Microsoft 365 GCC High Licensing

Users can mix data classifications in Azure environments through two approaches:

1. Separate Environments: One option is to have two distinct environments within Azure. In this approach, restricted data and unrestricted data are stored and processed separately in their appropriate environments. Although this can be a cost-effective solution in certain cases, it may require additional effort from end users who need to interact with both types of data.

2. Most Restricted Environment: Alternatively, users can opt to use the most restricted environment for all data. While this approach may be associated with higher costs, it offers a more seamless user experience. To implement this method successfully, it is crucial to classify and label data appropriately to ensure that restricted data can still be identified within the system.

To facilitate the proper labeling and classification of data, Microsoft provides Data Classification tools for sensitivity, retention, and classification management. For Azure Commercial workloads, specifically, Azure Purview is a valuable tool that can automate and streamline this process. However, it’s important to note that Azure Purview is not yet available in Azure Gov.

FedRAMP High compliance is a crucial aspect when considering Azure and Azure Gov. Both Azure and Azure Gov maintain FedRAMP High P-ATO (Provisional Authorization to Operate), indicating that they meet the stringent security requirements set by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program. This means that both options can be used for government agencies and organizations that require a high level of security.

However, it’s important to note that there are specific considerations based on the desired system access requirements. If the system access needs to be limited to screened US persons, then Azure Gov would be the necessary choice. On the other hand, if there are no such restrictions, Azure Commercial may be sufficient.

Compliance with FedRAMP High is not a guarantee for your application or solution to be automatically deemed compliant. While Microsoft’s approval ensures that their services meet the required standards, achieving full compliance involves more than just relying solely on Microsoft’s capabilities. Shared responsibility is a key factor in compliance, meaning that both the service provider and the user have responsibilities to fulfill.

Microsoft provides tools like Azure Policy definitions and Azure Blueprints to assist users in configuring their Azure services correctly to support compliance. However, it is important to understand that these tools are not the sole means of meeting a compliance standard. Microsoft acknowledges the need for additional controls and limitations and documents them to help users navigate this process.

In summary, FedRAMP High compliance is a vital consideration when choosing Azure or Azure Gov. While Microsoft’s approval is a significant milestone, achieving compliance requires shared responsibility and a comprehensive approach that goes beyond relying solely on Azure Policy or Azure Blueprints. Microsoft’s documentation outlines the limitations and helps users understand what is implemented, a principle which applies to many of their compliance offerings.

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) plays a crucial role in various Azure environments. In the context of Office 365 (including Microsoft 365), Dynamics, Power BI, and other SaaS offerings, Azure AD is the foundational identity and access management solution. It provides authentication and authorization services, allowing users to securely access and utilize these services.

Each Azure environment has its own Azure portal, clearly defining its boundaries and distinguishing it from other environments. Office 365, Microsoft 365, Dynamics, Power BI, and other SaaS offerings are built on top of Azure. Initially, these services were hosted on the Commercial cloud, known as “Office Commercial.”

However, to cater to the specific needs of government customers, additional offerings were introduced. One such offering is the Government Community Cloud (GCC), sometimes referred to as “GCC Moderate.” GCC is not a separate cloud offering but rather a dedicated data and services enclave within the Commercial cloud. It guarantees that covered workloads (such as Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, Planner, OneDrive, Office 365 apps, and Power Apps) will store all data in the U.S.

As for Azure AD, it is tied to the Azure environment in which it operates. In the context of GCC, Azure AD Commercial is utilized, which cannot integrate with Azure AD Gov. It is essential to note that the Commercial environment, including GCC, does not meet the requirements for ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), EAR (Export Administration Regulations), or Department of Defense (DoD) Controlled Defense Information (CDI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Moreover, compliance in the Commercial environment, including GCC, includes standards such as FedRAMP High, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), Criminal Justice Information (CJI/CJIS), and Federal Tax Information (FTI). Access to these systems is restricted to screened Microsoft personnel, and data is logically segregated from the Office 365 Commercial services.

In summary, Azure AD serves as the core identity and access management solution across various Azure environments, including Office 365, Microsoft 365, Dynamics, Power BI, and more. However, the specific Azure AD version used depends on the corresponding Azure environment, such as Azure AD Commercial for the Commercial cloud and Azure AD Gov for government-specific requirements.