Microsoft offers various licensing and subscription models across its suite of software, cloud services, and security solutions. Here’s an overview, particularly focusing on security-related products, including firewalls:
Microsoft Licensing Models
- Perpetual License: This model allows customers to purchase software with a one-time fee and own it indefinitely. It applies to products like Microsoft Office (through volume licensing) and Windows Server.
- Subscription-Based License (Microsoft 365, Azure, etc.): Most of Microsoft's modern offerings are subscription-based, where customers pay a recurring fee (monthly or annually) to access and maintain access to the software and services. These subscriptions often include updates, support, and cloud-based features.
Microsoft Security & Firewall Solutions
Microsoft provides a range of security solutions with varying licensing and subscription models:
Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- License & Subscription: Comes as part of the broader Microsoft Defender suite, which offers cloud-native application protection. It is typically subscription-based and is included in different Microsoft 365 and Azure tiers.
- Subscription Model: Pay-as-you-go (based on usage in Azure) or part of a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- License & Subscription:Part of Microsoft’s Endpoint security suite that offers advanced threat protection. It is subscription-based, generally bundled with Microsoft 365 E5 or available as a standalone product.
- Subscription Model:Monthly or annual subscription as part of Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, or as an add-on to other Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Azure Firewall
- License & Subscription: Azure Firewall is a cloud-native, managed network security service. It uses a subscription-based pricing model based on consumption (e.g., per GB processed or per deployed instance).
- Subscription Model: Pay-as-you-go, based on the resources consumed (data processed, number of firewall policies, etc.).
Microsoft Sentinel (formerly Azure Sentinel)
- License & Subscription: Microsoft Sentinel is a scalable, cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) solution. It uses a consumption-based pricing model.
- Subscription Model: Pricing is based on data ingestion (per GB of data analyzed) and the length of time logs are retained.
Microsoft 365 and Security Subscriptions
Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) includes built-in security features and offers additional security services through specific plans:
- Microsoft 365 E5: This premium plan includes advanced security tools like Microsoft Defender for Identity, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and more. It is a subscription-based service.
- Microsoft 365 E3: Provides core security features, such as basic data loss prevention and compliance tools, with options to add more advanced security via add-ons.
- Standalone Defender Subscriptions: Can be purchased separately if you need advanced protection but don't want the full Microsoft 365 suite.
Azure Licensing
- Azure Active Directory Premium: Offers identity and access management solutions with subscription tiers (P1 and P2), enabling features like conditional access, multi-factor authentication, and identity protection.
- Azure Information Protection: Part of the broader Microsoft security suite, which provides document encryption and control. It’s included with certain Microsoft 365 subscriptions or available as an add-on.
Licensing for Businesses
Microsoft uses a variety of licensing models for businesses, including:
- Enterprise Agreement (EA): Geared towards larger organizations, offering flexible licensing with discounts for volume purchases, typically spanning 3-year contracts.
- Microsoft Cloud Agreement (MCA): A modern licensing model for cloud services with monthly or annual billing cycles
