Microsoft continues to evolve Microsoft 365 into the central platform for productivity, security and AI in the modern workplace. This was pretty clear from our key takeaways from Microsoft Ignite 2025.
In a recent update, Microsoft announced not only new features, but also an expanded AI offering and price changes that will take effect on July 1, 2026.
At Easi, we are closely monitoring these developments, not only from a technical perspective, but especially in terms of their impact on Belgian IT environments. In this blog, we bring everything together. Keep the following in mind:
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1. Why is Microsoft adapting its Microsoft 365 strategy?
Microsoft is increasingly positioning Microsoft 365 as an AI-first, security-by-design platform. Over recent years, new capabilities have been structurally added, particularly around:
AI embedded in everyday workflows
identity and access management
endpoint security and device management
data protection, compliance and governance
tighter integration between productivity, security and management
More and more, these capabilities are included by default in existing licenses, rather than offered as separate add-ons. According to Microsoft, the announced pricing changes reflect this increase in functional value.
Importantly, this is not a sudden shift, but a clearly announced evolution, with a defined timeline.
AI in Microsoft 365 is moving beyond simple assistance. Microsoft is strongly investing in:
AI is therefore evolving from a “useful add-on” into a core building block of the digital workplace.
Alongside AI, Microsoft continues to invest heavily in security and management, with a focus on:
For many organisations, this means that capabilities previously limited to higher-tier licenses are now becoming more broadly available within Microsoft 365.
From 2026 onwards, Microsoft will add additional AI, security and management capabilities to several Microsoft 365 licenses. These extensions fit within a broader shift towards a more integrated, AI-driven workplace.
They also provide the context in which Microsoft continues to expand Copilot within the Business segment.
How to read this table correctly?
Some important nuances for Belgian organizations:
Within the Business segment, price increases remain relatively contained, while functional value continues to expand. For Business Basic and Business Standard, the focus lies on additional AI capabilities and strengthened baseline security
For many SMEs, this remains the logical entry point into the Microsoft ecosystem — provided that the licenses are used correctly.
Business Premium is increasingly positioned as the strategic baseline license for organisations that want to combine AI, security and management, with a natural alignment to Copilot and Purview scenarios.
For Microsoft 365 E3 and E5, increases are proportionally more limited, reflecting:
For organisations that fully leverage these capabilities, the price-value balance remains coherent.
Microsoft 365 E5 deserves specific attention. While many discussions focus on the announced price increase from July 2026, the broader picture is that Microsoft continues to expand the capabilities included within the E5 suite.
For organisations already investing heavily in security, compliance and endpoint management, this evolution may create opportunities to consolidate tooling and reduce reliance on separate add-ons.
Some of the most notable developments include:
AI becoming increasingly embedded
Microsoft continues to integrate AI capabilities throughout the Microsoft ecosystem.
This includes deeper Copilot experiences across Microsoft 365 applications, improved contextual awareness based on organisational data, and the gradual integration of Security Copilot capabilities within Microsoft's security platform.
While this does not replace a full Microsoft 365 Copilot license, it reinforces Microsoft's strategy of making AI a native component of the workplace rather than a standalone product.
One of the most significant developments is the growing integration of Security Copilot across:
These capabilities can help security teams accelerate investigations, analyse incidents more efficiently and prioritise threats more effectively.
Microsoft is also strengthening device management through additional Intune functionality, including capabilities such as:
For organisations pursuing a modern workplace strategy, these additions further strengthen the value proposition of the Microsoft ecosystem.
The upcoming changes provide a useful opportunity to evaluate:
For some organisations, the additional capabilities may justify the investment. For others, the exercise may reveal optimisation opportunities elsewhere in the licensing landscape.
Frontline licenses (F1/F3) stand out due to relatively higher increases.
Organisations with many frontline or shared-device users should carefully review:
This is often where significant optimisation opportunities exist.
5. NEW: Important Copilot SKUs and bundles for the Business segment
With the rise of Copilot, more organisations want to introduce AI into their Microsoft 365 environments.
In practice, however, Copilot never operates in isolation.
Responsible AI usage requires consideration of:
Until recently, this meant combining multiple separate components:
The result:
To reduce this complexity, Microsoft is introducing new Copilot bundles within the Business segment, combining multiple components into a single license.
In practical terms, Copilot—and in some cases additional security and governance functionality—is now integrated into one SKU, rather than purchased separately.
Some examples:
To illustrate this, we will use Microsoft 365 Business Basic at €5.6 per user per month (pupm). This principle also applies to the other Microsoft 365 Business licenses.
| Afzonderlijke lijstprijzen | Nieuwe bundel | Nieuwe bundel-lijstpriijzen | ||||||
| M365 Business Basic (€ 5,6 pupm) |
+ |
M365 Copilot (€ 28,1 pupm) |
= | € 33,7 per user per month |
→ |
"Business Basic + Copilot Business" ( 1 SKU) |
= | € 25,4 per user per month |
| M365 Business Basic (€ 5,6 pupm) |
+ |
M365 Copilot |
= | € 44,9 per user per month |
→ | "Business Basic + Copilot Business + Purview" ( 1 SKU) |
= |
€ 33,8 per user per month |
| M365 Business Basic (€ 5,6 pupm) |
+ |
M365 Copilot |
= | € 56,1 per user per month |
→ | "Business Basic + Copilot Business + Purview + Defender" ( 1 SKU) |
= |
€ 39,4 per user per month |
This approach:
* In addition, promotional prices apply until March 31, 2026, valid for one year. Contact us for more information.
The logic behind these bundles is clear:
For Belgian SMEs and mid-market organisations, this means:
One principle remains essential: not every user needs the same level of Copilot.
These developments towards 2026 are not just about price, but about strategic choices:
Organizations that are already mapping this out today will avoid surprises as we approach 2026. That is why, as a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we do not view this announcement as merely a pricing issue, but as a strategic moment. We help Belgian organizations to:
In short: we take a pragmatic, transparent, and well-founded approach, focusing on the interests of our customers.
The Microsoft 365 evolution towards 2026 is not about paying more, but about getting more—provided you make the right choices.
Remember:
Microsoft 365 is evolving into a strategic AI platform, with Copilot as an integral part of the workplace.
Security and governance are no longer optional, but a necessary prerequisite for responsible AI use.
New license bundles simplify and optimize licensing, offering better value for money than individual purchases.
Price changes have been announced for July 2026, giving you the opportunity to proactively manage your budgets and choices.
Optimizing today means avoiding surprises tomorrow and getting more out of Microsoft 365.
That is why now is the ideal moment to perform a license audit or strategic review, rather than waiting until new prices take effect.
At Easi, we are happy to think along with you to maximise the value of your Microsoft 365 licenses.