloud.
• Audio conferencing for up to 250 attendees: Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes the ability to host online meetings with up to 250 participants, and allow them to join by phone or by using the Teams app. You can also record your meetings, share your screen, and use live captions and subtitles.

Microsoft 365 E3 vs Microsoft 365 Business Premium: The Comparison

As you can see, both Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 Business Premium offer a lot of value and functionality for your organization. However, there are some important differences that you should consider before making your decision.

Here is a summary of the main pros and cons of each plan:

Microsoft 365 E3 vs Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Which option is best for your business?

The choice between Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 Business Premium depends on your organization’s size, needs, and budget. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:

• If you have more than 300 users, or you need unlimited storage, advanced security and compliance features, or business analytics, then Microsoft 365 E3 is the best option for you.
• If you have less than 300 users, and you are looking for a cost-effective and comprehensive solution that includes Office apps, Windows 10, and advanced security and management tools, then Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the best option for you.

Of course, these are not the only factors that you should consider. You should also evaluate the features and benefits of each plan in detail, and compare them with your organization’s goals and challenges. You can also try both plans for free for one month, and see which one works better for you.

When to Choose Microsoft 365 E3 Over Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Although Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a great option for small and medium-sized businesses, there are some scenarios or reasons in which a business with less than 300 users would be better served using Microsoft 365 E3 instead. Here are some examples:

• You need advanced data protection and compliance features: Microsoft 365 E3 offers features like Data Loss Prevention, eDiscovery, and In-Place Hold, which help you protect and manage your sensitive data and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. These features are not included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and can be very useful if your business handles confidential or regulated information, such as financial, medical, or legal data.
• You need scalable business analytics with Power BI: Microsoft 365 E3 includes Power BI Pro, which is a cloud-based business intelligence service that lets you create and share interactive dashboards and reports. Power BI Pro allows you to connect to hundreds of data sources, analyze and visualize your data, and collaborate with your team. You can also embed your Power BI content into other apps and websites, and access it from any device. Power BI Pro is not included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and can be very useful if your business needs to gain insights from your data and make data-driven decisions.
• You need to host large online meetings with audio conferencing: Microsoft 365 E3 includes the ability to host online meetings with up to 1,000 participants, and allow them to join by phone or by using the Teams app. You can also record your meetings, share your screen, and use live captions and subtitles. Microsoft 365 Business Premium only allows you to host online meetings with up to 250 participants, and does not include the phone option. This can be a limitation if your business needs to communicate with a large audience, such as customers, partners, or stakeholders.
• You need the most secure and flexible version of Windows 10: Microsoft 365 E3 includes Windows 10 Enterprise, which is the most secure and flexible version of Windows 10, which offers features like Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Windows Information Protection, Windows Hello for Business, BitLocker, and Credential Guard. Windows 10 Enterprise also allows you to choose between different update channels, such as Semi-Annual Channel, Long-Term Servicing Channel, and Windows Insider Program. Microsoft 365 Business Premium only includes Windows 10 Pro, which is the standard version of Windows 10, which offers fewer features and options. This can be a disadvantage if your business needs to protect your devices and data from advanced threats, or if you need more control over your Windows updates.

These are some of the scenarios or reasons in which a business with less than 300 users would be better served using Microsoft 365 E3 over Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Of course, these are not the only factors that you should consider. You should also evaluate the features and benefits of each plan in detail, and compare them with your organization’s goals and challenges. You can also try both plans for free for one month, and see which one works better for you .

The Financial Implications of Using Microsoft 365 E3 vs Business Premium

Microsoft 365 E3 and Business Premium have similar monthly costs, but they differ in the features and benefits they offer. Depending on your organization’s needs and goals, choosing Microsoft 365 E3 over Business Premium could have significant financial implications in the long term. Here are some factors to consider:

• Return on investment: Microsoft 365 E3 offers features that can help you increase your productivity, efficiency, and profitability, such as Power BI Pro, Data Loss Prevention, eDiscovery, and In-Place Hold. These features can help you gain insights from your data, protect and manage your sensitive information, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. These features are not included in Business Premium, and can have a positive impact on your return on investment. According to a study by Forrester, Microsoft 365 E3 customers reported a 162% return on investment over three years, with a payback period of less than six months.
• Total cost of ownership: Microsoft 365 E3 includes Windows 10 Enterprise, which is the most secure and flexible version of Windows 10, which offers features like Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Windows Information Protection, Windows Hello for Business, BitLocker, and Credential Guard. These features can help you protect your devices and data from advanced threats, and reduce the costs of security breaches, data loss, and downtime. Windows 10 Enterprise also allows you to choose between different update channels, such as Semi-Annual Channel, Long-Term Servicing Channel, and Windows Insider Program, which can help you optimize your IT management and maintenance costs. Microsoft 365 Business Premium only includes Windows 10 Pro, which is the standard version of Windows 10, which offers fewer features and options. According to a study by IDC, Windows 10 Enterprise customers reported a 33% reduction in IT costs, a 40% reduction in security incidents, and a 15% increase in user productivity.
• Scalability: Microsoft 365 E3 has no seat cap, meaning you can add as many users as you need, without compromising the quality or functionality of the service. Microsoft 365 Business Premium has a seat cap of 300 users, meaning you cannot add more users beyond that limit, and you may experience performance issues or feature limitations if you exceed that number. If your organization plans to grow beyond 300 users, or if you already have more than 300 users, Microsoft 365 E3 is a more scalable and reliable option for you.

These are some of the financial implications of using Microsoft 365 E3 vs Business Premium. Of course, these are not the only factors that you should consider. You should also evaluate the features and benefits of each plan in detail, and compare them with your organization’s goals and challenges. You can also try both plans for free for one month, and see which one works better for you.

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 E3 and Business Premium are both powerful and comprehensive solutions that can help your organization achieve more with cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools. However, depending on your organization’s size, needs, and goals, one plan may be more suitable and beneficial for you than the other. Microsoft 365 E3 offers more features and capabilities, especially in terms of security, compliance, and analytics, but it also comes at a higher cost. Microsoft 365 Business Premium offers a cost-effective and comprehensive solution, but it also has some limitations and drawbacks, such as a seat cap, less storage, and fewer features.

If you are still unsure which plan is right for you, or if you want to learn more about the features and benefits of each plan, we can help. At 360 Visibility, we are a Microsoft Gold Partner and a leading provider of Microsoft cloud solutions. We can help you understand the options and allow you to purchase and administer the licenses, along with best practices and advisory services to maximize your return on investment. We can also help you migrate, deploy, and manage your Microsoft 365 environment, and provide you with ongoing support and training.

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