What the latest Microsoft 365 security and compliance SKUs mean for customers

For Microsoft 365 E3 customers who want to take advantage of Microsoft 365 E5 security and identity features without having to completely buy in to Microsoft 365 E5, you’re in luck: They now come in bundled options.

Microsoft has repackaged many of its security and identity features into new SKUs to better align data governance, information protection, and search and discovery solutions due to regulatory requirements like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As of Feb. 1, 2019, you can purchase these new offerings, aptly named “Identity & Threat Protection” and “Information & Compliance.”

Here’s a look at what you need to know about these new offerings and what to consider before purchasing.

What’s included in the Identity & Threat Protection and Information & Compliance SKUs?

These new bundles offer a simplified and flexible lineup of features once unique to Microsoft 365 E5, at a lower price point.

In the past, you’d have to buy these features a la carte. That’s no longer the case.

The Identity & Threat Protection SKU includes:

• Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) 2 – consists of Office 365 ATP + Threat Intelligence
• Microsoft Cloud App Security
• Azure ATP
• Azure Active Directory Plan 2
• Windows Defender ATP

The Information & Compliance SKU includes:

• Office 365 Advanced Compliance (includes Advanced eDiscovery, Advanced Data Governance, Customer Lockbox, Customer Key, and Privileged Access Management)
• Azure Information Protection Plan 2

In addition to these new bundles, Microsoft has added MyAnalytics to all Microsoft 365 (E5, E3, E1, F1) and Office 365 (E5, E3, E1, F1) SKUs at no additional cost (though the timeline for including MyAnalytics in F1 plans is to be determined). You no longer have to be a Microsoft 365 E5 customer to get access to this feature.

You can still purchase all current security and compliance standalone offerings at the same price – save for Office 365 Cloud Security, which has been retired as a standalone offering. Its functionality is now included in Microsoft Cloud App Security.

Consider this before purchasing new SKUs

Before you purchase these new bundles, be sure to thoroughly examine the products you currently own.

Some companies have already purchased these features a la carte. Some have purchased tools with similar functionality from competing vendors.

You face the potential for duplicate licensing with the new SKUs. Make sure your security teams do an extensive survey of your existing identity, security, and compliance solutions already in place.

These new SKUs aren’t a requirement – there’s no price change to the current standalone E3 offering, so you have the option to continue purchasing that as you have been. But you now have the option to purchase either of these new bundles. It comes down to your business needs.

If you’re a Microsoft 365 E3 customer and wish to learn more about these new offerings, contact your SHI account executive.

Frank Cartaino contributed to this post.