The collaboration between NHSX, NHS Digital, and Microsoft has delivered a game-changer for NHS organisations: the N365 licence agreement. With its advanced productivity, collaboration, and security features at a seriously low cost, it’s an opportunity too good to ignore.
But there’s one big question on everyone’s mind... Do you go for the shared NHS tenant or deploy your licences in your own Office 365 tenant?
While the shared tenant may seem like the obvious choice for @nhs.net email users looking to minimise upfront costs, the answer isn’t always so straightforward. Let’s dive into the key considerations to help you make the right call:
1. Security Services: Simplicity or Full Control?
The shared tenant comes with built-in security tools like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access—absolutely essential for protecting sensitive NHS data.
The catch? These costs are your responsibility, not centrally funded. Plus, the shared tenant’s security setup doesn’t extend to your wider IT infrastructure, which could lead to fragmented and inconsistent protection.
Your own tenant advantage: A unified security approach across all your systems, reducing management headaches and keeping things simple for your users.
2. Azure Integration: Think Big, Think Future
Microsoft Azure and Office 365 are a dream team, offering more than just hosting servers. Azure can slash costs, boost performance, and transform how your staff works. If you’re planning to harness Azure’s full potential, your own tenant is the way forward.
Think ahead: Unlock innovation and efficiency by aligning your tenant choice with your future Azure ambitions.
3. Modern IT: Simplify, Scale, Succeed
Modern IT tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) and AutoPilot revolutionise how devices are deployed and managed. They cut costs, reduce server needs, and free up your IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
The shared tenant wrinkle? Microsoft and Accenture are still ironing out how these tools integrate. With your own tenant, implementation and management are far more straightforward.
Efficiency at scale: Your own tenant ensures smoother Modern IT adoption and better resource management.
4. Can You Have Both? The Dual Tenant Debate
Some organisations wonder if they can use the shared tenant for basics like email and Teams, while reserving their own tenant for advanced functions.
Spoiler: While technically possible, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Microsoft and NHS Digital advise against it due to complexity, but some organisations have nailed the hybrid approach.
Dual tenancy done right: If you’re considering this, plan meticulously to balance flexibility with operational control.
Why Option Works Best for You?
It all boils down to your long-term goals, security priorities, and plans for services like Azure and Modern IT. If your needs go beyond the basics, opting for your own tenant now could save you headaches (and costs) later.
Lets Get Started
Ready to make your move? Contact us today to explore the best tenant model for your organisation and ensure your N365 deployment is seamless, strategic, and stress-free.
