Microsoft Copilot can draft in Word, tidy slides, summarise Teams meetings and help with everyday email. From 1 December 2026, new Copilot purchases can be made without a qualifying Microsoft 365 base subscription.
If you're already an iHelp IT managed client, much of the technical groundwork is already on our list. This post marks that clearly, then focuses on the decisions only your business can make. If you're not a client yet, treat the full checklist as DIY or ask your IT provider.
What Copilot can and can't see
Copilot in Microsoft 365 works with the same permissions your staff already have. If someone can open a SharePoint folder or shared mailbox today, Copilot can use that information. Useful when access is tidy; a problem when old shared drives, wide links or leftover guest accounts remain.
Everyday Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams sits inside the paid licence. Some advanced experiences, such as Copilot Cowork and Autopilot, can attract usage-based charges beyond the seat fee. In Australia that setup is still rolling out, so talk to your provider before switching on features that bill by use.
What Copilot costs with iHelp IT (month-to-month)
iHelp IT licenses Microsoft 365 on month-to-month terms, with no annual lock-in. As at November 2026 (prices may change), our prices are:
Microsoft 365 Copilot Business (add-on): AU$40 per user per month (ex GST).
Business Standard with Copilot: AU$45 per user per month (ex GST).
Business Premium with Copilot: AU$60 per user per month (ex GST).
Talk to us about which licence suits each person. Some advanced AI features can add usage-based charges.
What iHelp IT already handles for managed clients
ASD's ACSC Artificial intelligence for small business guidance asks businesses to set AI rules, check vendor data handling, keep a person in the loop for important decisions, and train staff.
For all managed clients:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is on by default for the accounts we manage.
Patching of operating systems and applications is handled for every managed client, and endpoint protection sits on managed computers.
Business and Enterprise plans include around-the-clock device security monitoring.
On request, we help with AI readiness and Copilot licensing: checking data access, permissions and licensing before rollout, sharing our Responsible AI approach, and advising where Copilot fits alongside tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Hatz or Perplexity. That help is open to every managed client, not only those already on Managed Automation & AI.
Copilot licences are not automatic on every iCare plan. Tell us who should have them, and we'll quote and set them up.
What your team still needs to decide
1. Pick a few jobs worth doing. Start with two or three repeatable tasks, such as first drafts, meeting notes or spreadsheet tidy-ups. Leave high-stakes legal, medical or financial decisions for a person.
2. Agree what must never go into AI. No customer health details, no full payroll files, no passwords, and no confidential contracts unless the tool and settings are approved.
3. Tidy who can see what. Ask who still has access they no longer need, and which SharePoint sites or shared mailboxes are too wide. Managed clients: send us the list and we'll help on the technical side. Who should keep access stays your call.
4. Choose who gets a licence first. Pilot with a small group, then expand once you're happy with the results and the cost. Tell us who is in the pilot so licensing stays tidy.
5. Check the bill before advanced features. Everyday Copilot in the apps is covered by the licence; usage-based features are different. Ask us what is included and what spending limits make sense.
6. Train people to check the answer. AI can sound confident and still be wrong. Read drafts, check figures and confirm anything that goes to a client or a regulator.
If you're not an iHelp IT managed client
Work through the ACSC's AI checklist yourself, or ask your IT provider to confirm MFA and patching, review file access, write a short AI use rule, choose a small pilot group, and understand seat fees versus usage-based extras. The Essential Eight remains recommended for every business, and strongly recommended for certain industries. Copilot sits on top of that foundation; it does not replace it.
If you're a casual iHelp IT client, Copilot and AI readiness support is available once you come onboard Managed Hardware and Managed Cloud. Get in touch if that would help.
Ready when you are
Most of the technical groundwork above is already covered for our managed clients. Your job is the business side: which tasks, which data, which people, and who checks the answer.
Questions? Call the iHelp IT team on (02) 8213 4225 or email support@ihelpit.com.au. You do Business. We do IT.
The iHelp IT team
Sources
Microsoft, Copilot for business (AU) (what's included)
Microsoft Partner Center, October 2026 announcements (1 December purchase changes)
ASD's ACSC, Artificial intelligence for small business
