Microsoft partners roll out Windows 10 Enterprise E3

Microsoft partners are now selling Windows 10 Enterprise E3 subscriptions to businesses via its Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme.

The cloud-based platform costs $7 per user per month and offers enhanced enterprise-grade security and management functionality to make it easier for businesses to roll it out to employees.

Microsoft said it built E3 around its partners' feedback, with customers increasingly demanding a partner-managed, cloud-based subscription service that would simplify security and device management for the organisation.

It has been specifically designed for companies that handle sensitive data and need a secure platform on which to store or transfer it. Offering it on a subscription-based plan, meanwhile, means businesses aren't locked in to a long-term deal if they realise it doesn't quite their needs or they can't afford it.

"Windows 10 Enterprise E3 was designed for businesses that handle sensitive customer data (such as credit card or social security numbers), operate in regulated industries, or create and monetise intellectual property," Microsoft said.

"These businesses need enterprise-grade security and management capabilities found in the Windows 10 Enterprise edition such as Device Guard, Credential Guard and Managed User Experience."

Microsoft's launch partners include European company ALSO and US partners Tech Data and Synnex Corporation. These partners can also offer customers add-ons including Azure, Dynamics, Office 365, and Windows if they wish to tag them on to offer a fully-managed solution.

Windows 10 Enterprise E5, which additionally includes Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection will be rolling out to businesses via Microsoft's partners from 1 October.