I'm currently working in Microsoft security, focusing on tools like Sentinel, Defender, Entra ID, Intune, and Purview, and I'm looking to enhance my skills outside of my job. The main issue I'm facing is the challenge of obtaining an E5-level tenant to use for practicing various features. Free trials are no longer an option, the Microsoft 365 Developer Program isn't consistently providing E5 access, and maintaining Azure plus E5 licenses isn't something I can afford on my own. So, I'm curious about how others are managing this:
- Are you paying for an E5 setup yourself? If so, what's your arrangement and cost?
- Are you utilizing a partner, employer, or non-production tenants instead?
- Do you focus on specific areas for lab work while ignoring others?
- Or have you come to terms with the idea that a full E5 lab experience might not be achievable?
5 Answers
Check out the developer tenant option too. As long as you show some development activity now and then, you can keep it active. Just do some app registrations and you should be good!
You might want to check out the CDX demo for E5 trials if your Microsoft 365 work account has access. They're pretty useful and come with test users and a lot of pre-deployed resources to play around with. Head over to [this link](https://cdx.transform.microsoft.com/dashboard?tab=mytenants) for more info!
This is spot on! If you're searching for options, don't scroll past this!
I usually go for Business Premium with the new security addon; it can save you a bundle while still offering many features.
Honestly, why foot the bill yourself? If you're employed, see if your job can cover a test tenant or two—it’s only about $65 a month! That’s a small price for the experience you'll gain.
It might be worth getting an E5 license for training purposes and you could even write it off at tax time. If your employer is willing, it makes setting up a lab environment with a single license relatively easy.
Totally agree! Plus, isn’t it about $60 a month? Most people spend more than that on coffee or their cell phone bills.
Absolutely, the CDX Transform demo-tenants are great, even if they've cut down the number of them lately. They can really speed up your learning!