Microsoft 365 — Deployment, Security & Optimisation
OAS deploys and secures Microsoft 365 for South African enterprises. Expert configuration of Exchange, Teams, Defender, and Copilot with proper security from day one.
The Under-Utilisation Problem
Most South African businesses use less than 30% of the Microsoft 365 capabilities included in their existing licence. Organisations pay for enterprise-grade security, compliance, and productivity tools — then leave them unconfigured. Exchange Online runs without Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies. Teams operates without conditional access controls. Defender sits dormant while third-party security tools duplicate functionality already included in the subscription.
OAS audits your current M365 environment, identifies inactive security features, and activates the protection you have already paid for. The result is stronger security posture without additional licence spend.
Full M365 Deployment
OAS delivers end-to-end Microsoft 365 deployment across the complete productivity suite:
- Exchange Online — enterprise email with advanced threat protection, journaling, and retention policies configured from day one - Microsoft Teams — collaboration platform with governance controls, guest access policies, and telephony integration where required - SharePoint Online — intranet and document management with proper information architecture, permissions models, and sensitivity labels - OneDrive for Business — secure file sync with Known Folder Move (KFM) deployment, conditional access, and DLP policies applied
Every deployment follows OAS's structured engagement process: discovery, architecture, pilot, production rollout, and user enablement.
Security Configuration
M365 security is only as strong as its configuration. OAS implements:
- Conditional Access — location-based, device-based, and risk-based access policies through Microsoft Entra ID - Data Loss Prevention (DLP) — policies across Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive to prevent sensitive data exposure - Defender Policies — anti-phishing, anti-malware, Safe Links, and Safe Attachments configured to organisational risk profile
Microsoft Defender Suite (E5)
Microsoft 365 E5 includes the full Defender suite, delivering integrated extended detection and response (XDR):
- Defender for Endpoint P2 — endpoint detection and response with automated investigation and remediation - Defender for Office 365 P2 — advanced threat protection for email, with attack simulation and threat explorer - Defender for Identity — on-premises Active Directory monitoring for lateral movement and credential compromise - Defender for Cloud Apps — cloud access security broker (CASB) for shadow IT discovery and app governance - Entra ID P2 — identity protection with risk-based conditional access, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), and access reviews
Security Copilot
Microsoft 365 E5 includes Security Copilot at 400 Security Compute Units (SCUs) per 1,000 users. Security Copilot provides AI-assisted incident investigation, threat hunting, and posture management across the Defender suite. OAS configures SCU allocation and integrates Copilot into existing security operations workflows.
Microsoft 365 E7 — Frontier Suite
The newly announced M365 E7 "Frontier Suite" builds on E5 by bundling:
- Microsoft 365 Copilot — AI assistance embedded across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams - Agent 365 — autonomous AI agents for workflow automation, approvals, and business process orchestration
E7 positions organisations for the agentic AI era without separate Copilot add-on licensing.
Copilot Wave 3
Copilot Wave 3 introduces agentic capabilities that move beyond simple prompts:
- Agent Mode — Copilot takes multi-step actions across M365 applications autonomously - Cowork Feature — Copilot works alongside users in real time, suggesting actions and completing tasks proactively - Custom Agents — organisations build domain-specific agents using Copilot Studio without code
OAS assists with Copilot readiness assessments, data governance prerequisites, and rollout planning.
Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview provides the compliance and data governance layer across M365:
- Information Protection — sensitivity labels, encryption, and rights management applied to documents and emails - Data Loss Prevention — unified DLP policies enforced across Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and endpoints - Insider Risk Management — behavioural analytics to detect potential data exfiltration or policy violations - eDiscovery — legal hold, content search, and case management for regulatory and litigation requirements
Purview configuration is essential for POPIA compliance and data sovereignty requirements in South Africa.
Defender Experts Suite
For organisations that require fully managed security, Microsoft Defender Experts provides:
- Defender Experts for XDR — managed extended detection and response across endpoints, email, identity, and cloud apps - Defender Experts for Hunting — proactive threat hunting by Microsoft's security analysts
The Defender Experts Suite delivers fully managed MXDR with up to 66% discount available through December 2026. OAS facilitates procurement, onboarding, and integration with existing security operations.
M365 Licensing Comparison
| Capability | E3 | E5 | E7 (Frontier) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive | Included | Included | Included |
| Defender for Office 365 P1 | Included | P2 | P2 |
| Defender for Endpoint | P1 | P2 | P2 |
| Defender for Identity | -- | Included | Included |
| Defender for Cloud Apps | -- | Included | Included |
| Entra ID P2 | -- | Included | Included |
| Security Copilot (400 SCUs/1K users) | -- | Included | Included |
| Microsoft Purview (Advanced) | -- | Included | Included |
| Microsoft 365 Copilot | Add-on | Add-on | Included |
| Agent 365 | -- | -- | Included |
| Phone System | -- | Included | Included |
| Power BI Pro | -- | Included | Included |
Why OAS for Microsoft 365
Microsoft Solutions Partner: OAS holds Microsoft Solutions Partner designations across Modern Work and Security. Our team maintains certifications across the M365 security and compliance stack.
Licence Optimisation: Before recommending upgrades, OAS audits your current M365 environment to activate features you already own. Many organisations discover they can achieve their security objectives within their existing E3 or E5 licence.
40+ Years of Enterprise IT: OAS has deployed and managed enterprise IT environments across South Africa since 1987. Our proven track record spans healthcare, financial services, government, mining, and professional services.
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Schedule your M365 Assessment — OAS reviews your current M365 environment, identifies under-utilised security features, and delivers an activation roadmap. Schedule M365 Assessment | Download M365 Security Checklist