The business landscape is evolving fast. Making the right decisions regarding your tech investments can have a huge impact on your organisation’s productivity, security, and overall growth. One big decision is around licencing. To cut costs, some companies are choosing to downgrade from a Microsoft E5 licence to the E3 licence. While saving on IT expenses is a valid concern, downgrading from E5 to E3 could be more costly in the long run.

In this article, we make the case for sticking with your Microsoft E5 licence and why it’s a better choice for your business.

Exhibit A: Comprehensive security and compliance

One of the most compelling reasons to keep the Microsoft E5 licence is the enhanced security and compliance features that come with it. With a rise in cyberattacks and increasing regulatory pressures, businesses must ensure their data is protected and that they meet all compliance requirements. Microsoft E5 offers advanced threat protection, identity and access management, and data loss prevention features that go beyond what the E3 licence provides.

• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: E5 gives you access to this advanced threat protection service, which includes features such as attack surface reduction, endpoint detection & response, and automated investigation and remediation. With E3, you lose these critical, proactive security tools.

• Advanced Compliance Tools: E5 also includes Advanced eDiscovery and Advanced Data Governance, which help streamline legal and regulatory requirements by automating data classification, retention policies, and the discovery of sensitive information. These are essential for businesses that need to stay compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, or other data regulations.

By downgrading to E3, you risk leaving your organisation vulnerable to security threats and compliance risks, both of which could lead to significant financial and reputational damage.

Exhibit B: Powerful analytics and insights with Power BI Pro

E5 comes with Power BI Pro, one of the most advanced business analytics tools on the market. Bringing your data to life, it enables businesses to visualise data, create interactive dashboards, and gain actionable insights. This tool is not available with E3, and purchasing it separately simply increases costs.

Having access to Power BI Pro within the E5 suite means your organisation can continuously leverage data to drive decision-making, optimise processes, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Without it, you risk making slower, less informed business decisions, potentially losing your competitive edge.

Exhibit C: Enhanced communication and collaboration with Teams Voice integration

In an era where hybrid and remote work are the standard, Microsoft Teams Phone System (included in E5) has become an invaluable tool for businesses. E5 provides advanced calling features, such as:

• Cloud-based telephony
• Call analytics
• Auto Attendants

The integration of these features within Microsoft Teams allows your employees to stay connected, whether they’re in the office or working remotely, without the need for expensive third-party telephony solutions. E3, by contrast, lacks these advanced voice capabilities, potentially complicating your communications setup and adding extra costs to add third-party solutions.

Exhibit D: Better value for growing businesses

While the price difference between E3 and E5 may seem attractive at first glance, the added features and long-term benefits of E5 actually make more financial sense, especially for growing businesses. Beyond the benefits, it’s important to consider the risks of downgrading. Non-compliance with regulatory standards can lead to issues such as loss of intellectual property, large fines or reputational damage. When factoring in the potential costs of third-party security, compliance, and communication tools (often required to fill the gaps left by E3) the overall expenses could far exceed the price difference between the two licences.

E5 consolidates all these essential features under one subscription, simplifying management and reducing the need for additional vendors or software. Also, with the potential for automation and enhanced data insights, E5 can make operations run smoothly, saving both time and money.

Exhibit E: Future-proof your business

Microsoft 365 E5 is designed for organisations that have one eye on the future. With continuous updates, cutting-edge technology, and a strong emphasis on security and innovation, E5 helps your business remain future-ready. The business environment is changing rapidly, and having the most advanced tools at your disposal will ensure your company can quickly adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Downgrading to E3 could limit your ability to harness emerging technologies and respond to the increasing demand for more sophisticated security, compliance, and data management solutions.

Exhibit F: Invest in growth, not just cost-cutting

While reducing costs may seem appealing in the short term, downgrading from Microsoft 365 E5 to E3 could end up costing your business more in the long run. E5 provides advanced security, compliance, communication, and analytics tools that not only protect your organisation but also enable you to grow, adapt, and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Investing in Microsoft 365 E5 means investing in your company’s future. Instead of cutting corners, keep your E5 licence to maintain a competitive edge, secure your data, and unlock the full potential of your workforce.

Case Closed: Unlock the full potential of your Microsoft 365 E5 licence today

If your organisation is still underutilising the powerful features that come with your Microsoft E5 licence, now is the perfect time to act. From advanced security measures to sophisticated analytics and seamless communication tools, there are so many capabilities that can transform your business if fully implemented.

Here at Applicable, we have a rich history of helping our customers plan, design and implement Microsoft 365 services. Together, we can ensure your organisation is fully leveraging the advanced features you already have at your fingertips. Whether it’s enhancing your security framework, improving collaboration with Teams Voice, or unlocking valuable insights through Power BI Pro, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Microsoft Certified Consultants and start unlocking the full power of your Microsoft 365 E5 licence!

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