In this episode of EdTechStuff, Alex Pearce, a Microsoft MVP, discusses Microsoft licensing with a focus on the A3 and A5 licenses within educational institutions.Key discussion points include:A3 versus A5 Licenses: The main differences and where each license fits within schools are outlined. The four pillars of Microsoft 365 A3 are Office 365, EMS (Enterprise Mobility and Security), a Windows upgrade, and Minecraft. The A5 license enhances security with additions such as Defender and conditional access.Value and Investment: It is important to understand the value derived from A5, especially for schools that handle large amounts of sensitive data. Evaluate whether current spending on other security products could be optimised by switching to A5.Security Standards and Compliance: The importance of meeting Department for Education security standards and understanding how current solutions align with these standards is highlighted.Operational Model and Training: The right training, staff, and operational model are needed to support the rollout of A5. Preparing before purchasing licences is crucial to ensure full utilisation.Organisational Structure: How an organisation's structure, especially multi-academy trusts, can be adapted to maximise the benefits of A5, including creating specialised roles.Risk Awareness: Create a risk report to highlight network vulnerabilities and compliance issues to senior leaders, prompting them to take notice and allocate resources.Technical Enhancements with A5: Specific technologies within A5 are explored, such as Microsoft Entra P2 for per-application conditional access, Intune for device management, and Defender for endpoint protection.Device Management: The challenges of managing shared devices versus one-to-one device programmes, and the implications for security and support are addressed.Multi-Factor Authentication: The increasing need for MFA, driven by ICO requirements, and how conditional access policies can enhance data security while maintaining user convenience.Microsoft Sentinel: Sentinel is explained as a tool for centralising and analysing logs from various sources to monitor and respond to security threats, and the cost considerations associated with its implementation.Data Governance and Compliance: Understand data retention policies, use Microsoft Perview for data tagging and automatic deletion, and ensure compliance with government regulations.Licensing Considerations: Exercise caution with features opened up by single A5 licences and preview features, ensuring compliance and understanding future licensing implications.This episode aims to equip network managers, IT directors, and technicians in education with the knowledge to make informed decisions about Microsoft licensing and security.

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