IT teams are constantly seeking the most effective solutions to protect their organizations. A recent Gartner research note sheds light on Microsoft's data security capabilities and licensing structure, revealing some surprising findings that every IT leader should consider.
Gartner's Key Findings: A Reality Check
Gartner's research uncovered several crucial points:
- Many organizations struggle to understand Microsoft's licensing model and which data security features are included in their current license level.
- Comprehensive data security controls often require expensive license upgrades or add-ons.
- Despite high costs, many organizations with premium licenses (like E5) aren't fully utilizing the advanced security features they're paying for.
- Data governance and security in Microsoft 365 remain significant challenges, with oversharing and data loss being top concerns.
The Purview Premium: A High-Stakes Gamble
Microsoft's offer of "one platform to rule them all" with their M365 and Purview premium bundle may seem appealing at first glance: Consolidating vendors can, in theory, simplify operations. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Microsoft is charging a significant premium for what could be an outsize risk.
The Gartner report notes that “SRM leaders often struggle to understand how [Purview’s] native data security capabilities can support their data security program.” That does not bode well for an effective data protection strategy. Teams will not use what they don’t understand — so Purview customers may never realize any ROI from this sizable investment.
For SMBs, mid-market companies, and even some enterprises with limited resources and talent, the Microsoft premium for Purview should be approached with caution. The complexity of deployment and usage often results in "shelfware" – expensive software that goes unused, draining budgets without providing tangible benefits.
The "Fast Z" Alternative: A Smarter Path Forward
Instead of paying premium prices for potentially underutilized Purview licenses, companies would be wise to consider third-party "Fast Z" data security solutions, such as those offered by Virtru.
But, what exactly is "Fast Z?” It's an approach to security that allows customers to invest relatively small amounts while moving quickly to deploy effective solutions. This strategy enables organizations to take material steps forward in their journey toward zero trust security without breaking the bank or getting bogged down in lengthy implementation processes.
Remember, zero trust is a journey, not a destination. "Fast Z" offers a compelling way to take small, incremental, and affordable steps forward. It's the antithesis of "Slow Z" – the all-too-common scenario where organizations invest huge sums in premium Microsoft licenses, only to find themselves undertaking massive deployments that can take months or years and often lead to shelfware.
Virtru: Elegance, Affordability, and Ease of Use
IT leaders everywhere need to ask themselves what’s more valuable: A “Slow Z” data security solution that you can maybe set up in 2 years, or a “Fast Z” solution you can set up and start using in 2 hours? Virtru provides powerful, data-centric controls that integrate seamlessly into M365 email and file workflows — which you can start using right away.
Compared to Microsoft's premium offerings, Virtru's solutions are:
- Significantly less expensive
- Easier to deploy
- Simpler to use
- Still help you meet your regulatory obligations such as CMMC, ITAR, CJIS and more.
We know based on Gartner’s report that Purview is very likely to become unused shelfware. Virtru is immediately usable in common workflows inside the Microsoft ecosystem.
By choosing Virtru, organizations can achieve robust data security without the complexity and cost associated with premium Microsoft licenses. This approach allows IT teams to make tangible progress in their security posture quickly and efficiently.
Choose Wisely, Move Quickly, and Get Your Money’s Worth
While Microsoft's O365 and Purview bundle may seem compelling on the surface, it's crucial to consider the hidden costs and potential pitfalls. By opting for Fast Z solutions like those offered by Virtru, organizations can take meaningful steps toward enhanced data security without overcommitting resources or risking underutilization.
In the end, the goal is to secure your data effectively and efficiently. Don't let the allure of a "one-stop-shop" solution lead you down a path of unnecessary complexity and expense. Choose wisely, move quickly, and keep your data secure with Fast Z.
