I'm in charge of IT for a small non-profit that has about 10 users and 10 computers, which include a mix of laptops and desktops. We currently rely on Microsoft 365, which we've been using for free as a non-profit. Our computers are Entra Joined, and I use Intune for management. However, I've learned that these free M365 Business Premium licenses, including Entra ID and Intune, will no longer be available for non-profits. I'm looking for advice on how to manage our devices moving forward. Should I invest in an on-premises server with Active Directory? Are there any free or affordable alternatives to EntraID for device management? Is switching to local accounts a viable option? I'd appreciate insights on the pros and cons of these choices considering our budget is quite tight. Thanks!
5 Answers
Honestly, NFP grants can make the business premium really affordable. If your non-profit is struggling to cover those costs, it could be time to check out alternatives like ManageEngine MDM, which has a free tier. Also, Endpoint Central is free for up to 25 devices and offers a lot of features.
I feel you! I'm supporting another non-profit, and while we started using EntraID and Entra Joined machines, I've been thinking about Google Credential Provider for Windows machines. It’s an interesting option if you want to integrate with Google Workspace. Here's a link if you're curious: [Google Credential Provider](https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gcpw/). People have found it useful!
If you can budget around $792 a year, you might want to consider keeping the licenses. The costs of buying and maintaining a server could add up to be similar in the long run, especially after a few years.
You might want to check out if the larger Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) are offering any promotions to non-profits due to these changes. Also, take a look at the possibility of using lower-tier licenses; managing servers can get expensive. This site, [m365maps.com](https://m365maps.com), could help you find suitable licenses.
JumpCloud is an option you could explore, though its pricing is worth looking into. Fleet device management is another open-source alternative, and you can consider shifting to Authentik for authentication needs.
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