Channel partners are a critical component to the success of Microsoft and contribute significantly to the company’s revenue, which relies on a large number of systems integrators, VARs and consulting firms to bring its technology to customers.
Microsoft Global Partner Solutions Program Numbers
Microsoft’s fiscal year, which ended in June, gave great satisfaction to the Italian branch. And much of it, as anticipated, is due to the partner ecosystem: 93% of cloud projects on Microsoft Azure were in fact managed by partners. Which have allowed the company to record important results, such as a 30% growth in sales of cloud solutions for SMBs. An increase of +110% YoY of using Independent Software Vendor (ISV) solutions on Microsoft Azure.
Of course, partners themselves have also benefited: those present on the Microsoft Marketplace have seen their turnover grow by 124% compared to the previous year.
To understand the value they bring, consider that for every dollar Microsoft bills, service partners earn a total of $8.45. The situation is even better for product partners, who earn a total of $10.93 for every dollar Microsoft bills.
Artificial intelligence: AI LAB’s numbers
Through the AI LAB program, Microsoft supports companies in developing the required skills. AI LAB was launched last year and Microsoft is pleased with the success of the initiative, which has 320 companies involved, 450 projects created and approximately 7,000 professionals trained.
A success that has pushed the Redmond company to expand the initiative with new programs. Specifically, they are AI L.A.B. for industriesaimed at accelerating cloud adoption in large enterprises; AI L.A.B. for Italywhich is instead aimed at SMEs, which in Italy represent the majority of active companies; AI L.A.B. for Goodwhich includes a series of initiatives to support accessibility and inclusion, such as the AI for Inclusion hackathon we talked about here.
However, not all companies can take part in AI LABs: specific requirements are needed, such as real case studies that confirm the real certified capabilities and skills. And who doesn’t have them? No problem: for these realities, AI Communitiesan AI LAB onboarding program dedicated to the partner ecosystem that will leverage the strategic partnership with the Microsoft Partner Association.
It is divided into three levels: Starters, Explorers e Challengers.
“This year’s results are an important confirmation of the strategic value of collaboration with our partners on the territory as a growth opportunity for companies and a driver for digital acceleration of the entire country.“, explains Sarah AnselmiDirector of the Global Partner Solutions division of Microsoft Italy. “In Italy, we work with over 15,000 companies that help provide companies with cutting-edge, secure and scalable technologies. We continue together, also through the AI LAB program, to help companies seize the opportunities of generative AI through advanced solutions, innovative use cases and training to get the most out of it and support them in facing the challenges of today and tomorrow.”.
Microsoft Rewards Top Partners
During the Microsoft Italia Partner Summit event dedicated to the channel, Microsoft awarded the best partners. The Country Partner of the Year 2024 And Cluster Replywhich has stood out for the level of its solutions and services offered, for the results achieved in the Italian market and for its demonstrated ability to support the growth of its customers.
Cluster Reply is not the only company to have received recognition. Microsoft has in fact awarded various companies in specific areas:
Digital Innovator Champ Award
- AI Transformation: Hevolus
- App & Power Innovation: Altitudo
- Business Applications: EOS
- Copilot Heroes: EY
- Infra Modernization: Var Group
- Intelligent Data Platform: Porini
- Security: Sorint.SEC
- ISV Marketplace & Cosell: SAP
Digital Innovator Market Award
- Best Enterprise Partner: Accenture Avanade
- Best Public Sector Partner: Leonardo
- Best Corporate Partner: Agic Group
- Best SMB Partner: V-Valley
- Best ISV Partner: Jakala
- Best Copilot+ Surface Partner: Elmec
Source: edge9.hwupgrade.it
