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Purview Information Protection Licensing Guide

Microsoft Purview Information Protection Licensing Guide

Section titled “Microsoft Purview Information Protection Licensing Guide”

Microsoft Purview Information Protection (AIP) is a cloud-based solution that helps organizations classify, label, and protect sensitive data based on its content. AIP is available in two tiers: Plan 1 (P1) and Plan 2 (P2), providing essential tools for safeguarding data with P2 offering advanced capabilities for more complex security and compliance needs.


Purview Information Protection P1 vs P2 Comparison

Section titled “Purview Information Protection P1 vs P2 Comparison”
FeaturePlan 1 (P1)Plan 2 (P2)
Classification MethodManual onlyManual + Automatic
LabelingUser-drivenUser + AI-driven
Data ProtectionBasic encryptionEnhanced protection
GovernanceBasic controlsAdvanced governance
AuditingStandard reportingDetailed analytics
Target AudienceBasic protection needsComplex compliance requirements

Ideal for: Organizations needing basic labeling and protection features to secure documents and emails without requiring automated classification.

AIP Plan 1 focuses on basic protection and labeling capabilities that help organizations secure sensitive information across different locations.

FeatureCapabilityBusiness Value
Manual Labeling and ClassificationUser-driven document and email classificationDirect control over data sensitivity marking
Data ProtectionEncryption, identity management, and access controlSecures sensitive data from unauthorized access
Track and RevokeAccess tracking and revocation capabilitiesMaintains control over data distribution
Office Apps IntegrationSeamless integration with Word, Excel, OutlookUser-friendly classification within familiar tools
Basic Rights ManagementAzure Rights Management encryptionPrevents unauthorized sharing of sensitive content

P1 is designed for organizations needing essential labeling and protection without the complexity of automated classification or advanced data governance.


Ideal for: Enterprises with large volumes of sensitive data requiring automated classification, advanced auditing, and enhanced governance features.

AIP Plan 2 includes all the features of P1 but adds advanced capabilities for organizations with stricter compliance requirements.

FeatureCapabilityBusiness Value
Automatic Labeling and ClassificationAI-powered classification based on content and rulesEnsures consistent data protection without user dependency
Recommended LabelsSystem-suggested classifications based on content analysisImproves policy compliance and user guidance
Advanced Data GovernanceHold Your Own Key (HYOK) and enhanced controlsMaximum control over encryption keys and data
Advanced Auditing and ReportingDetailed tracking and analytics on data usageMeets stringent regulatory compliance requirements
Enhanced Document ProtectionPrint and forwarding restrictionsComprehensive data leakage prevention

CapabilityPlan 1Plan 2
Manual Classification
Automatic Classification
Recommended Labels
Basic Encryption
Advanced Governance (HYOK)
Standard Auditing
Advanced Analytics
Document RestrictionsBasicEnhanced

Select P1 if your organization:

  • Has smaller volumes of sensitive data
  • Prefers direct user control over classification
  • Has basic compliance requirements
  • Needs cost-effective data protection
  • Has users who can reliably classify documents

Select P2 if your organization:

  • Manages large volumes of sensitive data
  • Requires automated classification for consistency
  • Must meet strict regulatory compliance
  • Needs advanced data governance capabilities
  • Wants to reduce user dependency in classification

PhaseFocusKey Activities
FoundationUser trainingEducate users on classification importance
DeploymentLabel creationDevelop sensitivity labels and policies
IntegrationOffice appsConfigure integration with productivity tools
MonitoringCompliance trackingMonitor classification adoption rates
PhaseFocusKey Activities
AssessmentData discoveryIdentify sensitive data patterns and types
AutomationRule developmentCreate automatic classification rules
GovernanceKey managementImplement HYOK if required
AnalyticsCompliance reportingEstablish advanced monitoring and reporting

FactorPlan 1 ImpactPlan 2 Impact
User ProductivityManual classification overheadAutomated classification reduces burden
Compliance AssuranceBasic protection levelsAdvanced compliance with detailed auditing
Data SecurityUser-dependent protectionSystematic, consistent protection
Operational EfficiencyRequires user training and monitoringReduced manual oversight needed

Key Insight: While Plan 2 has higher licensing costs, organizations with large data volumes and strict compliance requirements often achieve better ROI through reduced manual overhead, improved compliance posture, and enhanced data protection automation.


Microsoft 365 ComponentP1 IntegrationP2 Integration
Office ApplicationsManual labeling ribbonManual + automatic classification
Microsoft TeamsBasic protectionEnhanced with automatic policies
SharePoint/OneDriveManual label applicationAutomatic classification on upload
Exchange OnlineEmail classificationAutomatic email protection
Power PlatformBasic data protectionAdvanced governance controls

Key Takeaway: Microsoft Purview Information Protection offers scalable solutions for data protection across organizational maturity levels. Plan 1 provides essential manual classification and protection for organizations starting their data governance journey, while Plan 2 delivers advanced automation and governance capabilities for enterprises with complex compliance requirements.

The choice between P1 and P2 depends on your organization’s data volume, compliance requirements, user capabilities, and automation needs. Both plans provide robust data protection, with P2 offering the sophistication needed for large-scale, regulated environments.

Investing in the appropriate plan ensures your organization can effectively protect sensitive data while maintaining operational efficiency and meeting regulatory obligations.