The Big News
Microsoft has launched Microsoft 365 Business Premium for GCC High, a new, affordable cloud offering built for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the defense industrial base (DIB).
This suite provides a cost-efficient foundation to help organizations align with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements, including those at Level 2, within Microsoft’s U.S. Government Cloud environment: GCC High.
Why It Matters
CMMC compliance isn’t optional for defense contractors. It’s required to protect Controlled Unclassified Information and keep your contracts.
For small and mid-sized defense companies (especially those with under 500 employees), compliance can be complex and costly. Microsoft just made it more cost-effective.
What You Get
Microsoft 365 Business Premium for GCC High combines familiar Microsoft tools with built-in security and compliance.
Key features include:
- Advanced Threat Protection: Blocks phishing, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
- Compliance Management: Simplifies documentation and audit prep.
- Data Encryption: Protects sensitive info in transit and at rest.
- Access Controls: Enforces least-privilege access and user-level restrictions.
Together, these features help contractors meet National Institute of Standards and Technology 800-171 controls which are essential to comply with CMMC Levels 2 and 3 without enterprise-level costs or complexity.
What’s Still to Come
Microsoft has not yet released a full tool breakdown for Microsoft 365 Business Premium for GCC High. Early indications suggest it will mirror the commercial Business Premium suite, but final confirmation is still pending.
This detail is important because the specific tools included will determine what additional licenses or integrations defense contractors may need, and how the environment ultimately compares to other options such as GCC or commercial Microsoft 365.
ISI is actively monitoring these updates to ensure contractors have clear guidance as more information becomes available.
How to Get Started
Defense SMBs can purchase the suite through Authorized Open Source Government (AOS-G) resellers, ensuring support and setup aligned with federal requirements.
As a Level 2 certified service provider and authorized Microsoft re-seller, ISI helps defense contractors configure and harden GCC High environments to align with NIST 800-171 and CMMC standards.
Once implemented, you’ll have seamless productivity tools (like Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint) integrated with enterprise-grade security.
Microsoft also plans regular updates and Copilot Studio extensibility, keeping your environment current with evolving compliance and artificial intelligence capabilities.
The Bottom Line
For small defense contractors, Microsoft 365 Business Premium for GCC High delivers an affordable, compliant, and secure path to CMMC.
Are you ready to accelerate your CMMC compliance journey? Schedule a free consultation with our CMMC experts.
