Comparing Microsoft 365 GCC Cloud Service Offerings: Which One is Right for You?

With the growing need for secure and compliant cloud solutions, Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) offers a range of plans designed specifically for US government agencies, contractors, and organizations that handle government data. These plans ensure that your data is stored securely and that you remain compliant with US government regulations. However, with several options available, it can be challenging to choose the right plan for your organization. In this blog post, we will compare the different Microsoft 365 GCC plans to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Microsoft 365 GCC

Before diving into the specifics of each plan, it's important to understand what Microsoft 365 GCC is. Microsoft 365 GCC is a set of cloud services that are tailored to meet the needs and compliance requirements of US government organizations. These services include Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security, and they are available in three different plans: GCC, GCC High, and DoD.

Key Features of Microsoft 365 GCC

• Compliance with Federal requirements such as FedRAMP Moderate and CJIS
• Exclusive data centers separated from commercial data centers
• Screened US personnel

Microsoft 365 GCC Plans Comparison

Now let's look at the different Microsoft 365 GCC plans to see how they compare and which one might be the best fit for your organization.

Microsoft 365 GCC

This plan is designed for Federal, State, Local, and Tribal governments and provides compliance with FedRAMP Moderate and other federal requirements. It includes:

• Office 365 services
• Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS)
• Windows 10

Who Should Choose This Plan?

This plan is suitable for government agencies that require a moderate level of compliance and do not handle highly sensitive data.

Microsoft 365 GCC High

For organizations that handle more sensitive data, Microsoft 365 GCC High offers a higher level of compliance, including FedRAMP High, ITAR, and DFARS. It includes the same services as the GCC plan but with additional security measures.

Who Should Choose This Plan?

Government contractors and organizations that deal with defense and aerospace data should consider this plan.

Microsoft 365 DoD

The most secure option, Microsoft 365 DoD, is designed exclusively for the US Department of Defense. It meets the DoD's stringent security and compliance requirements.

Who Should Choose This Plan?

Only DoD entities and their contractors are eligible for this plan.

Features and Pricing

Each Microsoft 365 GCC plan offers a range of features at different price points. While the exact pricing is not publicly disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the services, you can expect the cost to reflect the level of security and compliance provided.

Considerations When Choosing a Plan

• Your organization's compliance requirements
• The sensitivity of the data you handle
• Your budget
• The features and services you need

Summary and Key Points

In summary, Microsoft 365 GCC offers secure and compliant cloud solutions for government agencies and contractors. The main differences between the plans are the levels of compliance and security they offer. GCC is suitable for moderate compliance needs, GCC High for more sensitive data, and DoD for the highest security requirements.

Key points to remember:

• Microsoft 365 GCC is designed for US government organizations
• There are three plans: GCC, GCC High, and DoD
• Choose a plan based on your compliance requirements and data sensitivity
• Pricing reflects the level of security and compliance

Engage with Us

Now that you have a better understanding of the Microsoft 365 GCC plans, we'd love to hear from you. Which plan do you think is the best fit for your organization, and why? Let's discuss the best ways to secure and manage government data in the cloud.

Microsoft 365 Cloud Service Offerings Differences

Click here to see a list of all Microsoft 365 licenses available