Uncovering Office 365 E3: Pricing, Licensing, & More

As experts in Microsoft licensing, Amaxra provides businesses with a comprehensive guide for understanding Microsoft Office 365 E3, a cloud-powered productivity solution transforming how businesses operate. We'll explore what the software suite includes, the different Microsoft 365 options available (such as E1, E2, E3, etc.), licensing information, and costs. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, this article will provide actionable insights to enhance your business productivity.

What is Office 365 E3?

Office 365 E3 is a comprehensive suite designed for businesses seeking advanced security and productivity capabilities. It's not just about having access to the familiar Office applications but also about leveraging the power of cloud services to enhance collaboration, data security, and workflow efficiency. Office 365 E3 is tailored for businesses of all sizes, offering tools that cater to various business needs.

What Does Microsoft Office 365 Include?

Microsoft Office 365 E3 is not just a collection of applications; it's a comprehensive ecosystem designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security in your business. Here's a detailed look at what's included:

1. Core Office Applications

• Word: For creating and editing documents.
• Excel: Advanced spreadsheet capabilities for data analysis and visualization.
• PowerPoint: For impactful presentations.
• Outlook: Comprehensive email and calendar management.

2. Communication and Collaboration Tools

• Microsoft Teams: A hub for teamwork, combining chat, meetings, notes, and attachments.
• Exchange Online: Professional email hosting with mailbox capabilities.
• SharePoint Online: For intranet and content management, facilitating collaboration across your organization.
• OneDrive for Business: Cloud storage for accessing, sharing, and collaborating on files from anywhere.

3. Advanced Security Features

• Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Formerly known as "Advanced Threat Protection," Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers robust protection against sophisticated threats such as phishing, malware, and other advanced attacks. This is crucial for businesses as email and collaboration tools are common entry points for cyber threats. For organizations with their own IT security teams, Defender provides them with detailed reporting and threat intelligence insights, helping these teams understand attack patterns and improve their security strategies.
• Secure Score: As part of Microsoft Defender, Office 365 E3 subscribers can get a "Secure Score" to show how effective their cyber-security posture is currently and get actionable recommendations on how to improve it.

4. Compliance Tools

• eDiscovery: Tools for legal compliance and electronic data retrieval.
• Audit Logs: Track user activities for security and compliance.

5. Additional Utilities

• Power BI Pro: Advanced business analytics tools for visualizing data and sharing insights. Unlike its Power BI Free cousin, Power BI Pro can deliver comprehensive reporting, deeper insights, and identify the trends in data so analysts can make better strategic decisions to improve business performance.
• MyAnalytics: Personal analytics for understanding work patterns and improving productivity.
• Planner: Task management tool for organizing team projects.
• Forms: For creating surveys, quizzes, and polls.

5. Device Management with Microsoft Intune

• Mobile Device Management (MDM): Control and secure your organization's mobile devices.
• Mobile Application Management (MAM): Manage and secure your organization's mobile applications.

6. Cloud-Based Services

• Azure Information Protection: For enhanced protection of sensitive data at your company, Microsoft includes Azure Information Protection (AIP) with Office 365 E3. Azure Information Protection is a vital tool for modern businesses, providing robust mechanisms to protect sensitive information, ensure compliance, and enhance data governance, all while supporting secure collaboration and data-sharing practices. For example, a dentist's office can use AIP to automatically encrypt patient files containing personal health information and restrict employees' ability to share these files in email and messaging apps.
• Microsoft Stream: Enterprise video service for creating, managing, and sharing videos securely.

7. Support and Deployment

• 24/7 Phone and Web Support: For critical issues.
• Standard Update Service: Regular updates to keep your services and applications current.

This suite of tools and services in Office 365 E3 is designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses, ensuring that you have the right resources to manage, grow, and protect your business effectively. Whether it's through seamless collaboration, safeguarding your data, or gaining insightful analytics, Office 365 E3 provides a robust platform for business success.

Comparing Different Office 365 Options

When choosing the right Office 365 plan for your business, it's important to understand the differences between each option. Microsoft offers a tiered set of Office 365 plans that scale up in features and price. Customers can choose from the E1 plan up to the E5 plan designed for the productivity needs of knowledge workers in either a dedicated office space or a hybrid working environment. Microsoft Office 365 F3 plans are designed for frontline customer-facing employees in industries such as retail and healthcare.

Below are comparison tables for Office 365 E1, E2, E3, and F3 plans, highlighting their key features and capabilities:

Office 365 E1 vs E3

Office 365 E2 vs E3

Office 365 F3 vs E3

As you can plainly see, the Office 365 E3 plan stands out for its comprehensive features, including full desktop versions of Office apps, advanced security and compliance tools, and enhanced support, making it a suitable choice for businesses requiring robust productivity and security solutions.

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Office 365 License Information

Understanding the licensing details of Office 365 is crucial for businesses to ensure they are selecting the right plan that aligns with their needs and budget. Here, we delve into the specifics of the Office 365 E3 license, including its features, cost, and the integration of Microsoft Intune.

Office 365 E3 License Features

The Office 365 E3 license is packed with features that cater to various business requirements, from basic productivity tools to advanced security measures. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

• Full office suite: Access to the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other core Office applications, both online and as desktop applications.
• Email and calendar: Exchange Online with a 100 GB mailbox and custom email domain.
• File storage and collaboration: 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user, with advanced collaboration features in SharePoint Online.
• Communication tools: Microsoft Teams for chat, meetings, calls, and collaboration.
• Advanced security: Includes features like Advanced Threat Protection, Data Loss Prevention, and eDiscovery to safeguard your data and comply with legal requirements.
• Compliance tools: Tools for managing legal compliance and electronic data retrieval, including audit logs and compliance manager.
• Device management: Access to Microsoft Intune for mobile device and application management.
• Analytics tools: MyAnalytics and Power BI Pro for personal productivity insights and business intelligence.
• Support: 24/7 phone and web support for critical issues, with standard updates.

Office 365 E3 Cost

The cost of an Office 365 E3 license is approximately $23 per user per month. This pricing is based on the standard subscription model when purchased directly from Microsoft, and often can vary depending on the region, specific reseller, or purchase method.

When considering the Office 365 E3 subscription, it's important to note the following factors:

1. Annual vs. monthly payments: The cost of $23 per user per month is based on an annual commitment. If you opt for a monthly payment plan, the cost per user may be slightly higher due to the flexibility of being able to cancel at any time.
2. Volume discounts: For businesses with a large number of users, volume discounts may be available. These discounts can significantly reduce the cost per user, especially for large enterprises.
3. Additional costs: While the base cost covers a comprehensive suite of tools and services, there may be additional costs for extra services or add-ons that are not included in the standard E3 package.
4. Flexible scaling: The per-user pricing model allows businesses to scale up or down based on their current needs, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of varying sizes.
5. Trial periods: Microsoft often offers trial periods for their Office 365 plans, allowing businesses to test the services before committing to a subscription.

Microsoft Intune Licensing: Office 365 E3 Intune

Microsoft Intune, a part of the Office 365 E3 suite, is a cloud-based service that offers both Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM). Understanding these components is crucial for modern businesses that are navigating the complexities of managing a diverse and mobile workforce.

What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

MDM involves managing the physical devices used within a business. This includes laptops, tablets, and smartphones, regardless of whether they are company-owned or part of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.

• Key functions:
  • Enforcing security policies (like passwords and encryption).
  • Remotely wiping data on lost or stolen devices.
  • Configuring specific settings like WiFi networks and VPN connections.
  • Distributing software and updates.

What is Mobile Application Management (MAM)?

MAM focuses on controlling and securing the applications used on devices rather than the devices themselves. This is particularly important for businesses that allow employees to use personal devices for work purposes.

• Key functions:
  • Controlling access to business applications.
  • Managing and updating apps remotely.
  • Protecting data within apps, such as preventing copy/paste of sensitive information.
  • Isolating corporate data from personal data on the same device.

Differences between MDM and MAM

There are three key differences between MDM and MAM:

1. Scope: MDM manages the entire device, while MAM specifically manages the applications on the device.
2. Control: MDM provides broader control over device settings and security, whereas MAM offers more granular control over application usage and data security.
3. Flexibility: MAM is more flexible for BYOD scenarios, as it allows employees to use their personal devices without compromising their privacy.

In today's business environment, where remote work and BYOD policies are becoming more common, Intune's capabilities are increasingly vital. Intune helps businesses:

• Enhance security: Protect sensitive corporate data, even on personal devices.
• Increase productivity: Ensure employees have secure access to the tools they need, regardless of their location or device.
• Maintain compliance: Comply with industry regulations by controlling how data is accessed and shared.
• Reduce IT overhead: Simplify the management of devices and applications through a centralized platform.

In terms of a real-world example of why Intune in Office 365 E3 is so valuable, consider a marketing firm with a flexible work policy, where employees often work from different locations using a mix of company-issued and personal devices. With Intune and Office 365 E3:

• The IT department can ensure that all devices, whether in the office or remotely, adhere to the company’s security policies through MDM.
• They can deploy the latest version of a critical marketing application to all employees’ devices remotely using MAM without interfering with the personal apps on those devices.
• If an employee’s device is lost, the firm can remotely wipe the company data from that device, protecting sensitive client information.

In this scenario, Intune provides the firm with the tools necessary to maintain a high level of security and efficiency, despite the complexities of a modern, mobile workforce. This capability is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in a digital and increasingly mobile business landscape.

Conclusion

Microsoft Office 365 E3 is more than just a set of tools; it's a gateway to enhanced productivity, security, and collaboration for your business. If you're considering how Microsoft 365 E3 can benefit your business, contact Amaxra, the experts in Microsoft licensing, for a consultation. We will provide tailored advice and solutions to meet your specific business needs.

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