licensing

The Confusing World of Microsoft 365 Security and Compliance Licensing

Licensing the range of Microsoft 365 compliance and security features is a task taken on by the bravest. Or so they say. Another way of putting it is that people just don't understand what licenses are needed for the different compliance, data governance, and security features. A new Microsoft 365 Compliance plan and three sub-licenses might make it easier, even if they're more expensive. After reading the PDF to explain what licenses are needed, maybe you'll know what you need to buy.

Last Update: Jun 10, 2022

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Microsoft Provides Clarity for Windows 11 Licensing Requirements, 21H2 but not LTSC

With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft is changing many aspects of how the OS operates. Everything from a new UI, to new system requirements, and even to simplifying the update process too. But when it comes to licensing the OS, Microsoft has a rich history of over-complicating the structure to make it difficult to…

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Inconsistencies in Microsoft 365 Licensing for Security and Compliance

The new licensing guidance for Microsoft 365 security and compliance features is welcome, but as is probably inevitable, some inconsistencies exist that need to be probed and discussed, and hopefully resolved by Microsoft in the long run. Why do DLP policies for Teams need E5 licenses? Why does applying a default retention label to a SharePoint library need E5? There’s lots to discuss about issues Microsoft should fix.

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Licensing Exchange Online Shared Mailboxes

Microsoft made a mistake in their provisioning process for Exchange Online shared mailboxes, so lots of mailboxes have 100 GB quotas. Things are changing now and new shared mailboxes will have 50 GB quotas, unless you license them. Here’s how to check the status of your shared mailboxes.

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How Hybrid Use Benefit Reduces Azure VM Costs

Aidan Finn explains how you can use volume licensing Software Assurance or Cloud Solution Provider subscriptions for Windows Server to reduce the cost of Microsoft Azure virtual machines.

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Microsoft Clarifies Premium Features for Office 365 Groups. Prepare to Spend More!

A new Microsoft support article clarifies premium features used by Office 365 Groups that require premium licenses. While good to know when you have to pay extra, it is baffling why some of the features fall into the premium category and why so many licenses are needed. The solution is to buy the Enterprise Mobility and Security suite. Or just pay for the extra licenses.

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Understanding G Suite Licensing

In today’s Ask the Admin, Russell Smith explains the different licensing options for G Suite and how they compare to Office 365 plans.

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AAD Licensing for Groups and Teams Features Burdens Office 365 Tenants

Microsoft clarified what AAD features need premium licenses at Ignite. Tenants need many of those features to control Office 365 Groups and Teams, and some of the listed features are surprising. Did you know that the group creation policy is a premium feature? Or adding a default classification. The chosen set of features seems odd, but at least Microsoft is now clear about what you must license.

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Post-Ignite 2017 Reflections About Office 365

After returning from the Ignite conference, I have pages of notes to pour over. Here are some of the more interesting things i learned about Office 365, including who should be in my “inner loop” and “outer loop”, why Microsoft talks about Microsoft 365 when they really mean Office 365, and some Exchange Online cmdlets I had not heard about before.

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Microsoft Withdraws Plans to Charge for Office 365 Inactive Mailboxes

A UK-based leak revealed a plan to require Office 365 inactive mailboxes to have licenses. Storage costs, but because Microsoft told people to use inactive mailboxes for purposes such as keeping content for ex-employees, it wasn’t a good idea to suddenly demand licenses. Good sense prevailed and the plan isn’t going ahead.

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