Microsoft has broadened the reach of its AI offering, Copilot, to encompass a wider spectrum of businesses using Microsoft 365. Initially launched exclusively for Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 enterprise plans in November 2023, Copilot targeted large corporations. At the time, it was also known as Microsoft 365 Copilot before being rebranded as Copilot for Microsoft 365 in December. However, Microsoft now allows businesses of all sizes to integrate this robust generative AI tool into their workflows.
Copilot's New Price and Subscription Flexibility
Starting today, even small businesses holding Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Business Standard plans can harness the benefits of Copilot, which was initially priced at $30 per month per user for enterprise customers. By maintaining the same pricing structure, Microsoft ensures more wide-ranging access to AI capabilities without financial barriers. Encouraging wider adoption, Microsoft has removed the previous threshold of 300 seats, making Copilot viable even for individual entrepreneurs or single-person businesses desiring the service's advanced AI features.
Service Adoption and Copilot Pro Introduction
Since its introduction to the market, Copilot has been adopted by several prominent organizations, including Visa, BP, Honda, Pfizer, Accenture, KPMG, and PwC. Accompanying the news of Copilot's expansion is the unveiling of Copilot Pro, a more feature-rich, powerful iteration of the AI service, available at a monthly subscription rate of $20. Although details on Copilot Pro's enhanced capabilities are scarce, it stands to build upon the successful foundation laid by the standard Copilot offering.
Former users of Office 365 E3 and E5 plans, predating the transition to Microsoft 365, are now invited to integrate Copilot services—a decision that potentially upgrades their arrangement without a compulsory switch to a Microsoft 365 account. Additionally, commercial businesses can seek Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscriptions through Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider partners, broadening the avenues through which the service can be accessed.
Today's comprehensive update by Microsoft marks a pivotal expansion of AI integration in business operations, potentially revolutionizing how enterprises of all scales interact with data, manage documents, and automate tasks using artificial intelligence.
