I'm exploring whether it's feasible to lower our M365 expenses by switching from the Business Premium plan to the Basic plan. However, we still require the Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and conditional access features that are part of the Premium package.
I'm aware that Premium is already a better deal compared to the cost of combining Basic with Entra ID P1 plus Exchange Online P2 and SharePoint P2. I've reached out to Proofpoint and Forcepoint for alternatives, but I'm curious if sticking with M365 is the most cost-effective option to retain these features. What do you think?
Also, if we decide to go this route, we're planning on purchasing standalone Office licenses as part of the transition.
5 Answers
What’s your current approach to DLP? Remember that Business Premium doesn’t offer a great deal of purview features on its own. If you’re considering tools like Purview or Entra ID P2, these will add costs too, so make sure to weigh those expenses against what you might save by downgrading.
When considering a switch, it's essential to look beyond just the price tag. Think about the overall total cost of ownership. Will switching to Basic change your admin costs significantly? And do you need to meet compliance standards that might not be met with a downgrade? Also, keep in mind that Business Basic primarily offers web versions of apps; are your users okay with that?
We’re aiming to consolidate everything under Purview for TCO reasons, which also helps streamline policy management without having to juggle multiple platforms.
Honestly, just no. If DLP and conditional access are important to you, don’t downgrade.
If you’re using DLP beyond email, this switch might be pointless. Proofpoint can block sensitive data in emails, but it can't protect files shared on OneDrive. If your organization handles sensitive data regularly, Business Premium is a must-have. Business Basic is really geared towards smaller operations that just need basic Office functionality.
Downgrading to save a bit of cash means you might lose access to crucial tools like M365 desktop apps, Defender for Business, and DLP. Plus, the time and effort you'll need to replace those DLP capabilities with a third-party tool that may not integrate as smoothly could end up costing you more in the long run. This downgrade doesn’t sound like the best strategy.
You're right on the web-only apps. I initially thought the discussion was about Business Standard, which includes desktop apps. Switching from Premium to Basic is a big step back in features.