Microsoft Promos & Announcements

Microsoft
Microsoft

July 2026

Microsoft Announcements

Introducing Copilot in 30

Microsoft is introducing Copilot in 30, a new Cloud Solution Provider (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.

Built for organizations with fewer than 300 employees, Copilot in 30 combines a new 25-user, 30-day Microsoft 365 Copilot Business trial with resources and guidance that partners can use to help customers get started and assess potential value.

The trial offer will be available in CSP starting August 1, 2026.

Next steps

Get ready for the Copilot in 30 launch:

  • Download the Copilot in 30 launch kit to access partner-ready assets, customer guidance, and campaign materials, and start building your go-to-market plan and targeting list ahead of August 1 CSP availability
  • Start transacting trials via CSP New Commerce starting on August 1

Action required: Use the updated Microsoft Entra ID P2 Education Student SKU for renewals

To help ensure Education Student customers continue to receive the appropriate Microsoft Entra ID P2 Education pricing, partners must renew existing Education Student customers to a new SKU beginning July 1, 2026.

The existing Education Student SKU (CFQ7TTC0LFK5:0019) will be retired and replaced with Microsoft Entra ID P2 (Education Student Pricing) (CFQ7TTC0LFK5:001H). This update aligns with current Microsoft Entra product naming and pricing for Education Student customers.

Next steps

Beginning July 1, 2026:

  • Update renewal processes, quoting guidance, and customer-facing documentation to use CFQ7TTC0LFK5:001H (Microsoft Entra ID P2 Education Student Pricing)
  • Review upcoming Education Student renewal opportunities and transition eligible customers to the replacement SKU
  • Don’t use CFQ7TTC0LFK5:0019 for Education Student renewals after the SKU retirement takes effect

Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork: Updated Partner Resources and Enablement

Following the general availability of Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork, partner resources and enablement materials are now available to support customer conversations, planning, and readiness.

What’s new:

  • Updated Cowork partner launch kit: Access the latest customer-ready messaging, sales guidance, and launch resources
  • Cost management deck and one-pager: New cost management deck and one-pager are available to support customer conversations
  • Cowork task packs: The launch kit also now includes new ready-to-use task examples that demonstrate how Copilot Cowork can help customers coordinate, complete multi-step work across common business scenarios, and discover practical ways to get started
  • New compete assets are available on Level Up: Access the latest Anthropic battlecard, Claude Cowork, and Copilot Cowork comparison materials, and competitive resources on Level Up
  • Copilot Cowork partner session recording: View this detailed June 18 recording walking through the Copilot Cowork opportunity, with a demo, Microsoft Admin Center (MAC) set up, ASPXi signals, and go-to-market (GTM)
  • New Cowork microskilling (available July 1): A new 2 – 6-minute training in the Microsoft Partner Skilling Hub covers:
    • Copilot and Cowork use cases
    • Cowork cost estimation
    • Customer targeting with ASPX
    • Azure setup, pay-as-you-go, and Copilot Credits
    • Cost management in Microsoft Admin Center (MAC)

Next steps

Refer to the Cowork section of the Partner Copilot Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – which continues to be updated with new guidance and responses to partner questions – for the latest information.

Update to Microsoft 365 Nonprofit E3/E5 three-Year CSP SKUs

To simplify the CSP catalog and reduce confusion, Microsoft is updating the Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 Nonprofit 3‑year offers.

  • Duplicate SKUs currently showing 3‑year (triennial) terms are end-of-sale (EOS)
  • A single, correct SKU per product remains, supporting:
    • 3‑year commitment
    • Annual and triennial billing options

Next steps

  • Use the SKU labeled “three-year” for all three‑year transactions.
  • EOS date: July 1, 2026 (aligned with price list update).
  • Don’t transact on SKUs scheduled for EOS.

Explore MCAPS Start for Partners sessions

Whether you’re building AI-powered solutions, expanding managed services, or scaling your security practice, this year’s sessions at MCAPS Start for Partners give you the clarity and tools to start FY27 strong.

  • Bookmark the Partner Activation Zone—your one-stop shop for session replays, featured announcements, and key resources during and after the event. Whether you join live on July 22 or view the sessions on demand, you can revisit the highlights and share them with your team.

Now available: Microsoft 365 Business with Copilot SKUs

As of July 1, 2026, the Microsoft 365 Business with Copilot SKUs, are now generally available. These new SKUs turn a successful promotional motion into a permanent, predictable offer you can build your business around.

Two new subscriptions are now live:

  • Microsoft 365 Business Standard with Copilot
  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium with Copilot

There are also two live promotional offers, providing more opportunities to scale AI adoption and build pipeline:

  • New promo: Microsoft 365 Business Basic + Microsoft 365 Copilot Business: 25% off promo through December 2026. No license minimum (1-300 licenses, annual subscription with annual billing).
  • Extended promo: Microsoft 365 Copilot Business remains available as a standalone offering at a 15% promo extended through December 2026. No license minimum (1-300 licenses, annual subscription with annual billing).

FY27 promotions for Microsoft 365 and Copilot

Take advantage of FY27 Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) promotions for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 Copilot to accelerate deals and AI adoption.

All Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5 promotions are extended until September 30, 2026. Microsoft 365 E7 promotions will be live through December 31, 2026.

Both Copilot one-year promotions are new for FY27 and run through September 30, 2026. Microsoft is also introducing a new Microsoft 365 Business Basic and Microsoft 365 Copilot Business promotion and extending the Microsoft 365 Copilot Business standalone promotion through December 31, 2026.

For more details, please visit this Partner Center announcements page (July 2026).

Promotion

New Windows 365 Promotions CSP promotions - Save up to 25% for new and existing subscribers

Starting July 1, partners can unlock up to 25% savings across Windows 365 editions – giving you a powerful way to lower the barrier to entry and expand Cloud PC adoption with both new and existing customers.

  • Windows 365 Enterprise: 20% off – July 1, 2026 – Sept 30, 2026
  • Windows 365 Business: 25% off – July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
  • Windows 365 Flex and Government: 20% off – July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Windows 365 GPU Frontline Select 256 GB SKU available on Aug 1

The Windows 365 GPU Frontline Select 256 GB SKU is available for purchase in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) channel on August 1, 2026.

To learn more about this SKU and how to message it to customers, visit this support page.

DLP in Defender for Cloud Apps deprecation

The Data Loss Prevention (DLP) file policy capabilities within Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps will be deprecated on January 6, 2027. After this date, all file policies configured in Defender for Cloud Apps will no longer be supported or enforced.

Actions to take: This is an opportunity to expand your customers’ Purview footprint and lead modernization conversations.

  • Identify customers with DLP file policy usage and begin migration planning
  • Support customers, if needed, in recreating their policies in Purview (policies don’t migrate automatically)
  • Find technical guidance for policy migration in Microsoft Learn, and explore the FAQ for more information on how the Microsoft FastTrack team can support migrations for eligible customers
  • CSP partners can transact the discounted Microsoft Purview E5 Information Protection & Governance (IP&G) SKU on the customer’s behalf via Modern Commerce

Annual local currency pricing updates for Commercial Cloud

Beginning this fiscal year (July 1, 2026), Microsoft will transition to annual local currency pricing updates every January for its Commercial Cloud services, providing customers with greater pricing predictability while continuing to account for sustained fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The next local currency update will be effective January 1, 2027, and occur annually on this date, except in limited exceptional circumstances. Notifications with guidance on the upcoming year’s pricing updates will be issued in advance every November.

No action is required at this time. Partners should review the upcoming pricing schedule and plan budgets and customer conversations accordingly.

Detailed guidance on the January 2027 update will be shared in November 2026.

Azure reservation exchange policy update

Impacted audience: Partners with customers who hold Azure reservations for compute and database services covered by savings plans.

Starting February 1, 2027, Azure reservation exchanges aren’t available for services covered by savings plans. This change creates a clear moment for you to lead cost strategy conversations and empower customers to make informed decisions that reflect how their workloads actually run, whether that decision means prioritizing flexibility or long-term predictability.

Impacted customers start receiving action-recommended notifications on July 30, 2026.

FY27 Cloud & AI GTM launch

Your FY27 Cloud & AI Platforms go-to-market resources roll out starting in July 2026. Access discussion guides, updated product pitch presentations, and more to align conversations to FY27 priorities and move faster into market. These resources uncover customer priorities, connect Microsoft Cloud and AI solutions to business outcomes, and accelerate growth opportunities.

Next steps

Explore the new resources and get ready for FY27.

Update to benefits renewal window coming

Starting in early 2027, your renewal window starts 30 days before the anniversary date (AD) of your benefits offering. The previous 30-day post-AD grace period no longer applies, and you must complete offer renewal by your anniversary date. If renewal isn’t completed, the offer and all associated benefits expire the day after the anniversary date and are no longer available unless you repurchase.

How this change applies across key offerings:

  • Benefits packages (Partner Launch, Partner Success Core, Partner Success Expanded): Renewal follows a 30-day pre-anniversary date (AD-30) window. Offering renewal must be completed by the anniversary date, after which the offering and associated benefits expire if not renewed.
  • Solutions Partner designations: Renewal follows the same AD-30 window, with benefits expiring the day after the anniversary date if renewal isn’t completed.
  • Support Services and Training Services designations: No change. These designations already follow an AD-30 renewal process, and this update aligns other offerings to this approach.
  • ISV Success: No change. ISV Success already follows an AD-30 renewal process.
  • Specializations: Benefits are tied to the associated Solutions Partner designation and also expire on that designation’s anniversary date if not renewed.

Monthly Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program update

What’s new for Solutions Partner designations, specializations, and other Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program offerings and benefits.

Important: Some certifications exams are retired and replaced with new ones.

Please look at these pages for more details:

June 2026

Microsoft Announcements

2026: Agents move into action

In 2026, AI stops responding to prompts and starts running the work. Across four coordinated releases, Microsoft is turning agents into operators that execute work end to end, securely and across Microsoft 365.

2026 Work Trend Index: your conversation opener for AI transformation: The 2026 Work Trend Index (WTI) marks a decisive shift. Customers are moving from AI pilots to business wide transformation, with agents taking on execution so employees can focus on higher value outcomes.

Legal Agent in Word: a high value, purpose-built entry point. Legal Agent in Word brings agentic AI directly into legal workflows, where precision, trust, and speed matter most.

Resources:


Cowork, Critique, and Council
: turning Copilot into a system of action.

Now live in the Frontier program, three new capabilities expand Microsoft 365 Copilot from assistance to execution

Resources:


Agentic Outlook
: The fastest path to daily adoption

Outlook is the highest frequency surface in Microsoft 365, and now it’s agentic. As of April 27, Copilot in Outlook actively runs inbox and calendar work. This product:

  • Triages email, drafts follow ups, and surfaces what needs action
  • Resolves scheduling conflicts, rebooks rooms, and protects focus time
  • Prepares users for what matters most, before they ask

Available via the Frontier program on Outlook

New Microsoft 365 Business with Copilot SKUs available July 1

Starting July 1, 2026, Microsoft 365 Business Standard with Copilot and Microsoft 365 Business Premium with Copilot become permanent SKUs, giving you a predictable, always-on way to accelerate Frontier Transformation for small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers.

What’s changing:

  • Promotional offers for Microsoft 365 Business Standard with Copilot and Microsoft 365 Business Premium with Copilot are transitioning into permanent subscriptions, with updated list pricing. New SKUs are available July 1, with price list preview starting June 1 in Partner Center.
  • New promo – Microsoft 365 Business Basic + Microsoft 365 Copilot Business: 25% off promo, which runs through December 31, 2026. There’s no license/user minimum (1 – 300 licenses/users, annual subscription with annual billing).
  • Extended promo – Microsoft 365 Copilot Business remains available as a standalone offering at 15% promo, now extended through December 31, 2026. There’s no license/user minimum (1 – 300 licenses/users, annual subscription with annual billing).

Work IQ API and consumptive pricing update

Work IQ API reaches GA June 16 with consumption-based pricing using Copilot Credits.

Work IQ API is billed through a consumption-based model using Copilot Credits, a unified consumption currency that also covers Microsoft Copilot Studio and other Microsoft AI services. Copilot Credit balances can now be applied to Work IQ API usage. There’s no separate Work IQ API subscription, SKU, or per-user license.

Resources:

New licensing prerequisite for Agent 365

Effective June 1, Microsoft is introducing new license prerequisite for new Microsoft Agent 365 purchases. This update is intended to help customers have the foundational security, identity, compliance, and management capabilities required to support core Agent 365 functionality.

For new Agent 365 purchases beginning June 1:

  • Enterprise customers must have Microsoft 365 E5.
  • Frontline worker (FLW) users must have Microsoft Defender and Purview (F5 level).
  • Small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers must have Microsoft 365 Business Premium.


Next steps

For more guidance, refer to the Frontier Transformation partner hub and the Agent 365 FAQ.

Introducing Pitch Maker Agent (beta)

Turn Copilot Chat usage into Microsoft 365 Copilot deals with the Pitch Maker Agent (beta) experience. With the Microsoft 365 Copilot Pitch Maker Agent (beta), you can convert early AI usage into standardized Microsoft 365 Copilot value. Through a guided conversational experience, the agent generates a complete, data-backed business case that connects real Copilot Chat signals to customer outcomes, aligning them to core workloads like Teams, Outlook, and Excel.

Next steps

 

Copilot Cowork and Microsoft Scout: What partners need to know

Microsoft has announced new agentic experiences in Microsoft 365 Copilot, including the general availability of Copilot Cowork and the introduction of Microsoft Scout, along with usage-based pricing using Copilot Credits.

Copilot Cowork is an agentic system designed for complex, long-running, multi-tool work. It uses organizational context across Microsoft 365 and connected systems to help move work forward while operating within existing Microsoft 365 security, compliance, and governance controls.

At general availability (GA), Cowork now has added value with several new features:

  • Multiple models, matched with your work
  • New security and compliance capabilities
  • Partner and Dynamics 365 plugins

Usage-based billing

Copilot Cowork requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license and usage-based billing with Copilot Credits

For partners, usage-based billing unlocks opportunities to drive Cowork usage, expand services across deployment and governance, and deliver differentiated agentic solutions.

Key actions:

  • For Frontier customers currently using Cowork, set up usage-based billing in the Microsoft 365 admin center by June 30, 2026.
  • Visualize high-impact Cowork use cases for customers.
  • Configure credit management and policies.
  • Guide customers through adoption and change management.

Resources:


Microsoft also introduced Microsoft Scout
, an always-on personal agent available in Frontier with a limited set of customers.

Introducing Azure Linux—now available in public preview

Azure Linux is a Microsoft-built, cloud-optimized Linux distribution designed specifically for Azure—delivering a secure, consistent, and cost-efficient foundation across virtual machines (VMs), containers, and cloud-native workloads. Built with a hardened, secure-by-default architecture and a Microsoft-managed supply chain, Azure Linux helps partners reduce risk, simplify compliance, and deliver trusted solutions to customers.

Next steps

Now available in public preview, Azure Linux gives partners a powerful new way to streamline operations, drive efficiency, and unlock greater value from their Azure-based solutions. Register customers for public preview today.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Dual Use Rights license keys update

Effective June 5, 2026, Dynamics 365 Business Central online customers running on-premises deployments of Business Central via Dual Use Rights (DUR) license keys must download and replace their license keys every six months to continue using the on-premises product.

Partners are responsible for ensuring that customer subscriptions are kept up to date and products aren’t used beyond their licensed subscription terms.

Next steps

Customers may download new and replacement DUR license keys from the Microsoft 365 Admin Center (MAC).

Windows 365 GPU Enterprise Select 256 GB SKU available on July 1

The Windows 365 GPU Enterprise Select 256 GB SKU will be available for purchase in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) channel on July 1, 2026.

To learn more about this SKU and how to message it to customers, visit our support page.

Updated skilling for two Solutions Partner designations

These are effective April 30, 2026, and are live now in Partner Center.

  • Solutions Partner for Modern Work: Microsoft added the Microsoft 365 Certified: Copilot and Agent Administration Fundamentals certification as an Intermediate skilling option, replacing the retiring Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification, across both Enterprise and SMB tracks.
  • Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation: Microsoft added GitHub Actions, GitHub Administration, GitHub Advanced Security, and GitHub Copilot certifications as Advanced skilling options across both Enterprise and SMB tracks.


No action is required if you already attained the designation. Prepare to meet the new skilling requirement at renewal. If you’re working toward the designation, align to the updated skilling now.

Security insights now available in Copilot tab of ASPX

The Copilot tab of the AI Business Solutions & Security Insights dashboard surfaces data security signals  alongside Copilot opportunity data, bringing data security readiness and Microsoft 365 Copilot opportunity into a single side-by-side view.

For comprehensive documentation, visit:

Monthly Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program update

  • This month’s updates continue to enhance partner differentiation and readiness across high-demand solution areas. Key changes include specialization updates that integrate AI capabilities, revised skilling and performance requirements, and streamlined qualification frameworks to support partner growth and agility.

    For more details, visit this page :

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/announcements/2026-june#13

New: Partner Skilling discussion board

  • Introducing the new Partner Skilling discussion board on Tech Community—your go-to destination for skilling opportunities and expertise.

    This new space is designed for you to learn, connect, and scale your business through resources and expertise made with your customers in mind.

    Next steps

    Visit the new Partner Skilling discussion board.

Promo

New Microsoft 365 Copilot promotion: Customers can save 15% on three-year commitments for 300+ licenses

  • Effective June 1, 2026, eligible CSP partners can now offer 15% off the net partner price for Microsoft 365 Copilot to customers committing to this three-year purchasing agreement with 300-plus licenses through September 30, 2026.

    • Customer Eligibility: Available to new and existing customers committing to a three-year term and purchasing 300-plus licenses.
    • Availability: Worldwide, from June 1 through September 30, 2026.
    • Billing: Triennial commitment with annual billing. Confirm final pricing and terms at checkout.


    Use the CSP Microsoft 365 Copilot promo kit and CSP Microsoft 365 Copilot partner promo FAQ to support your customer engagements.

April - May 2026

Microsoft Announcements

Reminder: Upcoming Microsoft 365 pricing and offer updates in 2026

As previously announced, Microsoft is extending the availability of security and management features across all Microsoft 365 enterprise suites this year. Alongside these additional features, a global pricing update will take effect across all purchasing channels on July 1, 2026.

This is a key moment for partners to accelerate renewals and upgrades.

  • Customers who renew before July 1 can benefit from current pricing and ensure business continuity.
  • Lock in current Microsoft 365 Copilot Business bundle pricing before July 1 and offer SMBs an affordable, comprehensive, and secure AI productivity solution.
  • Pricing and offer changes also pave the way for upsell opportunities to Microsoft 365 E3/E5 and Microsoft 365 Business + Microsoft 365 Copilot at renewal.


Make sure to activate the available incentives, promotions, and offers for Microsoft 365 E3 and E5, as well as Microsoft 365 Copilot Business bundles and promotions, so your customers can adopt and leverage AI value more quickly.

Mark your calendar: MCAPS Start for Partners

On July 22, 2026, MCAPS Start for Partners will bring together Microsoft leaders to share FY2027 priorities, investment focus areas, and go-to-market strategy as the fiscal year kicks off.

Register today for this transformative, free event.

Return of Power Apps per App SKU to the CSP price list in early April

As previously announced, the Power Apps per app SKU was removed from the public price list effective January 2, 2026. This change was not intended to apply to the CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) channel. The Power Apps per app SKU will be available in the CSP channel price list starting the first week of April.

SKU naming update: Microsoft Teams Premium and Microsoft Teams Events

This update applies to naming only. There are no changes to product features, pricing, eligibility requirements, service plans, or customer entitlements. The new names will appear on the May 1 price list. The following SKUs will be updated, while retaining their existing segment qualifiers (Education, Government, Non-Profit) and their term structure (including extended service terms).

  • Teams Events Attendee Pack – 100k attendees Teams Events Attendee Pack – 75k attendees (Non-Profit Pricing) -> Teams Events Attendee Pack – 100k attendees (Non-Profit Pricing) 
  • Teams Events Attendee Pack – 10k attendees for GCC Teams Events Attendee Pack – 75k attendees for GCC (Governmental Community Cloud Pricing) ->Teams Events Attendee Pack – 10k attendees for GCC (Governmental Community Cloud Pricing) 

Introduction of standardized pricing for extended security updates

The extended support for SQL Server 2016 will end on July 14, 2026, which increases security and compliance risks for customers who continue to use unsupported versions. Today, customers running SQL Server 2014 on Microsoft Azure virtual machines receive extended security updates at no additional cost, while those using it on-premises or on other clouds must pay for these updates. To ensure greater transparency and better alignment across deployment options and purchasing channels, Microsoft is introducing a simplified and consistent pricing model for SQL Server 2016 extended security updates in Azure, aligning pricing with on-premises and other public cloud environments.

Changes to Azure Reserved Virtual Machine Instances

  • Starting July 1, 2026, Microsoft Azure will end new purchases and renewals of reserved virtual machine instances (RI) for certain VM series.

    • End of 1-year RIs : Av2, Amv2, Bv1, D, Ds, Dv2, Dsv2, F, Fs, Fsv2, G, Gs, Ls, Lsv2
    • End of 1-year RIs et de trois ans : Dv3, Dsv3, Ev3, Esv3

    There are no changes to existing reserved instances. RIs already purchased continue to benefit from their reservation discounts for the remainder of their term, ensuring cost predictability and continuity for customers.

Next steps:

Review current RI orders for affected VM series proactively, check expiration dates, and act before July 1, 2026 to avoid any loss of savings for your customers.

If no action is taken before July 1, 2026, the workloads of affected VMs will be billed at the pay-as-you-go rate once their corresponding RIs expire, even if auto-renewal is enabled.

Review the documentation to learn how to plan and mitigate the financial impact of the end of availability of these RIs, for example by considering an Azure Savings Plan for compute or migrating to next-generation VM series.

New three-year purchase option for CSPs for Microsoft 365 Copilot now available

On May 1, 2026, Microsoft launched a new 3-year purchase option for Microsoft 365 Copilot within the CSP program. This new option aligns Microsoft 365 Copilot with existing 3-year Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 SKUs, helping partners support customers who want to undertake a long-term AI transformation.

For more positioning guidance and operational details, refer to the Microsoft 365 Copilot Partner FAQ and Microsoft 365 Copilot presentation.

Microsoft 365 E7 and Agent 365: go-to-market resources and support

Access new and upcoming readiness resources to accelerate your customer engagement strategy.

Frontier enterprise digital transformation: recording Digital Airlift, SI presentation and CSP presentation.

Help managing Secure Boot certificate updates

Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011 will expire in June and October 2026. To ensure that Secure Boot continues to function as intended on Windows devices, Microsoft is updating these certificates. Many Windows devices automatically receive the updated certificates depending on their configuration and support status, and many device manufacturers provide firmware updates when necessary. By keeping your device up to date with these updates, you can continue to benefit from the security protections that Secure Boot is designed to provide.

Next steps

Plan your migrations faster with Azure Migrate

Migration planning typically requires weeks of manual research and strategy development. From exporting spreadsheets and manually categorizing workloads to conducting assessments and cost analyses, then compiling all of this into a presentation that already feels outdated by the time it is shared, this process slows teams down and can even limit the pipeline. Azure Migrate consolidates this entire process into a single workflow, reducing migration planning from several weeks to just a few hours.

To learn more, read the blog and start using Azure Migrate today.

Windows 365 Business – End of Sale for Windows Hybrid Benefit (WHB)

Windows 365 Business WHB SKUs are being retired from sale to simplify the portfolio. Starting May 1, 2026, new customers will no longer be able to purchase these SKUs. This update is part of broader Windows 365 Business pricing changes, including a 20% reduction in the Windows 365 Business list price aimed at improving accessibility and competitiveness for SMB customers.

This change does not affect existing customers. Those with active WHB subscriptions can continue to use and renew their current plans without interruption, as this is an end of sale only, not an end of support.

Microsoft AI Cloud Partnership Program update

Specialization criteria update

If you currently hold a specialization or are close to qualifying for one, check your status in Partner Center. You may now be eligible to renew or enroll in a specialization.

End of the Qualified Referral Program (QRP)

Microsoft is simplifying the way partners accept, track, and close referrals with Microsoft. The QRP will be removed at the end of March 2026 and replaced by a unified co-sell experience centered on Partner Center referrals. This change reduces workflow duplication, improves pipeline transparency for both partners and Microsoft sellers, and accelerates response times. Additionally, as part of this modernization effort, Microsoft is improving its partner matching process using real-time data and AI logic to ensure the right leads are directed to partners whose capabilities and skills best match, maximizing value.

AppSource is rebranded as Microsoft Marketplace

The AppSource platform is being rebranded as Microsoft Marketplace. Le lien https://appsource.microsoft.com now redirects to https://marketplace.microsoft.com.

“Business Applications” designation update

You now have more ways to earn and maintain your Business Applications Solutions Partner designation. Dynamics 365 Contact Center and Microsoft Copilot Studio are added to the list of eligible workloads, giving you greater flexibility to meet requirements and showcase the solutions you offer.

Access the Business Applications dashboard in Partner Center to check the impact of this update on your progress and take the next step to earn or renew your designation.

Update on the end of Partner University

Partner University will be removed starting June 15, 2026, which will impact partners seeking to enroll under the Modern Work Solution Designation and the two Modern Work specializations.

Here is what partners need to know:

  • Existing Partner University user links will continue to be recognized. Partners will receive credits and a skills score for these links until June 2027.
  • After June 2027, all Partner University assessments will be permanently removed and will no longer be used for reporting, skills score calculation, or as a program requirement.
  • No new Partner University user links will be allowed after June 15, 2026.
  • The current Partner University user experience, accessible via the “Learn” profile page in the “Membership” section, will also be removed as part of this change.
  • In the coming months, Partner University requirements will be complemented by a new set of skills requirements. These new requirements will be added as an alternative condition to existing Partner University assessments during the transition period.


Keep your skills current during the transition from AZ-500 to SC-500

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) certification will be retired on August 31, 2026. To ensure a smooth transition, Microsoft is launching the Cloud and AI Security Engineer Associate (SC-500) certification.

During the transition period, partners can use either the AZ-500 or SC-500 to meet the qualification requirements for the Security Solutions Partner designation and specialization. Existing AZ-500 certifications remain valid until their retirement, and no immediate action is requise. The beta exam for SC-500 will be available in May 2026, with training and the exam scheduled for July 2026.

Microsoft Promos

Windows 365 Business – 20% price reduction planned for May 1, 2026

Microsoft is reducing Windows 365 Business list prices by 20% effective May 1, 2026, to make Cloud PCs more cost-effective for small and medium-sized businesses. This update also introduces an on-demand start experience:

  • Cloud PCs remain on for one hour after disconnection
  • Reconnections made within that hour are unchanged
  • Reconnections after more than one hour may take slightly longer as the Cloud PC resumes from hibernation (with the same performance once connected)


New subscriptions will benefit from the reduced pricing starting May 1, 2026, while existing subscriptions will receive the new pricing at their next renewal, depending on the purchasing channel and terms.

Expanded Copilot for All promotion updates to help you drive more value

Demand for Microsoft 365 Copilot continues to grow as customers move from pilot to larger-scale deployments. To help you capitalize on this momentum, Microsoft is updating the CSP « Copilot for All » promotional offers with 30% and 40% discounts to broaden customer eligibility. Effective April 13, 2026.

To learn more, visit : https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/announcements/2026-april#18

Extension of the Microsoft Purview Suite promotion for Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Microsoft is extending the 50% promotional offer on Microsoft Purview Suite for Business Premium until July 1, 2026.

March 2026

Microsoft Announcements

MS-900 Certification Retirement

Plan your skills strategy now

The MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals) certification is being retired. This change impacts individuals and partners who rely on MS-900 as an entry-level or baseline certification.

What it means for you:

  • Retirement Date: March 31, 2026, 11:59 PM CST.
  • Final Date to Take Exam: March 31, 2026.
  • Transcript Status: As a Fundamentals certification, the MS-900 has a “lifetime” validity. It will remain on your transcript forever even after it is retired.
  • Partner Implications: The certification will continue to count toward Microsoft Partner Modern Work designation skilling points until March 31, 2027

New process to redeem cloud benefits

Microsoft is streamlining how partners access and redeem the license-based cloud benefits that come with their partner benefits packages. Cloud benefits will now be redeemed through a guided experience that starts in Partner Center and is completed via a zero USD purchase flow, ensuring benefits are securely deposited and easy to manage.

Additionally, Microsoft aligned the expiration date for each benefit to the date your partner benefits package was activated—not the date a benefit was first redeemed. With benefit expiration dates now aligned to your package membership end date, the 30-day grace period for benefits expiration is discontinued.

Learn more by reading the Learn documentation.

Introducing Microsoft 365 E7 - Promos

A new premium productivity suite

Microsoft has announced Microsoft 365 E7, a new productivity suite designed to support organizations undergoing advanced digital and AI-driven transformation. This offering expands Microsoft’s high-end portfolio, combining productivity, security, compliance, and AI innovations

Partner opportunity:

  • Position E7 for customers with complex regulatory or security needs
  • Drive higher-value engagements and strategic advisory conversations
  • Align offerings with Microsoft’s “Frontier Firm” vision

To support these new offerings, the following promotions are planned to be available on May 1, 2026:

Annual (one-year) promotional offers:

  • 10% off Microsoft 365 E7 annual terms (one-year) License minimum 10 | License maximum 9,999
  • 15% off Microsoft 365 E7 annual terms (one-year) License minimum 100 | License maximum 9,999

Triennial (three-year) promotional offer:

  • 15% off Microsoft 365 E7 triennial terms (three-year) License minimum 300 | License maximum 9,999

New Microsoft Azure Assets for SMB Audiences

Microsoft has released new Azure sales and enablement assets specifically tailored for SMB audiences, available through Partner Center. These resources help partners clearly articulate Azure value without enterprise complexity.

What’s included:

  • SMB-focused Azure scenarios and messaging
  • Practical guidance aligned with real business outcomes
  • Ready-to-use assets to support marketing and sales motions

Explore the Azure SMB content collection to download assets and win customers.

Explore ASPX: Actionable Growth Insights in Partner Center

Turn data into growth actions

Microsoft has introduced ASPX (Actionable Strategic Partner eXperience) in Partner Center, providing partners with deeper, more actionable insights to support growth planning and prioritization. [learn.microsoft.com]

Key capabilities:

  • Visibility into performance and growth opportunities
  • Action-oriented insights to guide next steps
  • Better alignment between data, recommendations, and execution


Next steps

SKU Naming Update

Microsoft Teams Shared Devices → Microsoft Teams Shared Space – Single Space

Microsoft has updated the SKU name for Microsoft Teams shared environments to better reflect usage scenarios. [learn.microsoft.com]

  • Previous name: Microsoft Teams Shared Devices
  • New name: Microsoft Teams Shared Space – Single Space

This is a naming change only—pricing, licensing, and functionality remain unchanged.

SKU Naming Update: Microsoft Teams Premium and Microsoft Teams Events

This update is naming-only. There are no changes to product functionality, pricing, eligibility, service plans, or customer entitlements. The new names will appear on the May 1 pricelist.

  • Teams Events Attendee Pack – 100k attendees Teams Events Attendee Pack – 75k attendees (Non-Profit Pricing)  -> Teams Events Attendee Pack – 100k attendees (Non-Profit Pricing) 
  • Teams Events Attendee Pack – 10k attendees for GCC Teams Events Attendee Pack – 75k attendees for GCC (Governmental Community Cloud Pricing)    -> Teams Events Attendee Pack – 10k attendees for GCC (Governmental Community Cloud Pricing) 
  • Teams Premium (Education Faculty Pricing)   -> Microsoft Teams Premium (Education Faculty Pricing) 
  • Teams Premium (Education Student Pricing)   -> Microsoft Teams Premium (Education Student Pricing) 
  • Teams Premium (Governmental Community Cloud Pricing)   -> Microsoft Teams Premium (Governmental Community Cloud Pricing) 
  • Teams Premium (Non-Profit Pricing)   -> Microsoft Teams Premium (Non-Profit Pricing) 

Announcing reduced Microsoft Dragon Copilot pricing

Beginning May 1, 2026, the Dragon Copilot per-user license type will be available at a reduced list price across all geographies where Dragon Copilot is currently offered, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. 

More details will be added to the Dragon Copilot Partner Assets page on May 1.

License Mobility for Windows Server and SQL Server subscriptions

Windows Server and SQL Server CSP subscriptions include License Mobility rights starting April 1, 2026.

Review the partner FAQ

February 2026

Microsoft Announcements

Retirement of standalone SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business plans (plan 1 and plan 2)

Microsoft is retiring standalone SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business plans due to low demand, unintended usage, and higher operational costs. Access to SharePoint and OneDrive capabilities will continue primarily through Microsoft 365 suites, which offer more secure and integrated experiences.

Key timelines

  • Retirement announcement: this change is communicated to customers in late January 2026.
  • End of sale: June 2026 (no new tenants/customers after May 31, 2026; renewals for existing customers only).
  • End of life: January 2027 (no renewals; existing contracts continue until expiration).
  • End of service: December 2029 (all standalone plans fully retired; customers must transition to Microsoft 365 suites, capacity packs, or pay-as-you-go storage options).

Next steps

  • Begin planning now by reviewing customer tenants, positioning Microsoft 365 Business or E3/E5 where appropriate, and helping customers optimize, migrate, or archive data. Microsoft will continue providing guidance and resources to support partners and long-term customer success.

Cloud Ascent is updated by the end of February, providing you with visibility of which customers are impacted by this change.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Business - New billing flexibility

  • Starting March 1, 2026, M365 Copilot Business and their corresponding bundles will be available for month-to-month (M/M) billing on CSP.
  • M/M plans are priced at a premium relative to annual/annual, offering customers maximum flexibility for those needing shorter commitment horizons.
  • M/M is not eligible for promotional pricing.

Extended Service Terms in CSP

The enforcement of Extended Service Terms (EST) in CSP has been extended from the previously announced April 1, 2026, to May 4, 2026.

What is Extended Service Term (EST)?

Extended Service Term allows customers to continue using their service after expiration, billed monthly at:

  • Monthly price + 3% uplift, or
  • 23% uplift if no monthly plan exists

    Effective May 4, 2026, Microsoft will retire the free grace period that previously applied when a subscription expired without renewal. Canceling at the end of the term will result in the service stopping immediately upon expiration.


Which subscriptions are affected?

EST applies to license-based services across all channels that meet all of the following criteria:

  • Purchased or renewed on or after April 1, 2025
  • Expire on or after May 4, 2026
  • Auto-renew is turned off

Solutions Partner for Modern Work update

To better support partners, Microsoft is expanding eligible workloads to create more pathways to qualify for the designation.

Eligible workloads*

Exchange Online, Intune, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Entra ID P1, SharePoint Online, Teams, Teams Apps, Teams for Frontline Workers, Teams Meetings, Teams Phone, Teams Phone Calling, Teams Phone Enabled Users, Teams Rooms Monthly Active Devices, Viva Connections, Viva Engage, Viva Goals, Viva Insights, Viva Learning, Viva Topics, Windows 365

*Subject to change/availability may vary.

Expanded partner benefits are here

As of February 13, 2026, new benefits are available across each of the three Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP) benefits packages, and for select Solutions Partner designations and specializations.

  • Increased Azure credits to support solution development and testing
  • Expanded Copilot benefits, including more Microsoft 365 Copilot capacity packs, Copilot Studio, and select Dragon Copilot access
  • Enhanced security offerings such as Microsoft Defender Suite, Microsoft Entra Suite, and Microsoft Intune Suite
  • Access to the new Partner Marketing Center Pro, which uses AI-powered capabilities to help partners find, customize, and deploy marketing campaigns more efficiently.

Announcing new Dragon Copilot Physician Practice offer

Starting February 1, 2026, Microsoft is launching the Dragon Copilot Physician Practice offer for CSP‑authorized partners. This new offer is designed specifically for physician practices and enables partners to deliver the full Dragon Copilot experience in a simpler, more cost‑effective way for small and mid-sized healthcare customers.

The offer reduces administrative overhead, includes capped license quantities, and supports single‑tenant deployments, making it easier for partners to manage and scale deployments. It gives partners a clear, competitive path to grow Dragon Copilot adoption within the SMB healthcare segment while maintaining a high‑value end‑user experience.

Key takeaways

  • Launching February 1, 2026, in all available Dragon Copilot geographies.
  • CSP authorized partners only, capped at 100 licenses per customer.
  • No mixing or combining of this physician practice SKU and Enterprise licenses in the same organization.
  • Full end-user ambient, speech, and genAI experience preserved


Next steps

Azure Update: Outbound Connectivity Changes

In September 2023, Microsoft announced that new Azure virtual networks would require explicit outbound connectivity methods by default, instead of falling back on default outbound access. Based on customer feedback, we’re extending the timeline to give you more flexibility

What’s Changing?

Starting after March 31, 2026, this new default behavior will apply only to API versions released after that date.

  • New virtual networks will create private subnets by default.
  • These subnets will no longer support default outbound access connectivity.
  • Any virtual machine that requires access to public endpoints must use an explicit outbound connectivity method, such as:
    • Azure NAT Gateway
    • Azure Load Balancer outbound rules
    • A directly attached Azure public IP address


For more details, please visit this page: Azure updates | Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Promo's

From pilots to broad Copilot adoption

Microsoft has built a flexible portfolio of promotional offers to help you meet customers at every stage of their AI journey—making it easier to land and scale Copilot deployments. Each promotion creates a natural entry point to attach your high‑value services—from AI readiness and adoption to governance, managed services, and custom agents built with Copilot Studio. This is how they all fit together:

  • Getting Started, 15% off 10+ seats to help customers confidently take their first step with M365 Copilot. (Available to all CSP customers purchasing 10+ new licenses) – Oct1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026
  • Scale Up, 20% off 100+ seats to expand Copilot usage beyond pilots and into priority teams and functions. (Available to all CSP customers purchasing 100+ new licenses) – Oct 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
  • Copilot for All, 30% off 300+ seats to drive organization wide adoption and accelerate Frontier Firm transformation. (Available to all CSP customers purchasing 300+ incremental licenses AND reach 80% IW coverage) – Feb 19, 2026 – June 30, 2026
  • Copilot for All, 40% off 1,500+ seats for pre-selected customers ready to commit to large-scale, high-coverage deployments. (Available only to qualified customers purchasing 1,500+ incremental licenses AND reach 80% IW coverage) – Jan 21, 2026 – June 30, 2026


Up to 35% off 10+ seats of Microsoft 365 Business + Copilot Business bundles 
to help make AI foundational for every SMB customer. (Available to SMB customers purchasing up to 300 licenses) Dec1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

January 2026

Microsoft Announcements

Pricing and packaging updates for commercial Microsoft 365 suites coming in 2026

Microsoft 365 pricing and packaging updates are coming in 2026.

Microsoft announced expanded availability of security and management capabilities to the commercial Microsoft 365 suites starting in 2026. Along with these added features, there will be a global price update to these suites across all purchasing channels effective July 1, 2026.

Price increases will apply to new and renewing customers starting July 1, 2026. Existing customers on commercial Microsoft 365 subscriptions impacted by the price increase will see the new prices at their next renewal after July 1, 2026.

Start renewal conversations now to lock in current pricing and drive upsells!

  • Customers who renew before July 1 can lock in current pricing and ensure business continuity.
  • The pricing change opens the door for upsell motions to Microsoft 365 E3/E5 and Microsoft 365 Business + Microsoft 365 Copilot at renewal—increasing both customer value and your margins—ahead of July 1, 2026. Use Microsoft 365 Copilot Business bundles and promotions so your customers can adopt and unlock the value of AI faster.

For more details, please read this Microsoft Blog :
Advancing Microsoft 365: New capabilities and pricing update | Microsoft 365 Blog

Target upcoming renewals for Microsoft 365 + Copilot bundle

Beginning January 21, 2026 partners can download a report with customers renewing Microsoft 365 Business with upsell recommendations.

Turn Microsoft 365 Business Renewals into Copilot Business Growth. Access Copilot Business Recommendations – now live in Partner Center AI Assistant. CSP partners can quickly identify upcoming Microsoft 365 Business renewals, recommended Copilot Business upsell paths, and eligible promotions to help drive more impactful customer conversations.

When you have customers whose Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions are up of renewal in the next 60 days, the AI assistant can help you:

  • With list of customers and corresponding Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions renewing in the next 60 days
  • Recommend which Copilot Business bundle offer to upgrade to.
  • Recommend more than one upgrade path with applicable promotions.

For more details on how to use this feature, please visit this web page : https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/announcements/2026-january

Unlock new Security revenue with CSP add ons

As a Microsoft Partner, you can now upsell Entra ID P2 and Defender for Endpoint P2 to existing Microsoft 365 E3 customers through CSP.

This motion is intentionally guided and targeted. It’s designed for Microsoft 365 E3 customers who aren’t yet ready for Security Suites or Microsoft 365 E5 but have a clear need to strengthen identity protection and endpoint security today. It also preserves a natural growth path to broader security suites as customer needs evolve.

  • When to use this motion: Customers licensed for Microsoft 365 E3 who aren’t currently adopting Security Suites or Microsoft 365 E5, but need immediate improvements in identity or endpoint security.
  • Don’t use when: Customers are already a strong fit for Security Suites or Microsoft 365 E5 today

Immersion Briefings

Immersion Briefings provide a top-of-funnel event engine to help attract new customers and accelerate growth. These one-to-many sessions empower you to demonstrate Microsoft 365 Copilot + Agents and Secure AI Productivity in real-world scenarios that showcase AI-driven business value.

Microsoft is co-investing in your success by helping offset delivery costs.  Immersion Briefings are a proven way to drive demand and deliver measurable growth opportunities.

For more information, please contact your ITCloud representative.

Partner resources have moved to new Partner Hub

In December Microsoft migrated their Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, and Microsoft 365 partner portals from Transform to a new, unified AI Business Solutions (ABS) Partner Hub. Built on Power Pages, this new web site offers:

Explore and update your bookmarks to key assets and pages on the new AI Business Solutions and CSP partner sites

Microsoft Promos

Extended Microsoft 365 promotions for Cloud Solution Provider partners

(CSP) partners on new commerce can strengthen renewal and upsell efforts with extended Microsoft 365 suite promotions through June 30, 2026.

  • 10% discount on Microsoft 365 E3, Security add-on suites (Purview Suite and Defender Suite), and Microsoft 365 E5 three-year subscriptions
  • 15% discount on Microsoft 365 E5 annual term (one year)

Extended discount on Microsoft Purview Suite for Microsoft 365 Copilot Customers

On February 1, 2025, Microsoft introduced a new promotional offer designed to help customers more easily secure and govern Microsoft 365 Copilot. By reducing price sensitivity and addressing data security barriers, the offer aims to accelerate Copilot purchasing and deployment. Originally set to expire in February 2026, the promotion is extended to June 30, 2026.

This promotion enables eligible customers to purchase Microsoft Purview Suite (formally E5 Compliance) licenses at a 50% discount for accounts with existing or new Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses.