Why Should I Upgrade from Microsoft 365 Business Premium to E3?
Dec 17, 2024
Benjamin Gbolaru
2 min readUpgrading from Microsoft 365 Business Premium to Microsoft 365 E3 is ideal if your organization needs advanced security, compliance, and scalability features designed for enterprises. E3 provides enterprise-grade tools like enhanced data protection, unlimited email storage, and advanced reporting capabilities that Business Premium lacks.
Key Reasons to Upgrade
1. Enterprise-Level Security and Compliance
- Advanced Threat Protection: E3 includes Microsoft Defender for Office 365, offering enhanced threat protection against phishing, malware, and zero-day attacks.
- eDiscovery and Legal Hold: E3 enables organizations to manage compliance and legal obligations by retaining critical data securely.
- Azure Information Protection (AIP): Protect sensitive information by classifying and encrypting documents and emails automatically.
2. Greater Scalability and Features
- Unlimited Email Storage: E3 provides unlimited cloud-based email storage through Exchange Online Archiving, ensuring seamless scalability.
- Office Apps with Advanced Features: Access enterprise-only features in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, such as advanced data modeling and real-time collaboration tools.
- Group Policy Controls: Centralized control for user permissions and software deployment ensures easier management for large teams.
3. Advanced Analytics and Reporting
- Power BI Pro (Add-On): While not included, E3 seamlessly integrates with Power BI Pro for data visualization and analysis.
- Advanced Compliance Reporting: E3 provides deeper insights and reporting tools to meet regulatory requirements and internal audits.
4. Improved Device and App Management
- Enhanced Endpoint Management: E3 integrates with Microsoft Endpoint Manager, enabling better control over devices and applications across your organization.
- Windows Enterprise: E3 includes a Windows 11/10 Enterprise license, offering enhanced security and device management features.
Comparison Table: Business Premium vs. E3
| Feature | Business Premium | E3 |
|---|---|---|
| User Limit | Up to 300 users | Unlimited |
| Office Apps | Standard Features | Advanced Enterprise Features |
| Email Storage | 50 GB + 1 TB Shared Archive | Unlimited (with archiving) |
| Compliance Tools | Basic Retention Policies | Advanced eDiscovery, Legal Hold |
| Security | Microsoft Defender for Business | Defender for Office 365, AIP |
| Device Management | Microsoft Intune | Intune with Advanced Policies |
| Windows License | Windows 11/10 Pro | Windows 11/10 Enterprise |
When Should You Upgrade?
Upgrading to E3 is recommended for organizations that:
- Are growing beyond 300 users or need advanced scalability.
- Operate in highly regulated industries requiring compliance tools.
- Need enterprise-grade security for sensitive data.
- Require advanced data management and reporting capabilities.
Conclusion
Microsoft 365 E3 offers significant advantages over Business Premium for enterprises seeking better security, compliance, and scalability. The upgrade ensures your organization has the tools needed to grow securely and efficiently.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Medha Cloud can help you transition seamlessly to Microsoft 365 E3.
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