Tenant-level services are online services that, once activated, are automatically enabled for all users in your organization. This means every user must have a valid license for these services, or proactive measures must be taken to restrict access to specific user groups.
Typically, tenant-level services focus on audit and security features, ensuring the safety and compliance of your tenant and its data.
The majority of Security and Compliance products are tenant-level services. Below is the list of affected products:
Most tenant-level services can be restricted to specific users. However, implementing these limitations requires careful configuration, as the process varies depending on the service. For detailed guidance, Microsoft provides documentation here: Microsoft Learn – Licensing Guidance.
Some tenant-level services cannot be limited to specific users, or it is particularly difficult to do so. These include:
For these services, appropriate licenses are required for all users who may benefit from them.
Microsoft states the following about tenant-level services:
“Though some tenant services are currently not capable of limiting benefits to specific users, appropriate subscription licenses are required for use of each online service.”
It’s important to note that Microsoft’s Product Terms often lack specific mention of tenant-level services, despite references in related documentation. To ensure compliance, follow this rule of thumb:
If the service benefits all users and no proactive measures were taken to restrict access, licenses must be assigned to all users.
Understanding and managing Microsoft 365 tenant-level services is critical for ensuring compliance and security in your organization. Always verify licensing requirements and take proactive steps to restrict services when needed. For further details, consult Microsoft’s official licensing documentation.
By staying informed and compliant, you can make the most of your Microsoft 365 investment while safeguarding your organisation.
If you have any questions or need assistance with Microsoft 365 tenant-level services, our team of experts is here to help.
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2Data is an independent software licensing advisory specializing in Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce and IBM optimization. We help companies reduce contract costs, manage risk, and simplify their software licensing.
