In recent years, we have observed a rapid adoption of Microsoft 365 Business Premium among Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) resellers, particularly Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Initially, the primary focus for many CSP partners was on security, ensuring their clients’ data was protected against ever-evolving cyber threats.
The introduction of M365 Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-driven productivity tool, brings a new dimension to the conversation, highlighting the critical importance of data governance and compliance. As businesses increasingly rely on AI to enhance productivity and decision-making, they will look to their CSPs for guidance.
Last year, I conducted several technical readiness workshops focused on M365 Copilot and engaged in numerous discussions with CSP partners. Many expressed uncertainties in how they can safeguard customer data for M365 Copilot adoption without incurring significant additional costs. For many small and medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), the M365 Copilot add-on could be perceived as an extra expense, making it challenging for partners to justify the investment.
This raises a critical question: How can CSP partners ensure a successful and secure deployment of Microsoft 365 Copilot for their customers, especially those who may not be able to afford the higher SKUs as M365 E3 or E5 licenses?
The answer lies in a combination of strategic planning, leveraging existing tools within the Microsoft 365 Business Premium suite, and implementing additional data security measures where necessary.
One such solution is the Microsoft365 E5 Information Protection and Governance add-on, which enhances the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
M365 E5 Information Protection and Governance are essential elements that ensure the security and compliance of an organisations data. They encompass a range of practices and tools designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and to manage data throughout its lifecycle. By incorporating these features, businesses can create a robust data security framework that supports the secure deployment of M365 Copilot
The introduction of M365 Copilot has amplified existing data-led challenges for CSPs and their customers. This presents partners with new opportunities to respond with solutions that meet emerging needs, whilst driving more value out of existing licenses.
By focusing on data governance, compliance, and security within the existing Microsoft 365 Business Premium framework – enhanced by the M365 E5 Information Protection and Governance add-on, partners can ensure a successful and secure deployment of M365 Copilot.
This approach not only addresses the concerns of cost-conscious SMBs but also positions CSP partners as trusted advisors in the ever-evolving landscape of cloud-based productivity and AI-driven solutions.
The appetite for AI is high amongst SMBs. Data readiness, security and governance present challenges, and Crayon is primed to help our partners respond.
Through our unique Technology Advisory Group, we can help you to take a holistic approach to your customers solutions adoptions ambitions – one that considers outcomes first and delivers a technology solution strategy to fit.
If you would like to know more about how to leverage the M365 E5 Information Protection and Governance add-on for your M365 Business Premium customers, reach out to the TAG Productivity team.
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