Microsoft 365 E3 : Complete Features Breakdown with Hyperlinks (Enterprise Guide for IT Professionals)
Microsoft 365 E3 is one of Microsoft’s most widely adopted enterprise productivity and security suites. It combines Office apps, enterprise email, collaboration tools, endpoint management, security, compliance, and Windows Enterprise licensing into a single subscription.
This blog provides a complete breakdown of Microsoft 365 E3 features along with direct hyperlinks to each service for deeper exploration.
- Microsoft Office Productivity Apps
Microsoft 365 E3 includes full desktop, web, and mobile versions of Microsoft Office apps.
Included applications:
- Microsoft Word – Document creation and editing
- Microsoft Excel – Data analysis and spreadsheets
- Microsoft PowerPoint – Presentation creation
- Microsoft Outlook – Email and calendar management
- Microsoft OneNote – Digital note-taking
- Microsoft Access – Database management (Windows only)
- Microsoft Forms – Surveys and quizzes
- Microsoft Lists – Track information and tasks
- Microsoft Planner – Project planning and task management
- Microsoft To Do – Personal task management
- Microsoft Loop – Real-time collaborative workspace
- Microsoft Sway – Interactive reports and presentations
- Microsoft Clipchamp – Video editing tool
These applications can be installed on up to 5 devices per user.
- Enterprise Email and Communication
Exchange Online
Exchange Online provides enterprise-grade email hosting.
Key features:
- 50 GB mailbox per user
- Custom domain email (example: user@company.com)
- Shared mailboxes
- Calendars and meeting scheduling
- Email security and spam filtering
Exchange Online replaces traditional on-premises Exchange servers.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the primary communication and collaboration platform.
Features include:
- Chat and messaging
- Audio and video meetings
- File sharing
- Team collaboration workspaces
- Screen sharing
- Webinar hosting
Teams replaces traditional communication tools like Skype for Business.
- Cloud Storage and File Management
OneDrive for Business
OneDrive for Business provides secure personal cloud storage.
Features:
- 1 TB to 5 TB storage per user
- Secure file access from anywhere
- File sharing and collaboration
- File version history
- Sync across devices
SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online provides enterprise document management and intranet capabilities.
Features:
- Team sites
- Company intranet portal
- Document libraries
- Workflow automation
- Knowledge management
SharePoint is commonly used to build company portals and internal websites.
- Identity and Access Management
Microsoft Entra ID (Azure Active Directory Premium P1)
Microsoft Entra ID manages user identities and access.
Features:
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Conditional Access policies
- Identity protection
- Centralized user management
Entra ID replaces traditional Active Directory infrastructure.
- Device Management and Endpoint Control
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based device management solution.
Features:
- Manage laptops and mobile devices
- Apply security policies
- Remote wipe capability
- Application management
- Endpoint compliance enforcement
Intune replaces traditional tools like SCCM in modern environments.
Windows Enterprise License
Windows Enterprise is included with Microsoft 365 E3.
Features:
- BitLocker encryption
- Windows Defender Antivirus
- Credential Guard
- AppLocker
- Enterprise security features
- Endpoint Security
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Plan 1)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides endpoint protection.
Features:
- Antivirus protection
- Malware detection
- Threat protection
- Attack surface reduction
- Device security monitoring
- Data Protection and Compliance
Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview provides compliance and data protection tools.
Features:
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Information protection
- eDiscovery
- Audit logs
- Compliance management
Purview helps organizations comply with regulations like ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA.
- Automation and Low-Code Development
Power Apps
Microsoft Power Apps allows organizations to build custom applications.
Use cases:
- Internal IT tools
- Workflow apps
- Data collection apps
Power Automate
Microsoft Power Automate automates workflows.
Examples:
- Automatic email alerts
- Approval workflows
- Automated reporting
- Administration and Management Portals
Microsoft 365 E3 provides centralized management portals:
- Microsoft 365 Admin Center
- Exchange Admin Center
- Microsoft Intune Admin Center
- Microsoft Entra Admin Center
- Microsoft Security Center
- Microsoft Compliance Center
These portals allow IT administrators to manage users, devices, security, and compliance.
Real-World Enterprise Example
A typical enterprise environment using Microsoft 365 E3 includes:
- Windows Enterprise on employee laptops
- Exchange Online for email
- Teams for communication
- OneDrive for personal storage
- SharePoint for document management
- Entra ID for identity management
- Intune for device management
- Defender for endpoint security
Conclusion
Microsoft 365 E3 is a complete enterprise solution that combines productivity, security, device management, and compliance into a single platform.
It helps organizations:
- Improve collaboration
- Secure endpoints
- Protect company data
- Simplify IT management
- Enable remote work
Microsoft 365 E3 is ideal for medium to large enterprises that require advanced security, compliance, and endpoint management capabilities.
