What Office 365 E5 includes
Office 365 E5 builds on the E3 foundation, adding significant capabilities. Key additions include advanced threat protection with Defender for Office 365 P2, providing sophisticated email and collaboration security. Power BI Pro enables robust data analysis and visualisation, while Teams Phone Standard delivers enterprise-grade telephony features. Advanced eDiscovery simplifies compliance and legal hold processes. It's designed for organisations requiring a broad suite of tools without the full M365 package.
AU Buyer Profile: E5 vs. E3 + Add-ons
For many AU mid-market organisations, a phased approach is sensible. While E5 offers a consolidated solution, the cost can be a barrier. An alternative is to start with E3 and add-on services like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Intune, and Entra ID P2. This allows for granular control over investment and aligns with a gradual adoption of advanced security capabilities, particularly relevant given the ACSC Essential Eight and APRA CPS 234 requirements. Organisations subject to the OAIC Privacy Act 2024 should assess whether E5’s eDiscovery features simplify compliance.