To stay ahead in the Microsoft ecosystem, be sure to register for our monthly Microsoft partner update webinar. Below are the key highlights from our December 2025 session.
Microsoft Ignite Highlights
We’re excited to have taken part in Microsoft Ignite 2025! Our CEO, Scott Chasin, took the stage alongside Microsoft’s Ralph Haupter during the “Powering Frontier Partnerships” keynote to show how Pax8 and Microsoft are helping partners transition from managed service providers (MSPs) into managed intelligence providers (MIPs) through outcome-driven, agentic services.
Scott underscored our shared mission of making AI accessible, scalable and practical for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). While Microsoft is laying the foundational AI infrastructure, Pax8 is extending its reach to the edge, delivering innovation through the Pax8 Marketplace and Agent Store. Learn more in the Managed Intelligence Provider Playbook.
Pax8 also held a session that offered actionable strategies to help partners operationalize AI and accelerate Copilot adoption. Watch “Drive Copilot adoption with strategies that scale” here.
Microsoft 365 Copilot Updates
At Ignite, Microsoft reinforced its vision of Copilot as the central interface for AI across the ecosystem, integrating chat, agents and IT controls with enterprise-grade security. It’s currently available in these offerings:
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat at no extra cost for eligible Microsoft Entra ID users, with metered agent access via Azure.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed for larger organizations, adding AI chat powered by business data; seamless Copilot access within Microsoft 365 apps; the ability to build and deploy custom agents using Copilot Studio; and enterprise-level security, privacy and compliance throughout ($30/user/month).
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Business helps make Copilot more cost-effective for SMBs, featuring the same functionality as Microsoft 365 Copilot, but with more affordable pricing for organizations that have up to 300 users. It requires a Business Basics license ($21/user/month).
New Copilot Bundles
To help partners streamline the sales process, Microsoft has introduced new bundles that combine Microsoft 365 Business with Copilot for Business. These are available now in the Pax8 Marketplace:
- Business Basic + Copilot: $27/user/month
- Business Standard + Copilot: $33.50/user/month
- Business Premium + Copilot: $43/user/month
Promotions to Accelerate Growth
To accelerate adoption, we’re launching CSP promotional offers through March 31, 2026:
- Copilot Business: $18/user/month (~15% off)
- Business Standard + Copilot: $22/user/month (~35% off)
- Business Premium + Copilot: $32/user/month (~25% off)
The fine print:
- Bundles require a minimum of 10 seats; Copilot Business has no minimum seat requirement.
- Eligible promotions will be applied post-checkout via the promotions API.
- The Pax8 Marketplace will display these as “Spiff Price Adjustments.”
- Promotional pricing will apply first, then margins will be calculated and distributed accordingly.
Turn Renewals into Growth Opportunities
With these new SKUs and bundles offered, why not use this as an upsell opportunity? By bundling Copilot, you can transform every renewal into an upgrade. The strategy is simple:
- Anchor renewals with AI: Position Copilot as a core productivity tool during renewal conversations.
- Drive coverage: Move from limited, Chat-only deployment to full Copilot Business adoption.
- Create urgency: Use limited-time promotional pricing to accelerate decision-making and mid-term growth.
Program Updates
Microsoft has pushed back key enforcement dates to give partners more time:
- CSP requirements: Enforcement has been delayed to January 1, 2026. Partners must complete business vetting, meet revenue thresholds and achieve Solutions Partner designation or capability points.
- Partner of Record (POR): Starting this month, December 2025, partners must use their Partner Location ID (PLA) for Pax8 orders. Self-service PLA validation is now live in the Pax8 Marketplace.
- Microsoft Customer Agreement (MCA): Effective January 5, 2026, all customers must sign the latest MCA via partner attestation API or direct acceptance.
Microsoft Offers
Currently offered are 50% off E5 Compliance for new and existing M365 Copilot customers with qualified pre-req SKUS and 15% off annual terms for new M365 Copilot customers with qualified pre-req SKUs (minimum 10 seats, maximum of 300 seats). Microsoft also is offering 10% off for M365 E3 and E5 three-year terms (minimum 100 seats, first-time purchase only). See linked FAQs for more information.
Win a Trip to Beyond—or Even Hawaii—Just for Activating Free Copilot Chat for Your Customers
Turn Copilot SMB engagement into an unforgettable experience. Register for the Pax8 incentive trip and boost activations through December 31, 2025, to maximize your chance to win. Register and learn more here.
Enablement Resources
Partner Growth Tracks to Support Your Success
To help you with your AI monetization journey, Pax8 Academy offers several Partner Growth Tracks:
- OneCloud: Move across a five-phase journey to scalable Microsoft Cloud implementation.
- Data and AI: Go from first-time data strategy conversations to advanced solution building.
- Copilot: Learn how to sell, support and optimize M365 Copilot and Copilot Chat.
Upcoming Events
- Copilot Level Up: December 11 (New York)
Partner Enablement Sessions
- December 8: Microsoft Security #5 – Defender for Cloud Apps
- December 10: Copilot Monitoring & Insights
- December 15: Microsoft Security #6 – Defender & Purview for Business Prem.
- December 16: Using M365 Copilot in Nonprofit
- December 17: Copilot Agents
Hands-On Labs
- Modern Work and Copilot
- December 9: M365 Copilot for Admin
- December 22: M365 Copilot Agents
- Azure
- December 18: Fabric – Analytics
Follow all of our events here.
Join Us Next Year!
Thanks for joining us on the Microsoft journey this year! Stay informed and grow your Microsoft business into 2026 by registering for our monthly webinar series.
