Microsoft 365 Copilot: Flexible purchase options for SMBs

Posted on Wednesday January 15, 2025

Microsoft 365 Copilot offers a suite of tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that can revolutionize the way you work. From automating tasks to generating creative content, Copilot can help your team achieve more in less time. Discover three new ways to purchase Copilot and unlock its potential for your small or medium-sized business (SMB).

What is Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates advanced AI tools directly into familiar Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. By using your SMB's data, it streamlines processes, enhances creativity, and helps employees focus on strategic tasks. It’s an all-in-one solution to empower teams and drive growth.

At Microsoft Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced exciting updates, including enhancements to Copilot Studio, Copilot Actions, and the Copilot Control System. Combined with greater purchasing flexibility, these features make Microsoft 365 Copilot a must-have for SMBs.

3 New purchasing options for Microsoft 365 Copilot

To make Microsoft 365 Copilot more accessible, Microsoft introduced three new ways to purchase it:

1. Monthly billing for annual subscriptions For SMBs managing tight budgets or fluctuating cash flows, upfront annual payments can be straining. To address this, Microsoft now offers monthly billing for annual-term subscriptions. This allows businesses to:

• Spread costs over manageable monthly payments
• Align AI investment with monthly revenue cycles
• Avoid large upfront expenses

This option is available for various Microsoft 365 Copilot subscriptions, including Microsoft 365 Copilot for Sales and Microsoft 365 Copilot for Service.

2. Self-service purchasing Microsoft has also introduced a self-service purchase option, enabling business users to buy Microsoft 365 Copilot directly for their existing plans. This straightforward process allows users to:

• Use a credit card to add Copilot to their plan
• Start using the AI features immediately
• Notify administrators about the purchase for seamless management

Admins can monitor and manage these self-service purchases through the Microsoft admin center, ensuring proper oversight while empowering teams to adopt AI tools quickly.

3. In-app purchases and license requests Microsoft further simplifies Copilot license purchasing and management by integrating these processes directly within the applications you use every day. Soon, users will be able to:

• Purchase Copilot licenses while signed in to Microsoft applications
• Request licenses directly from administrators when needed

Admins can approve or assign unused licenses through the admin center, providing businesses with greater scalability and convenience in managing AI tools.

Getting started with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily work environment. It adheres to enterprise-level data protection and governance standards, ensuring security and compliance. Additionally, tools such as the Copilot Prompt Gallery, Copilot Dashboard, and Copilot Academy help businesses maximize the value of their investment.

Here’s how to get started:

• Explore the new purchasing options to find the best fit for your SMB.
• Reach out to a Microsoft Cloud Solution Partner for assistance or guidance.
• Take advantage of resources such as the Copilot Success Kit for SMBs to streamline adoption.

Take the first step toward transforming your business with Microsoft 365 Copilot. Get in touch with us today to explore the new purchasing options and the benefits of this powerful AI tool.