Microsoft has recently announced the general availability of the Microsoft Entra Suite, positioning it as the industry’s leading solution for secure workforce access. This suite integrates access policy engines across identities, endpoints, and networks, providing a robust Zero Trust user access solution.
What is Microsoft Entra Suite?
The Microsoft Entra Suite is a comprehensive licensing package designed to enhance identity and access management by consolidating advanced security and governance features. It simplifies the deployment of zero-trust security models across an organization’s digital ecosystem.
Components of the Microsoft Entra Suite
- Microsoft Entra Private Access: Identity-centric Zero Trust Network Access secures private apps and resources, reducing operational complexity and costs by replacing legacy VPNs.
- Microsoft Entra Internet Access: Identity-centric Secure Web Gateway (SWG) for SaaS apps and internet traffic, protecting against malicious content and other internet threats.
- Microsoft Entra ID Governance: Complete identity governance and administration automates identity lifecycle management for precise access control.
- Microsoft Entra ID Protection: Advanced identity protection blocks identity compromise in real time with high-assurance authentication and machine learning (also included in Microsoft Entra ID P2).
- Microsoft Entra Verified ID: Managed verifiable credentials service enabling real-time, privacy-respecting identity verification, starting with premium capabilities like Face Check.
Microsoft Entra Suite capabilities
The Microsoft Entra Suite empowers organizations to:
- Unify Conditional Access policies across identities and networks.
- Ensure least privilege access for all users to resources and applications.
- Enhance user experience for in-office and remote workers.
- Streamline security tool management, reducing complexity and costs.
Pricing and licensing requirements
The Microsoft Entra Suite is priced at $12 per user per month. A prerequisite for using the Entra Suite is the Microsoft Entra P1 license (formerly Azure Active Directory P1), priced at $6 per user per month, essential for both licensing and technical setup.
Variants of the Entra Suite License
There are three main variants of the Microsoft Entra Suite license, tailored to different organizational needs:
- Microsoft Entra Suite: The standard version that includes the core set of features.
- Microsoft Entra Suite for FLW: Designed for frontline workers (FLWs). This version includes the same service plans but is optimized for FLW scenarios.
- Microsoft Entra Suite Step-Up: Intended for customers who already possess a Microsoft Entra Premium P2 license and want to enhance their capabilities with additional features included in the Entra Suite.
Microsoft Entra Suite vs. Microsoft 365 E5
While Microsoft 365 E5 is expected to include comprehensive identity governance functionalities, advanced features necessary for deeper identity management are separately bundled in the Entra Suite.
Comparison:
- Entra ID Plan 2: Included in both Microsoft Entra Suite and Microsoft 365 E5 licenses.
- Standalone cost of Microsoft Entra ID P2 (formerly Azure Active Directory P2): $9 per user/month.
- Entra Suite license: Priced at $12 per user/month.
For an additional $3 per user per month, the Entra Suite offers:
- Microsoft Entra ID Governance: Valued at $7 per user/month.
- Microsoft Entra Verified ID: (Exact pricing not available, but estimated).
- Microsoft Entra Private Access: Valued at $5 per user/month.
- Microsoft Entra Internet Access: Valued at $5 per user/month.
Despite incomplete pricing details for Verified ID Premium features, a quick calculation of known costs totals approximately $26 per user per month. This makes the combined Entra Suite license at $12 per user per month a cost-effective choice if you require any of the additional solutions in addition to Entra ID Plan 2.
Conclusion: Is Microsoft Entra Suite worth It?
The Microsoft Entra Suite represents a strategic investment for organizations looking to strengthen their identity and access management frameworks. By offering a comprehensive bundle of governance, security, and access tools, it simplifies the deployment of a zero-trust architecture. With significant cost savings compared to individual licensing, the Entra Suite provides excellent value, especially for organizations seeking to enhance identity protection and governance capabilities beyond Microsoft 365 E5.
Considering adopting the Microsoft Entra Suite?
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