The rumors about Microsoft 365 E7 can no longer be ignored. Although Microsoft 365 E7 has not yet been officially announced by ecosystem, everything points to Microsoft launching a brand new enterprise subscription for the first time since the introduction of Microsoft 365 E5 In 2015, the current price is approximately $99 per user per month. While this sounds straightforward for organizations, the reality is more complex.
BeSharp Experts doesn't see E7 as a simple update, but as a strategic shift in how Microsoft plans to deliver and manage AI within businesses. It's no longer just about human users; E7 is designed for digital workers, or AI agents, who can access email, Teams, OneDrive, and other business systems as if they were real employees.
AI agents as digital employees
What sets E7 apart from previous packages is that the subscription is specifically designed for an environment where AI agents work alongside humans. According to market reports, the package will include Microsoft 365 Copilot, the AI assistant now offered as an add-on, and Agent 365, a platform for managing and governing AI agents. In addition, identity and access controls are extended through Microsoft Enter and its compliance and security integrated via Microsoft Purview en Microsoft Defender XDR.
AI agents thus acquire their own identity, access rights, and security measures, just like regular employees. For organizations, this means subscription management, governance, and compliance become much more complex than with traditional seat-based models.
From fixed price to variable consumption
Traditionally, companies paid a fixed monthly price per user. With E7, this model appears to be shifting to a hybrid structure where consumption plays a crucial role. AI agents built through Copilot Studio or Microsoft Foundry use AI credits. Every task, workflow, or trigger an agent triggers consumes credits. Unlike human employees, agents are active continuously, 24/7.
This means the rumored price of $99 per user may only be an entry-level option. Organizations that don't anticipate consumption-based costs risk a "fixed" subscription turning into a variable, unpredictable bill. Governance, limits, and visibility into agent activity are therefore crucial before signing up for a subscription.
Price context and strategic considerations
To understand the value of E7, let's compare it to current pricing. After July 2026, E5 is expected to cost $60 per user per month, with the Copilot add-on at $30. That adds up to a total of $90. An E7 subscription of around $99 might seem like a small increase at first, but the package also includes Agent 365 and extensive identity capabilities.
For organizations already considering implementing Copilot, E7 may be an attractive way to consolidate multiple components. For E3 customers, the transition represents a significant leap in both functionality and cost. It's important to understand that E7 isn't a simple update; it's a new approach to how Microsoft plans to deliver and manage AI within the enterprise.
Governance and preparation are essential
The arrival of E7 demands a shift in mindset for IT and procurement teams. Organizations must not only determine which users or teams need AI functionality, but also how AI agents can be deployed securely. Identity, compliance, and security are no longer just human responsibilities; they also apply to digital workers.
Establishing governance structures and limits upfront can prevent a seemingly attractive subscription from leading to unexpected costs or risks to business operations. Calculating scenarios, setting limits, and establishing reporting processes are essential before signing a contract.
BeSharp Experts: from insight to optimal subscription
At BeSharp Experts, we first gain insight into how your current Microsoft 365 environment is used and which subscriptions you currently have. We map the most suitable M365 user profiles and identify optimization opportunities. Based on this analysis, combined with Microsoft's roadmap and your specific needs, we select the scenario that best suits your organization.
We will then assist you in negotiating the contract so that you achieve the most favourable price and conditions.
Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation discussion about how we can help your organization license based on your actual needs and purchase at the best price and terms.