In the fast-evolving world of IT, artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined the boundaries of what’s possible and has proven to be a game-changer, transforming industries and fostering innovation.
For partners, understanding the earning potential and maximizing value from AI is crucial to staying ahead in the marketplace. In a recent conversation with CRN, Cyril Belikoff, vice president of worldwide go-to-market for Microsoft Azure and industry, shared valuable insights and recommended strategies to assist partners in unlocking the full potential of AI.
Belikoff highlighted Microsoft's commitment to empowering partners in the era of AI by enabling them to meet the growing demand for AI technology. By ramping up cloud services and AI investments, Azure partners can reap substantial financial rewards and establish themselves as frontrunners. According to a 2023 Forrester Consulting Total Economic ImpactTM study commissioned by Microsoft, partners who build an AI-focused business using Azure AI Services can anticipate a 167 percent return on investment over three years.
AI serves not only as a powerful tool for innovation and insights but also as a catalyst for cloud migration and modernization efforts. To optimize the benefits of AI, Belikoff stressed the importance of partners directing their investments toward key areas that promise high returns. Partners should develop their AI strategy, focusing on critical aspects such as fundamental architecture, data privacy, security, compliance, customization options, deployment strategies, and performance monitoring. In addition, investing in research and development, marketing efforts, and enhancing employee skills are crucial for fostering growth in the AI-driven environment.
Microsoft Azure provides various revenue-generating opportunities for partners through its Azure AI Services. These services enable organizations to create market-ready advanced AI applications using pre-built and customizable APIs and models. These opportunities include attracting new clients, proposing new AI projects to existing clients, improving intellectual property offerings, and offsetting sales expenses through direct incentive payments. With substantial support for training and skill enhancement from Microsoft, partners can enrich their solutions and expedite their market-entry strategies.
For partners eager to embrace the AI era, Microsoft Azure offers many resources such as AI envisioning sessions and AI Partner Training Days. These initiatives are designed to assist partners in establishing centers of excellence in AI and setting themselves apart in the marketplace. By leveraging Microsoft's training benefits and technical support tools, partners can position themselves well for success in the AI-driven landscape.
The tech industry is constantly changing, and Microsoft Azure partners have a unique opportunity to use AI to grow their businesses. By teaming up with Microsoft and using Azure AI Services, partners can discover new ways to make money, improve their services, and stay competitive in today's fast-paced market.
Visit the Azure for Partners site to learn more about how Microsoft is enabling Azure partners to achieve their AI ambitions.