Defender is often the most sensible first move for a Microsoft-heavy SMB: it is already close to the users, devices and inboxes that attackers touch first. It can give a strong baseline without another buying cycle. The catch is that buying Microsoft is not the same as running a security program. Configuration, ownership, evidence, supplier risk and audit records still need a workflow around it.
Great inside Microsoft, weaker for cross-tool evidence, supplier risk and audit workflow
Microsoft lists Defender for Business at $3/user/month, paid yearly, for up to 300 users; taxes, device coverage and regional availability can vary.
Microsoft Defender for Business is strongest in its core category. If the goal is audit-ready evidence, supplier risk, backup proof or cross-tool remediation, pair it with a separate evidence workflow rather than expecting this tool to cover the whole compliance program.
Evidence, remediation and reporting layer when this tool needs to support audits.
Backup and restore proof.