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Why customers choose CrowdStrike over Microsoft

Microsoft
Poor coverage = susceptible to breaches

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    Built on a foundation of obsolete, signature-based AV that is ineffective against modern adversaries
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    Security capabilities vary drastically across different OS editions and versions, creating inconsistent protections
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    Gartner customer research suggests "the technical support and account management support they receive from Microsoft is variable"

The CrowdStrike difference

CrowdStrike Advanced breach prevention

CrowdStrike offers advanced, consistent, signature-free security across all OS editions and versions. Leveraging AI-powered Indicators of Attack (IOAs) and integrated threat intelligence, CrowdStrike delivers world-class breach prevention, independently proven in MITRE Engenuity ATT&CK® Evaluations: Enterprise, round 5 with 100% protection, 100% visibility, and 100% analytic detection coverage.

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CrowdStrike named a Leader by Gartner

Furthest Right in Vision. Highest in Ability to Execute. Only CrowdStrike.

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Microsoft
Complex to operate, complex to maintain

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    Needs frequent OS-level upgrades increasing cost and operational burden
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    Heavy operational workload often requires additional staff
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    Security functionality is strewn across multiple disjointed consoles, fragmenting SOC workflows

The CrowdStrike difference

CrowdStrike
Easy to use, easy to operate

CrowdStrike’s single, lightweight agent streamlines installation and management. All modules are housed in a unified, user-friendly interface, enhancing SOC workflows and streamlining platform consolidation.

CrowdStrike hands down gave us the most visibility."

Jason Strohbehn, Deputy CISO, State of Wyoming

Microsoft generates
High Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

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    Essential features like server protection aren’t included in standard bundles, leading to unexpected license costs
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    Frequent maintenance requires more dedicated staff
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    Inconsistent feature availability across Windows versions drive the necessity for multiple configs with associated increased workload

The CrowdStrike difference

CrowdStrike delivers
Unmatched ROI

CrowdStrike offers unparalleled ROI, freeing up valuable resources and employee bandwidth. Our intuitive interface reduces training costs, and rapid deployment helps you transition from outdated systems, avoiding costly contract overlaps or extensions. CrowdStrike’s transparent licensing means no surprise fees.

8 out of 10 times

when an enterprise customer does a proof-of-value technology test, they choose CrowdStrike over Microsoft.

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Understand the key differences between CrowdStrike and Microsoft

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Microsoft

Deployment

Rapid deployment, instant protection

Deploy instantly with a single, lightweight agent — no OS prerequisites, complex configuration, or fine tuning required.

Complicated deployment hinders security

All endpoints require the premium edition of the latest version of Windows, requiring upfront OS and hardware upgrades for full security functionality.

Detection coverage

Advanced threat detection

High-fidelity detection engine leverages advanced AI, behavioral IOAs, and industry-leading threat intelligence to detect the most advanced threats — including zero-days, unknown malware, and hands-on-keyboard activity.

Ineffective threat detection

Adversaries are easily bypassing Microsoft security products, exploiting its outdated, signature-based AV, making them ineffective against modern attacks.

Total cost of ownership

Simplified operations and licensing cuts TCO

No hidden costs. Transparent licensing is easy to budget, and simplified security management frees up staff and reduces training costs.

Unexpected costs skyrocket TCO

Microsoft’s security solutions incur unexpected high costs from burdensome platform maintenance, and complex licensing, often requiring additional dedicated staff.

Ease of use

Optimized analyst experience

A single, unified console and customizable workflow automations offer complete attack visibility, real-time threat context, and accelerated investigation across endpoints, cloud, identity and more.

Disjointed user experience

Microsoft’s complex platform frustrates analysts with its multiple consoles, creating security risks and slowing response times.

Managed Detection and Response

World-class expertise

CrowdStrike is the #1 leader in MDR by market share (Gartner). Our service delivers end-to-end response across endpoint, identity, and cloud to conclusively remediate attacks, with zero customer handoffs that waste time or increase risk. CrowdStrike provides the most comprehensive detection coverage and delivers the fastest threat detection.

Incomplete managed detection and response

Lacks proactive threat hunting provided by security experts. Instead, Microsoft’s MDR relies on inadequate, generalized threat intelligence and AI. Microsoft was missing entirely from the recent Forrester Wave: Managed Detection and Response, Q2 2023.

Validated by industry leading analysts

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