Why It Matters
Many businesses default every user to Microsoft 365 E3 or E5, whether they need it or not. This can mean paying for advanced compliance, analytics, or security features that large portions of your workforce never use.
For a 150 seat business, that overspend could be up to five figures annually, budget that could be reinvested into security, innovation or team growth.
Strategic Microsoft 365 Licensing
Through discussions with our customers who span a range of industries, we have found that many organisations are not fully aware of all the features included in their Microsoft 365 plans. In many cases, a substantial portion of these capabilities are never utilised, either because they are not relevant to operational needs or because equivalent tools are already in place.
We also encounter businesses that deliberately choose not to rely solely on Microsoft’s built-in security features, preferring a layered approach that blends Microsoft 365 with specialised third-party solutions. While effective from a security perspective, this often means higher-tier licenses include functions that remain unused, creating unnecessary cost.
Our approach focuses on aligning licensing to the actual needs of the business and its users. For many mid-market organisations, this involves replacing a mix of E3 and E5 plans with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, supplemented by targeted add-ons for specific advanced requirements. This ensures that every user has the capabilities they need, operational management is simplified, and budget is invested where it delivers measurable value, not on unused functionality.
Your Microsoft 365 Licensing Comparison
We’ve created a clear, easy-to-read comparison that shows:
Exactly what’s included in Business Premium, E3, and E5. With a breakdown of where each plan delivers full capability, where features are limited, and where add-ons are required.
This isn’t a technical deep dive, it’s a practical tool you can share use to reflect on current licensing choices.
*Immediate download, no form to fill
150 Seat Example
Exploring a hypothetical 150 seat scenario: the client holds a mix of E3, E5, and Business Premium licenses.
In this case, all seats are replaced with Business Premium, as it meets the organisation’s needs.
Advanced needs were met with targeted add-ons, avoiding unnecessary higher-tier plans.
<38%
Reduction in spend
Through moving users to Business Premium and adding only essential add-ons.
60%
Less feature waste
By assigning advanced features only to roles that need them.
100% mismatch elimination
Correct allocation every time
Removing the risk of assigning the wrong license to the wrong user.
Turn Insight into Action
Gaining clarity on your Microsoft 365 licensing is important, but translating that insight into practical steps is where the real value is delivered.
Our Microsoft 365 Licensing Review is a low-intrusion, 30-minute session with a Microsoft Specialist and a licensing consultant. They will work with you to review your Microsoft stack, on a high level analyse how licenses are being used, and identify opportunities for optimisation.
The session will validate what you’re doing well and highlight areas where adjustments could deliver better outcomes. You’ll receive post-meeting recommendations tailored to your organisation, covering potential cost efficiencies, feature alignment, and targeted add-on strategies where appropriate.
The result is a concise, actionable plan that supports both your operational needs and long-term IT strategy, while ensuring you are getting the most out of the Microsoft licenses you are already paying for.
A 30 minute Free Microsoft 365 Licensing
Speak to a Microsoft Specialist and a Licensing Consultant.
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about Microsoft 365 licenses and management.
No. Transitioning license management to AVTech is a digital process that doesn’t require infrastructure changes or downtime. In most cases, this is simply an administrative transfer of your tenant’s billing and license oversight to our Microsoft Partner portal.
We recommend at least an annual review to ensure licenses are still aligned to user needs, but significant organisational changes, mergers, headcount shifts, new compliance requirements, are also ideal times for reassessment.
Not necessarily. In many cases, advanced capabilities can be provided through targeted add-ons for specific users, ensuring you retain the features you need without paying for them across all seats.
Yes. Eligible not for profit organisations can access significant Microsoft 365 license discounts through Microsoft’s NFP program. AVTech can assist in confirming eligibility, applying for discounts, and structuring the right licensing mix for your organisation.
