Using E3 and E5 Licenses in GCC High

Question

Hello,

We have a GCC High cloud environment, and the users within our tenant hold E3, E5, and P2 licenses. We have noticed that the available applications appear to be the same in both GCC High and the commercial GCC.

Some documentation suggests that E3 and E5 licenses cannot be used in GCC High, but this information is incorrect, as we are successfully using these licenses.

I’m curious about the differences between the E licenses and the G licenses since they seem similar aside from cost. I had a C3PAO, and three different Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have confirmed that we can use E3 and E5 licenses in GCC High.

Are there any limitations or security concerns associated with using E3 and E5 licenses in GCC High?

Why are there different licenses, E and G, if they are interchangeable?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi @LM-5132
Thank you for Reaching Out Microsoft Q&A Platform.
I understand that you have some queries regarding the use of E3, E5, and P2 licenses in your GCC High environment, along with concerns about any limitations, security considerations, and the differences between E and G licenses.
Based on the information provided, here's the difference between E and G licenses: E licenses (such as E3 and E5) are designed for commercial use and general business purposes. In contrast, G licenses are specifically intended for government offerings, such as GCC High and DoD, to meet the unique security standards and regulatory requirements of government entities.

For additional information about Licenses refer these documents: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/enterprise/government-plans-and-pricing
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/enterprise/microsoft365-plans-and-pricing

For information on the limitations or security concerns associated with using E3 and E5 licenses in GCC High, please refer to this document: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/servicedescriptions/office-365-platform-service-description/office-365-us-government/gcc-high-and-dod#compliance
The comparison between E and G licenses reveals that they offer different environments, which can vary based on the specific requirements and regulations of each cloud environment. The existence of both E and G licenses serves the distinct needs of commercial and government entities.

For Additional Information refer this document: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/servicedescriptions/office-365-platform-service-description/office-365-us-government/microsoft-365-government-how-to-buy#what-makes-microsoft-365-government-different-from-microsoft-365-for-enterprise-offerings

Do let us know if you any further queries.