Microsoft’s cloud collaboration tools, mainly Office 365 and Microsoft 365, have been evolving. This has made choosing the right plan somewhat confusing for administrators. As a Microsoft cloud solutions provider, we understand the nuances involved in these platforms. It seems like Office 365 has been rebranded as Office 365 solutions, but it’s not just a simple name change. Office 365 continues to exist with its specific plans, pricing, and features, mainly focusing on productivity and collaboration tools like Word, Excel, and SharePoint.
On the other hand, Microsoft 365, which appears as an evolved version of Office 365, brings additional features, particularly in security and device management, combining the familiarity of Office 365 applications with enhancements like better security features and Windows 10 Enterprise.
So, it's not merely about Office 365 turning into Microsoft 365 infrastructure. They co-exist, each appealing to different needs and priorities of a business. Administrators need to carefully assess their organization’s needs, considering factors like required tools, security needs, and budget, to make a choice that optimally serves their requirements and ensures smooth operation and collaboration within the organization.
In this blog, we will compare Microsoft 365 E3 vs Office 365 E3 to help you understand their differences and decide which plan is the best fit for your needs. We will explore their features, benefits, and costs, providing you with the essential information so that you can Hire the best Office 365 migration consultant to ensure a smooth transition for your business.
A Look Through the Evolution
In 2011, Microsoft launched Office 365, offering organizations a new way to work by moving from physical servers in buildings to cloud-based services and storage. This transition was significant, as it made work more flexible and accessible from anywhere. Office 365 quickly became popular, achieving 258 million paid users, as reported by Microsoft in April, because of its robust set of applications and services that users found incredibly valuable.
Office 365 has maintained its strong presence, continuously updating and adapting its features to meet users' current needs. Even with the introduction of new services like Microsoft 365 consulting services, Office 365 has remained relevant and distinct with its unique set of services, management tools, and pricing structures.
In 2017, Microsoft introduced Microsoft 365, a more comprehensive service that integrates various functionalities and services into one package. Microsoft 365 combines the features of Office 365 with enhanced security services and Windows 10, providing a broader set of tools for businesses. To fully leverage these tools, businesses often hire experienced Office 365 consultants for tailored guidance.
Office 365 solutions and Microsoft 365 are designed to cater to different needs and preferences. While Office 365 continues to offer powerful tools and services that have made it a favourite among users, Microsoft 365 brings additional capabilities, especially in security and Windows functionalities, to provide a more rounded service package.
Office 365 E3: A Closer Look
Office 365 E3 is essential for businesses wanting to improve productivity, organize work efficiently, and strengthen security. It offers a carefully selected range of cloud-based office tools and services, tailored to meet the current needs of organizations. Here's a closer look at the special features and abilities of Office 365 E3.
# Cloud-Based Office Applications
Office 365 E3 unveils a universe of cutting-edge, cloud-based office applications that are constantly updated to the latest versions, ensuring users always have access to the newest tools and features. It encompasses:
1. Word
Word in Office 365 E3 is more than just typing text. It’s about creating professional documents like reports, letters, and manuscripts easily.
- Editor and Researcher: These tools help improve writing quality. The editor acts like a proofreading assistant, and the Researcher helps find and incorporate credible information.
- Collaboration: Multiple people can work on a document at the same time, sharing comments and feedback directly.
2. Excel
Excel is all about handling data effectively. It helps in organizing, analyzing, and visualizing information to make data-driven decisions.
- Power Query: This tool helps in finding and connecting data from various sources, cleaning it up for analysis.
- Functions and Tools: Excel offers various tools and functions to analyze and work with data, making it easier to get insights.
3. PowerPoint
PowerPoint is for turning ideas into compelling presentations. It provides tools to design and organize content in a visually appealing way.
- Design Ideas and Morph: These features offer design suggestions and add smooth transitions to enhance presentation quality.
- Media Integration: Easily add videos, audio, and other interactive elements to make the presentation more engaging.
4. Other Office Apps
Other tools like OneNote, Access, and Publisher each serve unique purposes, adding more value to the Office 365 E3 suite.
- OneNote: It's like a digital notebook for keeping notes and information organized and easily accessible.
- Access: A useful tool for managing and analyzing large volumes of data in databases.
- Publisher: Simplifies the creation of various publications like newsletters and brochures, making them look professional.
# Email and Calendar
In Office 365 E3, the email and calendar functionalities are mainly powered by Outlook and Exchange, aiming to make communication and scheduling as straightforward and efficient as possible.
1. Outlook
Outlook serves as your email and scheduling assistant. It helps manage emails by sorting important emails into a ‘Focused Inbox’. It also keeps track of your travel plans and package deliveries automatically. Plus, it comes with a built-in calendar to help manage your schedules, appointments, and reminders efficiently.
2. Exchange
Exchange manages the backend of your email operations. It ensures that emails are securely delivered, provides tools to customize the email environment according to the business needs, and offers features to protect sensitive information from being shared unintentionally.
# Collaboration Tools in Office 365 E3
Office 365 E3 brings collaboration to the forefront, making working together easier and more efficient. Here are the tools it offers:
1. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is your collaborative workspace within Office 365 solutions. It consolidates chat, video calls, and file sharing, enabling seamless communication and collaboration. Channels can be created for various projects or departments, ensuring organized and easy-to-find information. Integrated with Office 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, it makes real-time collaboration on documents effortless.
2. SharePoint
SharePoint acts as your organization’s secure online storage system. It’s a place where teams can create, share, and manage content related to various projects or departments. You can customize access to different parts of a SharePoint site, protecting sensitive information while promoting collaboration. SharePoint’s integration with Microsoft 365 consulting services ensures that content is always accessible and up-to-date for collaborative efforts.
# Storage and File Sharing
Office 365 E3 includes OneDrive for Business, which gives you a safe place to store your files. You can access and share them easily, anytime, and from any device.
# Security and Compliance
Office 365 E3 helps to keep your emails and data safe. It uses tools like encryption to protect your emails, and it has features that help prevent important information from being accidentally shared or lost. It also helps identify any unusual or suspicious activity to keep your data secure.
Microsoft 365 E3: A Closer Look
Microsoft 365 E3 stands out by offering more than the usual productivity tools. It includes a wide range of services and features that improve security, collaboration, and smooth operation in organizations. Let’s explore these varied features that make Microsoft 365 E3 unique.
# Office Applications and Services
Core Office 365 customization applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others are at the forefront, coupled with an array of services that propel organizational productivity:
- Up-to-date Applications: Access to the latest versions of essential Office applications, ensuring users are equipped with current tools and functionalities.
- Collaboration and Communication Tools: The inclusion of Microsoft Teams enables seamless communication, meetings, and collaboration across teams and departments.
- Cloud Storage and Sharing: With services like OneDrive and SharePoint, file storing, sharing, and collaboration are made effortless and efficient.
# Enhanced Security with Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Enterprise amplifies the security aspect, positioning itself as a fortified version of the Windows operating system:
- Robust Security Features: Advanced security functionalities are integrated to bolster protection against evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
- Customization and Management: Enhanced customization and management tools allow for a tailored operating system experience to meet unique business needs and preferences.
Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
EMS emerges as a crucial component, underpinning the significance of mobility and security in contemporary organizational landscapes:
- Advanced Identity Management: Ensures secure and authenticated access to organizational resources, enhancing the integrity and confidentiality of business data.
- Information Protection Strategies: Tools and strategies are in place to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that data remains secure amidst diverse operational dynamics.
- Proactive Threat Defense: Equipped with proactive defences against potential threats, ensuring a resilient and secure operational ecosystem.
# Comprehensive Device Management
The suite underscores the importance of effective device management in cultivating a secure and efficient operational environment:
- Microsoft Intune Integration: Facilitates refined device and application management, aligning with organizational standards and security protocols.
- Unified Management Approach: The ability to manage a multitude of devices from a unified endpoint, optimizing management processes and ensuring a consistent application of security and operational policies.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Both Office 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E3 have standing-out features of their own. Here is how you can compare them:
- Productivity Tools: Both plans offer a comprehensive set of productivity tools, including the latest office applications, email, and collaborative platforms.
- Security: Microsoft 365 E3 edges ahead with enhanced security features through Windows 10 Enterprise and EMS, offering a fortified protective layer.
- Flexibility and Device Management: Microsoft 365 E3 offers better flexibility and device management options, ensuring secure and optimized device utilization across the organization.
- Pricing: While Microsoft 365 E3 comes at a higher price point, the additional features it offers justify the cost, providing a comprehensive business solution.
Which Plan Suits You Best?
Choosing between Microsoft 365 E3 and Office 365 E3? It’s all about what your business needs the most. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:
# If Productivity is Your Main Goal
Does your team mostly need tools to help them get their work done efficiently? If yes, Office 365 E3 might be all you need.
- Office Apps: This plan gives you all the basic tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Everyone can access the latest versions and work from anywhere.
- Teamwork Tools: Tools like Microsoft Teams make chatting, sharing files, and working together on projects easy. It’s all about helping your team work better together.
- Flexibility: Office 365 E3 lets you pick and choose the tools that fit your work style. It’s like building your own toolbox with the best tools for your team.
# If You Want More Than Just Productivity
Maybe you need more than just basic tools. If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, with better security and more features, Microsoft 365 E3 might be the better fit.
- Better Security: This plan comes with extra security features that help keep your business data safe. It’s like having better locks and a more secure system.
- Windows 10 Enterprise: This version of Windows gives you more features, keeps your computers up to date, and helps everything run smoothly.
- Managing Devices: Microsoft 365 E3 helps you manage all your devices better. It’s like having a remote control to make sure everything works the way it should.
# Thinking About Your Budget
Money matters. It’s important to pick a plan that gives you what you need at a price that makes sense for your business.
- Saving Money: Office 365 E3 costs less. It could be a good choice if you want to save money but still get all the essential tools.
- Getting More: Microsoft 365 E3 costs more, but it gives you a lot more. It could be worth the extra money if you need the additional features and security it offers.
Conclusion
Making the right choice between Microsoft 365 E3 and Office 365 E3 depends on what your business needs now and what it will need in the future. You want a plan that fits well with your goals, your budget, and how your business will grow.
Think about what tools your business really needs. If tools for making work and collaboration easier are what you need most, Office 365 E3 is a good pick. But, if you want more, like better security and device management, then Microsoft 365 E3 is worth looking at, even though it costs more.
Remember, choosing the right plan is about making sure it helps your business do well. It should be a good fit for your team, help get the work done, and support your business as it grows. Hire a Microsoft 365 consultant to guide you in choosing the plan that best fits your business needs and goals.
