Microsoft Unleashes Major Funding Boosts for Azure Partners

July 30, 2024

Microsoft will invest more than $150 million in AI incentives for pre-sales and post-sales for partners as well as allocating $90 million to boost security growth with partners. Microsoft also plans to ramp up its Copilot partner investment tenfold as part of an FY25 initiative to gain an edge in the race for AI dominance.

Microsoft Unleashes Major Funding Boosts for Azure Partners

Earlier this year, Microsoft unveiled three new benefit packages for partners: Partner Launch Benefits, Partner Success Core Benefits, and Partner Success Expanded Benefits. These packages are designed to cater to the varying needs of partners at different stages of growth and support them in achieving greater success. They complement the existing Solutions Partner and ISV Success core, and expanded benefits already offered to partners.

During the recent MCAPS Start for Partners virtual event, Microsoft revealed plans to incorporate more than 20 new product licenses into many benefit packages in the upcoming months. Some of the additions include Microsoft Copilot, Defender for Endpoint, and GitHub. Additionally, Microsoft introduced various product sales initiatives for FY25 and significant funding increases to empower partners to leverage cloud, security, and AI technologies to their fullest potential.

Bolstering Security Solutions: A $90 Million Surge

In a world where digital threats pose a significant risk, security is more crucial than ever. Microsoft is doubling down on its commitment to fortifying partner offerings by investing an additional $90 million in security investments in FY25. From the current Threat Protection assessments to reintroducing Data Security assessments, the focus remains on equipping partners with the necessary tools and resources to outsmart cyber threats.

Skyrocketing Cloud Capabilities: Over $150 Million for AI Investments

Since 2023, Microsoft Azure offerings have experienced significant growth, delivering more than 12,000 projects through Azure Migrate and Modernize and Azure Innovate. This fiscal year, Microsoft is expanding its offerings coverage and boosting investments. Additionally, Microsoft is ramping up pre-sales and post-sales funding for Azure Innovate, adding new scenarios, and expanding eligibility as part of a $150 million AI investment, empowering partners to spearhead innovation. These initiatives focus on integrating AI into applications, leveraging advanced analytics, and facilitating custom cloud-native app development to empower partners in delivering cutting-edge solutions that foster innovation.

Revolutionizing AI Partnerships: A Tenfold Increase in Copilot Investment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of technology, and Microsoft is leading the charge with a tenfold increase in Copilot investment over the last year. Through AI-powered virtual assistant tools, partners can drive innovation, enhance productivity, and transform experiences for their Small, Medium, and Corporate (SMC) customers.

Microsoft's strategic investments underscore its unwavering commitment to empowering Azure partners with the resources and support needed to accelerate cloud adoption, streamline operations, and provide exceptional value to your customers. By embracing these funding increases and aligning your business strategy with Microsoft Azure's vision, you can establish yourself as a pioneer in AI and create smart business systems that grow and change along with your clients’ requirements.

For more information, check out the company blog or visit the MCAPS Start for Partners homepage, where you'll discover the keynote and all on-demand sessions ready for you!