Microsoft
MicrosoftI've been working with Microsoft sales support and it appears that there is no replacement product for the AIP P1 add-on. The only method to get the same encryption function is to spend 300% to 500% more for the E3, E5, or similar license. There was a mention of a "...new Microsoft Information Protection client (without the add-in) is currently in preview and scheduled for general availability --https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/information-protection/microsoft-purview-information-protection)." This appears to provide the e-mail encryption function I am looking for, but pricing doesn't seem to be available yet, so it may be no more cost effective than an E3 license. The last exchange with Microsoft Sales support was that this previously available AIP P1/e-mail encryption is only available now if I purchase a license that adds 300% to my overall cost. I am very disappointed that Microsoft chose to abandon a reasonable cost AIP P1 add-on in favor of only providing the encryption ability in it's most expensive licensing models. This feels very much like Microsoft has decided to squeeze the customer for more money instead of continuing to providing reasonably priced products. Smaller business like mine do not need or require the full featured functions provided by the E3 and E5 licenses. Part of the reason I use Microsoft and have moved my customers to Microsoft is that their products and pricing have been very fair in the past. The behavior I see with this current product change is not well thought out, is detrimental to the customer.
Sorry, I'm not ranting at you. Your information was great and helped me track down an answer. Unfortunately, there just isn't a reasonable solution to my "Microsoft 365 E1 $10/month" + "AIP P1 $2/month" to provide encryption other than "Microsoft 365 E3 (no Teams) $33.75/month" or just under a 300% increase in cost. The E3 product also forces products like the Microsoft Office suite on me that I do not want. With products like Open Office that are free and just as functional as Microsoft's desktop products, paying $400+ doesn't make any sense. Anyway, thanks for all the help, but there is no way to provide a solution when one isn't available.
