Microsoft Copilot for Business
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business is here!
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business provides organisations using Microsoft 365 Business suites with a more accessible entry point into AI-powered productivity.
Copilot for Business Is Here
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business is now available, offering small and mid-sized organisations a more accessible entry point into AI-powered productivity.
Designed specifically for customers with Microsoft 365 Business Suite licenses, Copilot for Business enables organisations with up to 300 users to leverage the full Microsoft Copilot experience at a lower cost than enterprise plans.
What Is Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business?
Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business is available as an add-on to the following Microsoft 365 subscriptions:
-
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
-
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
-
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
It provides the same AI-driven capabilities across Microsoft 365 apps, helping businesses streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve decision-making.
Is There Any Difference Between Copilot for Business and Microsoft 365 Copilot?
At launch, Microsoft 365 Copilot Business delivers the same capabilities as the Microsoft 365 Copilot offering that we are all familiar with – there is no product differentiation however, Microsoft have noted that both the product and pricing may evolve over time.
Pricing Overview
To support the launch of Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business, Microsoft is offering limited-time promotional discounts.
Customers who purchase before 31 March 2026 are eligible for a promotional discount off the RRP pricing. Please reach out to our team for confirmed pricing.
- 15% off Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business (1–300 seats)
- 35% off Microsoft 365 Business Standard + Copilot for Business bundle (10–300 seats)
- 25% off Microsoft 365 Business Premium + Copilot for Business bundle (10–300 seats)
Promotion period: 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Get In Touch
To connect with one of our Microsoft licensing specialists please contact us on software@cyclone.co.nz, or complete the form below.
Microsoft’s Pricing Changes
What You Need to Know: Microsoft’s EA Changes
Microsoft has changed the pricing model for cloud services purchased via Enterprise Agreements/Enterprise Subscription Agreements. Organisations with a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA) may face a substantial price increase once their current agreement renews and may wish to explore alternate options.
Effective 1 November 2025, Microsoft introduced a major change to how pricing works for its cloud services under Enterprise Agreements (EAs).
- Previously: Companies got discounts based on size, organisations (with Price Levels A–D) paid less for services like Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Azure.
- From 1 November 2025: All EA pricing levels are the same list price for all online services under EA, regardless of size. That means no more volume-based discounts.
What’s not affected:
- On-premises software pricing remains unchanged.
- Education sector EAs.
This means that organisations with an EA may face a substantial price increase once their current agreement renews.
The alternative for online subscriptions is the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) model.
EA vs CSP: Which Model Fits Your Business?
There are some differences between EA and CSP that organisations should be aware of:
| Feature | Enterprise Agreement (EA) | Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) |
| Commitment | 3-year term with annual true-up | Month-to-month or annual commitment term |
| Pricing | Committed for 3 years | Committed either monthly or annually with some 3-year options available |
| Minimum Seats | 500+ (commercial) | No minimum |
| Billing | Annual upfront | Monthly or annual billing |
| Flexibility | Increase anytime, decrease* only at anniversary (*subscription products only) | Increase anytime, decrease only at anniversary |
Why Partner with Cyclone?
We’re one of just six Microsoft LSPs that can transact EA’s in New Zealand, and a leading CSP provider trusted by commercial, government and education customers nationwide.
- Experts in EA and CSP: As a Microsoft Licensing Solution Provider, Cyclone can assist you with both EA and CSP licensing. We will guide you through the changes, evaluate renewal timing and model cost scenarios across both options.
- Unbiased advice: Because we sell through all Microsoft licensing models, we recommend what’s best for your business.
- Proactive planning: We will help you assess impacts and plan.
- End-to-end service: From license optimisation and compliance to subscription consolidation and ongoing support, Cyclone makes licensing simple.
- Nationwide Presence: Our team of licensing specialists and advisors based throughout New Zealand will work with you to ensure your requirements are met in the most cost-efficient and beneficial manner to your organisation.
To connect with one of our Microsoft licensing specialists please contact us on software@cyclone.co.nz, or complete the form below.
Get In Touch
To connect with one of our Microsoft licensing specialists please contact us on software@cyclone.co.nz, or complete the form below.
ISNZ October
Taking The Pain Out of BYOD Season
Choosing a trusted BYOD partner can elevate your student device experience from a nightmare to a dream. In this short article, we share tips on what to look for when it comes to running an effective BYOD programme within your school community.
Taking The Pain Out of BYOD Season
Every new school year comes with barrages of queries and questions from your community. From enrolment details and timetables to uniform requirements and device setups, it’s a busy time for both families and staff. One way that schools can ease this transition and support learning from day one is through a well-structured BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Programme. BYOD programmes empower students to use familiar technology for learning and streamline device management for schools.
Technology has bloomed into a critical aspect of our lives, and its influence on education is both transformative and far-reaching. It has a significant impact on the way students learn, access information and engage with their teachers and peers. It’s both important and necessary to ensure every ākonga has the tools they need to thrive in a modern, digital classroom and the teacher is supported to create and sustain that environment.
BYOD Programmes are highly effective when implemented correctly and can be scaled to meet the needs of any sized school. Some schools choose to limit and manage the number
of unique devices available, creating familiarity and confidence for teachers. Others offer carefully designed bundles, including accessories, ensuring students are fully equipped while reducing the decision-making stress whānau often face when navigating with multiple device options. The programme’s success is often determined by the collaboration with a knowledgeable provider.
What to look for in a specialist BYOD Provider:
- Expertise and Experience: Your provider should understand the unique environment or challenges that schools experience.
- Scalability: As your programme grows, is your provider ready to grow with you?
- Streamlined Setups: Does the provider offer pre-enrolment of devices, configuration and management so your IT Teams, staff and school whānau can save precious time.
- Teacher Support: Training support or resources to help teachers feel confident with the devices selected.
- Device Enrolment and Management: Whether you choose Apple, Google or Microsoft devices, increasingly schools want a BYOD partner that can automatically enroll these into their management tools. An experienced BYOD partner can complete this at the time of purchase.
- Ongoing Management: Do they offer support, updates and maintenance, keeping your programme running smoothly.
By partnering with a specialist BYOD provider, you can ensure a seamless, scalable programme that fits your school’s unique needs. With the right approach, BYOD doesn’t just equip students with devices; it creates a connected, confident and future-ready learning environment.
Cyclone: A Proven Partner In BYOD
Cyclone’s BYOD programme offers a tailored approach to device management, starting with a custom-branded portal that reflects your school’s identity. With school-approved devices and curriculum-aligned bundles (including unique bundles by year level, division or pod), it’s easy to ensure students have the right tools from day one, without the guesswork.
Behind the scenes, Cyclone manages setup, maintenance and parent support, so your team can stay focused on teaching and learning. Devices can be pre-enrolled into your management systems and reporting tools help track readiness across your school community.
With transparent pricing, flexible payment options and fast local repairs, Cyclone’s BYOD solution is built to support schools and families alike. It’s a secure, ad-free platform that gives you full control, making BYOD simple, reliable and effective to empower ākonga anywhere, anytime.
Get In Touch
If you’d like to get started with a custom BYOD portal for your school, reach out to your Cyclone Account Manager or talk directly to our BYOD Team.