Octobits Blog – In today’s fast-changing digital world, businesses are always on the lookout for tools to help them work better, together, and stay safe. Learn more about Microsoft 365 E5 price to help you making a better decision.
Among these tools, Microsoft 365 E5 is a popular choice, especially for businesses looking to use the advanced features.
However, a common concern for many is understanding the Microsoft 365 E5 price and how to get the value for money they’re looking for.
That’s why we’re going to take a closer look at Microsoft 365 E5. We’ll be exploring its features, pricing models, cost-optimisation strategies, and how it compares to the E3 plan.
What is Microsoft 365 E5?
Microsoft 365 E5 is the most comprehensive plan in the Microsoft 365 suite.
It’s perfect for enterprises that need robust security, advanced analytics, and full communication capabilities.
The E5 plan includes all the features of the E3 plan, plus some great new additions like advanced threat protection, information protection, and voice capabilities through Microsoft Teams.
E5 doesn’t just give you the usual productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
It also includes some pretty sophisticated tools like Power BI Pro for analytics, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for security, and advanced compliance features.
This plan is perfect for companies that need to keep their data safe, stick to the rules, and make informed decisions based on their data.
Features of Microsoft 365 E5
E5 gives you all the tools you need to get things done. E5 contains:
- The familiar Office 365 apps
- The secure and versatile Windows 11 Enterprise operating system
- The mobility and device management capabilities of Enterprise Mobility + Security.
These three foundations make sure your teams can work together easily and effectively, no matter where they are or what device they’re using.
But what makes E5 stand out is its advanced security and compliance framework.
The plan includes the latest in cyber security, like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 and Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
With those security features, you are safe from even the most sophisticated cyber attacks.
What’s more, E5 gives businesses the tools they need to get to grips with the tricky world of data protection and regulatory compliance.
Tools like Information Protection & Compliance and Insider Risk Management help businesses keep sensitive information safe and spot and stop internal risks before they become problems.
E5 also gives you the power to make data-driven decisions with the help of Power BI Pro.
This awesome business analytics tool turns raw data into useful insights, helping organisations spot trends, find opportunities and make smart strategic choices.
Plus, E5’s cutting-edge voice capabilities make it easy to communicate, whether you’re making, receiving, or transferring business calls.
This helps users stay connected and collaborate in today’s fast-paced work environment.
Pricing Models
The E5 plan has a pretty extensive range of features, which is why it’s the premium choice in the Microsoft 365 lineup.
The Microsoft 365 Enterprise Plan web page clearly states the going rate for Microsoft 365 E5 is $54.75 per user per month when billed annually. What do you get with that price?
This pricing model includes all the advanced features and services that make E5 stand out from other plans. It shows just how comprehensive it is, and therefore how expensive it is too.
For businesses, this means while it’s a big investment, it comes with the reassurance of top-tier security, compliance, productivity, and analytics tools.
It’s a great choice for those looking to get the most out of their tech and boost performance.
For comparison and to get the facts on the Microsoft 365 price hike, you should read “Microsoft 365 Price Increase: How Much & Impact on Business”
Factors Affecting Pricing
The most straightforward thing in the rise of Microsoft 365 E5 price is the total users. The more people who need access to the E5 suite, the more it’ll cost overall.
However, big companies can make savings on volume purchases through licensing programmes like the Enterprise Agreement or the Cloud Solution Provider programme, which is good news as the number of users grows.
The number of users isn’t the only thing that affects the price. How many add-ons and customisations you need can also make a difference.
While E5 has a lot of great features, some companies might need something a bit more specialised that’s not included in the standard package.
Add-ons like Microsoft Viva for managing employee experience or advanced compliance tools can improve the E5 experience, but they’ll also add to the overall cost.
It’s a good idea to take a close look at what your company needs and decide if any extra features are worth the cost.
Geographical location also has an impact on pricing, even if it’s a subtle one.
Things like currency changes and different tax policies in different countries can also affect the price you pay.
Just so you know, the USD prices listed might not be directly relevant to Australian businesses because of currency exchange rates plus the addition of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
You might find it helpful to take a look at “Microsoft Azure Text to Speech Pricing Can’t Ruin Your Voiceover Dreams.”
The Best Ways to Cut Costs and Get Best Deal on Microsoft 365 E5 Price
The first thing you need to do is carry out a proper needs assessment. If your business can get by with the main productivity and security tools in the E3 plan, plus some extra bits and pieces that are tailored to your needs, this could be a cheaper option.
If you’re a larger company, you can save a lot of money by using volume licensing agreements like the Enterprise Agreement.
These agreements often offer discounts based on the number of users and how long you’re signed up for, which makes them a great choice for businesses with lots of users.
Another strategy to consider is adopting a hybrid approach. This means giving E5 licences to users who need the advanced features, while most users stick to the more economical E3 plan.
There are also other ways businesses can make their Microsoft 365 E5 costs go further. One of these is using Octobits as a license management platform.
Octobits gives you a central place to manage all your IT services, including Microsoft 365.
What does this mean for your business?
With Octobits, you can keep an eye on how your software is being used, find out which licences you’re not using, and make your licensing management processes a lot more straightforward.
This detailed insight and control can help you cut out waste and make sure you’re only paying for the licences you need.
And the good news is that Octobits is free for use until December 2024.
Yes, you can bring all their billing and reporting together, so you can keep track of all your IT spending and make sure you’re getting the best deal. And it’s free.
What is the Difference Between O365 E3 and O365 E5?
Both plans provide access to core Office applications and essential security and compliance tools.
However, E5 takes these capabilities to a higher level. E5 offers advanced features that cater to more complex organisational needs.
If you only need the basic productivity tools, then Office 365 E3 is the best solution for you.
However, for organisations looking for more sophisticated protection and analytics, Office 365 E5 is the answer.
E5 offers unparalleled security with advanced threat protection through Microsoft Defender, providing a comprehensive defence against cyber threats.
Furthermore, it provides more extensive compliance solutions, guaranteeing that organisations can effortlessly meet complex regulatory requirements.
The new E5 includes the powerful tool Power BI Pro, which is ideal for data analysis and reporting.
This feature enables businesses to transform raw data into actionable insights, supporting more informed decision-making processes.
E5’s advanced analytics capabilities allow organisations to fully leverage their data, setting it apart from the basic offerings of the E3 plan.
In Closing
The choice between Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 depends on your organisation’s specific requirements and priorities.
If you require advanced security, compliance and analytics capabilities, then E5 is the right choice, despite its higher cost.
It is essential to evaluate your requirements carefully and explore cost-optimisation strategies.
That’s why SaaS management platforms like Octobits are invaluable for gaining insights into your software usage.
Octobits will help you make informed decisions about licensing and reduce your Microsoft 365 E5 price.
