Guide to upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5

In the rapidly evolving world of IT, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 not only provides a host of advanced features, but also positions your organisation at the forefront of technology trends.  

According to a report by Gartner, worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is forecast to grow 20.4% to total $675.4 billion in 2024, up from $561 billion in 2023.  

Notably, the shift towards hybrid work environments has accelerated the adoption of advanced cloud solutions, with Microsoft 365 E5 leading the charge in providing robust, scalable, and secure solutions. 

In fact, tech leaders are upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 to harness advanced security features, robust compliance tools, and AI-driven productivity insights, reflecting a growing trend towards prioritising comprehensive data protection, regulatory adherence, and enhanced operational efficiency in today’s digital ecosystem. 

This guide delves into the intricacies of Microsoft 365 E5, highlighting the benefits, differences from other plans, and a step-by-step upgrade process. We’ll also explore why Interactive is the ideal partner for this transformation. 

What is a Microsoft 365 E5 subscription?

Microsoft 365 E5 is the premier subscription plan offered by Microsoft, designed for enterprises seeking the highest level of security, compliance, and analytics capabilities. This plan includes everything in E3 and adds:

• Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Advanced threat protection for emails and collaboration tools. 
• Advanced Compliance: Tools such as Microsoft Information Protection, Insider Risk Management, and Compliance Manager. 
• Power BI Pro: Advanced analytics and data visualisation tools to drive business intelligence. 
• Unified Communication Tools: Including a cloud-based phone system and audio-conferencing capabilities.

So, what’s included in Microsoft 365 E5? Let’s dig a little deeper. The E5 plan incorporates advanced security features, compliance solutions, enhanced communication tools, and powerful analytics, ensuring that your organisation remains secure, compliant, and data- driven.

What is different about Microsoft 365 E5?

For tech leaders, understanding the differences and advantages of Microsoft 365 E5 is essential to stay current and competitive in their roles. Leveraging advanced features in security, compliance, and analytics not only fortifies your organisation’s defences against emerging threats, but also enhances operational efficiency and strategic decision-making capabilities, ensuring your enterprise remains agile and resilient in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

For tech leaders, understanding the differences and advantages of Microsoft 365 E5 is essential to stay current and competitive in their roles. Microsoft 365 E5 offers a significant upgrade over other licenses by providing advanced features across security, compliance, and analytics domains.

Firstly, in terms of security, Microsoft 365 E5 includes Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) with capabilities like Threat Intelligence, Safe Attachments, and Safe Links, which provide enhanced protection against sophisticated cyber threats such as phishing and malware. These advanced security measures help organisations proactively defend their data and systems.

Secondly, in compliance, Microsoft 365 E5 offers features such as eDiscovery, Advanced Data Governance, and Insider Risk Management, enabling enterprises to efficiently manage regulatory requirements and mitigate compliance risks. These tools streamline data management processes and ensure adherence to global standards and regulations.

Thirdly, Microsoft 365 E5 enhances analytics capabilities through features like Power BI Pro and MyAnalytics. These tools empower organisations with actionable insights into productivity trends, collaboration patterns, and resource utilisation, enabling informed decision-making and fostering continuous improvement across the enterprise.

By leveraging these advanced features, Microsoft 365 E5 not only fortifies an organisation’s defences against emerging threats, but also enhances operational efficiency and strategic decision-making capabilities. This comprehensive suite of tools ensures that enterprises remain agile, resilient, and well-equipped to navigate and succeed in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Enhanced security and compliance

• Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Provides top-tier protection against sophisticated cyber threats, utilising machine learning and AI for threat detection and response.
• Advanced Compliance Tools: Ensure your organisation meets regulatory requirements with comprehensive data governance and compliance management.

Advanced analytics

• Power BI Pro: Facilitates in-depth data analysis and visualisation, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Communication tools

• Phone System: Offers a complete, cloud-based phone system integrated with Microsoft Teams.
• Audio Conferencing: Allows users to join Teams meetings via phone, enhancing remote communication capabilities.

Is Microsoft 365 E5 worth it?

In a study by Forrester, organisations that adopted Microsoft 365 E5 reported a 65% reduction in the likelihood of data breaches and a 14% improvement in regulatory compliance. Additionally, the integration of Power BI Pro led to a 20% increase in data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Analysts reveal that upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 offers substantial benefits that can significantly enhance your organisation’s capabilities, including:

• Comprehensive Security: Protects against advanced threats with sophisticated security tools, reducing the risk of data breaches.
• Enhanced Compliance: Helps meet stringent regulatory requirements, minimising compliance risks and potential fines.
• Improved Communication: Streamlines communication with integrated phone systems and audio conferencing, crucial for remote and hybrid work environments.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Empowers your organisation with advanced analytics and business intelligence tools, improving operational efficiency and strategic planning.

These features and benefits make upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 a worthwhile investment, ensuring your organisation stays secure, compliant, and operationally efficient in today’s competitive landscape.

How do you upgrade to microsoft 365 E5?

Moving to Microsoft 365 E5 is a vital step for organisations aiming to enhance their digital capabilities. In short, E5 offers advanced tools for security, compliance, and communication, strengthening data protection, regulatory compliance, and collaborative workflows.

Unsure how to upgrade? Assessing current subscriptions and aligning with organisational needs helps tailor the upgrade effectively.

For starters, planning ensures a smooth integration without disruption, while configuring new features post-upgrade maximises E5’s benefits.

Equally crucial is training staff to use these tools effectively, ensuring that investing in Microsoft 365 E5 boosts operational efficiency and cybersecurity.

Here’s a ‘5-step process’ to kickstart your upgrade journey:

Step One: Assess your needs

Begin by evaluating your current subscription and identifying the specific features and benefits of E5 that align with your organisational needs. Consider security, compliance, and communication requirements.

Step Two: Plan the upgrade

Develop a detailed upgrade plan, including a timeline and resource allocation. Review licensing requirements and assess the potential impact on existing systems and workflows.

Step Three: Execute the upgrade

Utilise the Microsoft 365 admin centre to initiate the upgrade process. Navigate to the ‘Billing’ section, select ‘Subscriptions,’ and choose the upgrade option to E5. Follow the prompts to complete the transition.

Step Four: Configure new features

After the upgrade, configure and optimise the new features available in E5. This involves setting up advanced security protocols, compliance measures, and integrating communication tools like the phone system and audio conferencing.

Step Five: Train your team

Ensure your IT team and end-users are adequately trained to leverage the new capabilities of Microsoft 365 E5. Provide training sessions and resources to facilitate a smooth transition.

Why choose Interactive?

Upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 offers advanced features in security, compliance, communication, and analytics – a strategic move for enhancing your organisation’s capabilities.

Amidst the pressures faced by tech leaders, support is essential. With Interactive’s expertise, your transition will be efficient and seamless, paving the way for future success.

As Australia’s leading IT services provider, Interactive excels in delivering a smooth upgrade process to Microsoft 365 E5.

For more insights, visit www.interactive.com.au.