Following insights from CRN, Microsoft has delayed its plan to enable usage-based billing by default for new Microsoft 365 Copilot Business subscriptions purchased through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. The original start date of Nov. 2 has been pushed to Dec. 1.
The delay allows solution providers to prepare using new sandbox environments set to be released on Nov. 2. Microsoft also detailed that Copilot Business licenses will have an adjustable default spending limit of 4,000 Copilot Credits per user per month, with an automatic Azure subscription setup for new purchases. This move aligns with Microsoft's prediction of a license-plus-consumption pricing model for AI tools. The company is also refining its "Copilot in 30" trial offer, now exclusively for new M365 Copilot customers. Usage-based billing will initially roll out to supported markets, excluding countries like Australia, Belgium, and Germany. Partners can manage spending limits, access controls, and billing methods, with consumption charges flowing through CSP invoices. While API changes are not required for purchases, new catalog APIs will help identify usage-based billing products.
Source: CRN
