Microsoft Purview is a suite of solutions that can help your organization govern, protect, and manage data, wherever it lives.

Microsoft Purview provides an integrated solution. It helps tackle the fragmentation of data across organizations. Visibility improves with data protection and governance. It also addresses the blurring of traditional IT management roles.

The three main pillars for Microsoft Purview are Data Governance, Data Security, and Risk and Compliance.

Companies adopt Microsoft Purview for several key reasons:

• Data Discovery & Classification – Identifies and labels sensitive data across various platforms.
• Regulatory Compliance – Ensures adherence to regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) – Provides alerts for potential data leaks.
• Insider Risk Management – Detects suspicious employee activities.
• Unified Data Governance – Centralizes data management across environments.
• Access & Identity Controls – Limits access to authorized users only.
• Automated Compliance Reporting – Simplifies report preparation for audits.
• AI-Powered Insights – Enhances data security and risk management with AI.

Here is a nice video introducing Microsoft Purview.

Doesn’t M365 E5 give me security and governance?

Microsoft 365 E5 is the most advanced productivity & security suite, offering top-tier compliance, security, and analytics tools. Microsoft Purview enhances M365 E5. It provides robust data governance, compliance, and risk management across emails, SharePoint, and Teams. It also benefits other M365 services.

What about Governance with Databricks and Unity Catalog?

It’s important to note that Databricks Unity Catalog is superb at inside-of-databricks data governance and security.

Microsoft Purview integrates with Databricks Unity Catalog to provide centralized data governance, security, and compliance across cloud and data environments.

What about Governance with Microsoft Fabric?

By integrating Microsoft Purview with Microsoft Fabric, organizations can:

• Ensure full visibility over data in OneLake, Power BI, and beyond.
• Strengthen security & compliance with automated governance controls.
• Enable trusted, high-quality data for AI and analytics workloads.

What is the difference between Azure Purview and Microsoft Purview?

Azure Purview and Microsoft Purview are related but distinct in their scope and branding:

Microsoft Purview – In 2022, Azure Purview was rebranded as Microsoft Purview. This change reflects its expanded capabilities beyond just Azure. It also highlights its integration with broader Microsoft security and compliance tools.

Microsoft Purview now combines Azure Purview’s data governance with Microsoft’s compliance solutions. It also integrates risk management tools such as Information Protection, Insider Risk Management, and Data Loss Prevention.

How do I get started?

Azure Purview – This was the original name of Microsoft’s cloud-based data governance solution. It focused on data discovery, classification, lineage tracking, and compliance. These features spanned on-premises, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments.

If you’re not an M365 E5 customer, use the 90-day Microsoft Purview solutions trial. This trial allows you to explore additional Purview capabilities. It can help your organization manage data security and compliance needs. Start now at the Microsoft Purview trials hub. Learn details about signing up and trial terms.

• Explore capabilities in the new Microsoft Purview portal
• Get started with Microsoft Purview data security solutions
• Get started with Microsoft Purview risk and compliance solutions
• Get started with Microsoft Purview governance solutions