Microsoft Purview vs BigID -- Cloud Data Security Compared

Microsoft Purview vs BigID

BigID and Microsoft Purview are both data discovery & classification solutions. BigID data intelligence platform using ML for discovery, classification, and privacy management, while Microsoft Purview microsoft unified data governance and compliance platform with deep M365 integration. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.

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The Verdict

Choose BigID if advanced ML-based classification goes beyond regex pattern matching is your priority and data-forward organizations needing ML-powered data intelligence for privacy, security, and governance across diverse data landscapes. Choose Microsoft Purview if deep native integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem matters most and microsoft-centric organizations wanting integrated data governance, DLP, and compliance across their M365 and Azure environment.

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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureBigIDMicrosoft Purview
PricingIncluded in Microsoft 365 E5 / Standalone plans from $12/user/monthCustom pricing based on data sources and volume
Pricing ModelPer-user subscription (bundled with M365 E5)Subscription (per data source or volume)
Open SourceNoNo
DeploymentCloudCloud, Self-Hosted
Best ForMicrosoft-centric organizations wanting integrated data governance, DLP, and compliance across their M365 and Azure environmentData-forward organizations needing ML-powered data intelligence for privacy, security, and governance across diverse data landscapes
ML-powered sensitive data discovery a...Not availableSupported
Privacy management and DSAR automationNot availableSupported
Correlation of data across disparate ...Not availableSupported

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose BigID when:

  • +You value deep native integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem
  • +You value bundled with M365 E5 licensing reduces incremental cost
  • +You value unified platform covering DLP, classification, compliance, and governance
  • +You want to avoid no insider threat detection or behavioral analytics capabilities
  • +You want to avoid limited data access governance compared to Varonis

Choose Microsoft Purview when:

  • +You value advanced ML-based classification goes beyond regex pattern matching
  • +You value broad data source coverage with 100+ connectors
  • +You value strong privacy management capabilities including DSAR automation
  • +You want to avoid strongest coverage limited to Microsoft ecosystem — weaker for non-Microsoft data stores
  • +You want to avoid complex licensing tiers make cost prediction difficult

Pros & Cons Comparison

BigID

Pros

  • +Advanced ML-based classification goes beyond regex pattern matching
  • +Broad data source coverage with 100+ connectors
  • +Strong privacy management capabilities including DSAR automation
  • +Data intelligence approach provides context beyond simple classification
  • +Active app marketplace extends platform capabilities

Cons

  • No insider threat detection or behavioral analytics capabilities
  • Limited data access governance compared to Varonis
  • Can be complex to deploy and configure across many data sources
  • Premium pricing positions it as an enterprise-only solution
  • Data security enforcement relies on integration with external tools

Microsoft Purview

Pros

  • +Deep native integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem
  • +Bundled with M365 E5 licensing reduces incremental cost
  • +Unified platform covering DLP, classification, compliance, and governance
  • +Trainable classifiers adapt to organization-specific data types
  • +Massive scale and enterprise support from Microsoft

Cons

  • Strongest coverage limited to Microsoft ecosystem — weaker for non-Microsoft data stores
  • Complex licensing tiers make cost prediction difficult
  • Can require significant configuration to match Varonis-level depth on file access governance
  • Insider risk management less mature than dedicated UEBA platforms
  • Multi-cloud data governance features still maturing

Sources & References

  1. BigID — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
  2. Microsoft Purview — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
  3. BigID Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
  4. Microsoft Purview Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
  5. BigID Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
  6. Microsoft Purview Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
  7. BigID Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
  8. Microsoft Purview Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
  9. Gartner Market Guide for Data Loss Prevention 2024[Analyst Report]
  10. Forrester Wave: Data Security Platforms, Q1 2024[Analyst Report]
  11. KuppingerCole Leadership Compass: Data Security Platforms 2024[Analyst Report]
  12. Gartner Peer Insights: DLP[Peer Reviews]

Microsoft Purview vs BigID FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Microsoft Purview and BigID.

What is the main difference between Microsoft Purview and BigID?

BigID and Microsoft Purview are both data discovery & classification solutions. BigID data intelligence platform using ML for discovery, classification, and privacy management, while Microsoft Purview microsoft unified data governance and compliance platform with deep M365 integration. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.

Is BigID better than Microsoft Purview?

Choose BigID if advanced ML-based classification goes beyond regex pattern matching is your priority and data-forward organizations needing ML-powered data intelligence for privacy, security, and governance across diverse data landscapes. Choose Microsoft Purview if deep native integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem matters most and microsoft-centric organizations wanting integrated data governance, DLP, and compliance across their M365 and Azure environment.

How much does BigID cost compared to Microsoft Purview?

BigID pricing: Custom pricing based on data sources and volume. Microsoft Purview pricing: Included in Microsoft 365 E5 / Standalone plans from $12/user/month. BigID's pricing model is subscription (per data source or volume), while Microsoft Purview uses per-user subscription (bundled with m365 e5) pricing.

Can I migrate from Microsoft Purview to BigID?

Yes, you can migrate from Microsoft Purview to BigID. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.