Microsoft to treat AI agents like human staff in bold new strategy

Microsoft is preparing to revolutionise the workplace by launching a new subscription tier, Microsoft 365 E7, designed specifically to manage AI agents.

This pioneering strategy treats digital assistants with the same level of administrative rigour as human staff.

The package features a preview service called Agent 365, which provides the essential tools for the management and governance of these autonomous "digital workers."

The shift reflects a growing trend where AI agents are no longer just tools, but active members of a team.

To function effectively, they require unique identities, email accounts, and Teams access, alongside the same corporate policies afforded to human colleagues.

While the current E5 version with Copilot touches on these areas, E7 streamlines everything into a single, cohesive bundle.

According to Microsoft Directions' Mary Jo Foley, the company plans for AI agents to be licensed in the same way as employees.

Expected to cost approximately $99 per month, the E7 tier combines the standard E5 fee with the premium for Copilot.

Though the price point is high, it offers a lucrative solution for firms looking to automate and save on complex administrative duties.

Lane Shelton, Director of Advisory Services at Directions on Microsoft, said the proposed E7 is less about a new tier and more about establishing Microsoft as the “enterprise AI control plane” for digital workers.

This move ensures that as AI-driven workforces expand, Microsoft remains the central hub for oversight and monetisation, effectively future-proofing its revenue model for the era of the virtual employee.