Which Microsoft 365 GCC High License is Right for My Company?

If you are considering the move to M365 GCC High, choosing the right GCC High license for your organization is a critical choice.  

Microsoft offers two licensing options that are built to be configured for CMMC compliance: 

• The F-Series Frontline license 

• The E-Series (now called G-series) Enterprise license  

The M365 GCC High G5 license is the most advanced offering from Microsoft for organizations seeking CMMC compliance, and the most popular choice among Summit 7 clients.  

There are great features in both the F and G license series, but you have to make sure you have the right license to get the features you are looking for.   

 This blog will help you understand the differences between these licenses and assist you in selecting the most suitable one for your organization. 

What are the Productivity Differences Between the F-Series and G-Series M365 GCC High Licenses? 

F-Series Frontline License 

Target Audience: Frontline workers, what we call “paystub and potluck” employees (what they most often check email for), who may, for example, be subcontractors, work on the manufacturing floor, or use Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). This license is best leveraged for employees using a Kiosk System, Web Browser, and/or Mobile Device.   

Features: 

• Cost-effective plans designed for essential productivity and collaboration tools. F-Series Frontline licenses are 50-70% more affordable than the G-Series. 

• Services like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint. 

• Focus on enabling communication and collaboration among frontline workers. 

• The F5 license has similar capabilities as the G5 but has limited functionality, saving you money if those features won't be needed. 

Best Suited For: 

• Organizations with a large number of GFE, subcontractors, or manufacturing floor users.  

E-Series (Now Called G-Series) Government License 

Target Audience: Users with Company Owned Devices (laptop, desktop) 

Features: 

• Administrative tools for managing a wide range of employees. 

• Suitable for administrative staff with diverse needs. 

• The Microsoft 365 G5 license combines collaboration services with the most advanced cross domain threat protection (identity, endpoint, and cloud services). 

Best Suited For: 

• Government organizations with stringent security and compliance requirements. 

• Organizations that need a wide range of services, advanced security, and administrative control for various employee roles. 

Do both the M365 F5 and M365 G5 make me CMMC Compliant? 

Yes, they both contain the required security and compliance tools to make you compliant. Configuration of those services are still required though. 

Summit 7 is the #1 Microsoft AOS-G Partner for Licensing serving the Defense Industrial Base. Click here to talk to an expert today about your licensing and configuration needs.

Need a Closer Look? Download Our Free Licensing Guide 

If you want to take a look under the hood of each of these licenses before you purchase, we created a licensing guide just for you. This guide shows all the applications and capabilities available for each license and breaks down the more nuanced licensing features you can choose – allowing some flexibility for your budget. 

Fill out the form below to get our guide, which covers Microsoft 365 GCC High Licensing, comparing the F series and G Series licensing options, with the following categories:   

• Enterprise Licensing Bundles 

• Enterprise Licensing 

• Mobility and Security Licensing 

• Operating System Licensing