This is a continuation of a series of articles on Azure services from an operational engineering perspective with the most recent introduction to Microsoft Intune with the link here. The previous article mentioned Microsoft Intune with its device and application management capabilities. This article discusses its usage with Microsoft 365. 

Microsoft 365 for enterprise is a complete, intelligent solution that empowers everyone to be creative and work together securely. It is designed for large organizations, but it can also be used for medium-sized and small businesses that need the most advanced security and productivity capabilities.  

Microsoft 365 scenarios include productivity, collaboration, education, people, and workplace intelligence. It includes services that manage user and device identity, access, compliance, security and helps protect organizations from data leakage or loss.  

The scenario used to describe Microsoft 365 is often the one used to set up the infrastructure for hybrid work. This is achieved by allowing on-site and remote workers to access the organization’s on-premises and cloud-based information, tools, and resources easily and securely. 

Microsoft 365 for enterprise consists of local and cloud-based applications and productivity services, Windows 10 enterprise, and device management and advanced security services. The applications work with a full suite of online services for email, file storage and collaboration, meetings and more. The windows 10 enterprise improves productivity and security and for IT professionals, provides comprehensive deployment, device, and app management. The device management and advanced security services includes Microsoft Intune that enables workforce productivity while protecting organizational data. 

Microsoft 365 enterprise is available in three plans which include E3, E5 and F3. E3 provides access to Microsoft 365 core products and features which further workforce productivity. E5 includes Defender for office 365, security tools and collaboration tools. It includes all the E3 capabilities plus advanced security, voice, and data analysis tools. F3 helps workers in the field with purpose-built tools and resources. 

Microsoft 365 add-ons are available for E3 users. These add-ons are for Identity and Threat protection, Information protection and compliance, Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance, and Microsoft 365 E5 Insider Risk. These add-ons enable E3 users to take advantage of features in E5.

With these capabilities, IT professionals managing on-site, and cloud-based infrastructure enable hybrid worker productivity. Those workers can access cloud-based service and data in their Microsoft 365 subscription and organizational resources anytime and from anywhere. Their sign-ins are secured, and their applications and devices can be managed with cloud security. The hybrid workers can be as productive and collaborative as on-premises.