Pax8 Microsoft September 2026 Update

Grow your business, Microsoft

September 15, 2026

Check out the latest updates on what managed service providers (MSPs) and managed intelligence providers (MIPs) need to know about Microsoft in September 2026.

Program Updates

Growth Margin

Microsoft will introduce a growth margin in October 2026, a structural, ongoing part of partner economics. Rather than a temporary discount, it programmatically rewards partners whenever they drive qualifying customer growth (new-to-offer, seat expansion or a strategic mix).

The base margin will remain the standard rate on renewals and ongoing subscriptions, while the new growth margin is a higher total margin partners can earn when they drive qualifying customer growth (the growth margin already includes base margin; it is not stacked on top). This will apply to CSP license-based offers on select products such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft 365 E7, Microsoft Defender Suite, Microsoft Purview Suite and Windows 365 Enterprise. Nonprofit, Education and Government SKUs are not eligible.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Margin

The margin for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Nonprofit did not reflect on July pricing as Pax8 ingests pricing from Microsoft directly, and Microsoft has corrected this issue as of August 1. Pax8 will be correcting the margin internally for partners that purchased or had renewals for Copilot for Nonprofit during July.

This issue impacted the following SKU: Microsoft 365 Copilot (Nonprofit Pricing), CFQ7TTC0MM8R:000T. No partner action is required at this time, and existing subscriptions can continue without interruption.

Microsoft Change of Channel Partner Changes

The following scenarios are no longer considered Change of Channel Partner events:

A customer changes resellers but remains with the same distributor
A reseller changes distributors while maintaining the same customer relationship
Authorization changes where the partner retains the same PGA

Partners will continue to earn applicable incentives in these scenarios, provided they meet normal program requirements. Microsoft also confirmed there will be no impact to July earnings as these updates were made before earnings processing.

This is a positive development for Pax8 and our partners. The update removes unintended impacts associated with distributor and reseller transitions while keeping the policy focused on its original goal: rewarding net-new customer growth and value creation rather than partner-to-partner customer transfers.

Microsoft Partner Code of Conduct

Microsoft has updated its Partner Code of Conduct to clarify partner compliance expectations.

Microsoft now requires partners to participate in anti-corruption and remediation programs when necessary. These programs are separate from standard compliance training and may include additional business controls, training and remediation activities.

Microsoft Partner Agreement Update

Microsoft has published an updated Microsoft Partner Agreement (MPA) and CSP Program Guide, with changes focused on privacy, security, compliance and evolving business practices. For most CSP partners, the updated agreement will automatically take effect Dec. 1, 2026, and no action is required. Partners may review the updated agreement and choose to accept it earlier in Partner Center.

Promotions and Offers

Current promotions include:

M365 E3 and E5: 10% off three-year term (first-time purchase only, minimum 100 seats, expires Sept. 30, 2026)
M365 E5: 15% off one-year term (first-time purchase only, expires Sept. 30, 2026)
M365 E7: 15% off three-year term (minimum 300 seats, expires Dec. 31, 2026) and 10% off one-year term (first-time purchase only, minimum 10 seats, expires Dec. 31, 2026)
Purview Suite for Business Premium: 50% off one-year term (first-time purchase only, expires Dec. 31, 2026)
M365 Business Basic plus Copilot Business: 25% off one-year term (maximum 300 seats, expires Dec. 31, 2026)
Microsoft Copilot Business: 15% off one-year term (maximum 300 seats, expires Dec. 31, 2026)

AI Business Solutions Update

Copilot in 30

Microsoft has introduced Copilot in 30, a new CSP partner-led trial offering designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to get hands-on experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot Business and explore use cases across their organization through a structured 30-day experience.

Copilot in 30 combines a new 25-user, 30-day Microsoft 365 Copilot Business trial with resources and guidance partners can use to help customers get started and assess potential value. This helps partners to turn client interest in AI into a clear, repeatable path for Copilot adoption and growth.

This offer is available in the Pax8 Marketplace. Partners can either cancel the trial at the end of the term or convert to a paid subscription with quantity, commitment and billing terms of choice.

Cloud and AI Platforms Update

Is your customer ready for Azure? Let’s find out.

Assess, Deploy, and Earn $2,000 USD

Cloud migration conversations often stall because customers aren’t sure where to start, what’s involved, or what it will cost. The Pax8 Azure Assessment and Rebate Offer removes the guesswork. Our team will help you evaluate your customer’s current environment, identify migration opportunities and build a roadmap to Azure with confidence. If the assessment leads to a qualifying Azure deployment within 30 days, you may also be eligible for a $2,000 USD incentive payment. The offer is available to all global Pax8 partners with Ignite Voyager Alliance status or above.

To get started, simply complete the interest form and your Pax8 account manager will reach out to schedule the next steps.

Claim your Azure assessment

September Enablement Update

See our lineup of upcoming events.

Partner Enablement

September 2: Microsoft 365 Copilot 101
September 9: Copilot Agents for Nonprofits (nonprofit clients are welcome to attend)
September 15: AI-Ready Productivity and Security
September 21: Establish a Trusted and Secure AI Platform
September 28: Run Your Business Securely
September 30: Microsoft Azure #3