A thriving business needs more structured management. Then, a Microsoft 365 E3 upgrade is the perfect solution. If you have been contemplating the upgrade, it’s time to find out how it benefits you.
This business premium vs E3 comparison will tell you whether an upgrade fits your needs. We will also walk you through effective implementation steps.
The Difference Between Microsoft 365 Business Premium and E3
Microsoft 365 enterprise plans offer better coverage and access to advanced features. It caters to your growing companies with more devices to manage.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes:
- Microsoft Office desktop apps
- Basic endpoint management
- Collaboration tools
- Features designed for small businesses
- 1 TB of storage per user
- 300 users maximum
Microsoft 355 E3 includes:
- Enterprise-grade compliance and security tools
- Advanced endpoint management features
- Access controls and analytical tools
- Flexible features for scalability
- Advanced administration features
- Up to 5 TB of storage per user
- Unlimited users
Things to Check Before Upgrading to Microsoft 365 E3
Plan ahead for your Microsoft 365 E3 upgrade. Review your current structure to facilitate the transition.
Review current user count
Check your current user count and projected growth rates. If you will likely need support with over 300 users, then an upgrade is necessary.
Check contract
Check the break clause in your current contract about commitments. Leaving a contract sooner may result in a violation. Read the terms carefully to calculate the costs.
Compliance and security requirements
Do you need advanced compliance tools? Do you struggle to manage security with the current setup? List out your current pain points to see.
How to Upgrade from Microsoft 365 Business Premium to E3
Follow these steps to upgrade to Microsoft 365 enterprise plans.
- Step 1: Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Sign in to your administrator account.
- Step 2: Billing
Go to Billing > Your Products. Review your current Business Premium subscriptions to see the expiration date. Check the clauses for ending the contract earlier if relevant. Determine the best timing for the switch based on the contract commitments. - Step 3: Purchase a license
Choose the appropriate option for your firm. Select the required number of users
- Step 4: Assign licenses
Replace or reassign the new E3 licenses to users.
- Step 5: Confirm
Confirm the switch with all users. Make sure you have removed the unused Business Premium licenses to avoid double-billing.
- Step 6: Integration
Check that you have access to the advanced features and endpoint management integrations.
How to Migrate Users and Data Smoothly
Migration is often smooth and quick. You don’t have to worry about compatibility much, since they share the same Microsoft ecosystem. You can work with an IT provider like Cyber Husky for a seamless transition.
Testing
You can try moving a small, non-essential group first. It may reveal possible hiccups and issues during the migration process. You can adjust your methods accordingly so the important groups will not be affected.
Communication
Let the teams know about the changes and upgrades clearly. They should have time to prepare for it as well. They may need to back up some documents or carry out preparation plans beforehand.
Review security settings
Going through the security settings several times minimizes the chance for errors. You need to avoid accidentally making a wrong policy change.
Common Problems During a Microsoft 365 Upgrade and How to Fix Them
A lot of the common problems during an upgrade can be fully avoided with extra attention.
Assignment conflicts
Sometimes, license assignment conflicts may arise. You need to remove the old licenses first.
Missing features
Not all features are automatically enabled. You may need to manually activate certain features or initiate policy configuration.
Compatibility issues
Older systems may not support the latest features. Check their compatibility to see if you can make the most out of the upgrade.
New Features and Benefits You Unlock with Microsoft 365 E3
Unlock a series of industry-leading features and benefits with the upgrade.
Advanced compliance tools
For growing enterprises, compliance is non-negotiable. The E3 plans offer a wide range of advanced compliance tools. It ensures your business operates according to the regulations.
Access management
There are stronger administrative controls and access support. It restricts unauthorized and suspicious attempts.
Information protection
From data retention to cloud storage, you have greater control over policies to maximize privacy and security for your business and clients.
In conclusion
Upgrading to Microsoft 365 E3 is a strategic move. It can speed up the production flow and enhance security. It offers a number of advanced features that are essential for growth. You can seamlessly migrate the current system with the help of an expert.
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