Why Should I Upgrade from Microsoft 365 Business Premium to E3?
Benjamin Gbolaru
Microsoft 365
December 17th, 2024
Upgrading 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.
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.
Contact Medha Cloud today for a free consultation!
I'm Benjamin, a Microsoft 365 Specialist, helping small and large businesses deploy, configure, and secure M365 environments to maximize the benefits of Microsoft tools. With sound expertise in driving cloud adoption, identity and access management (IAM), security monitoring, system reliability, and proactive troubleshooting.