Dynamics Communities Biz Apps Partner Podcast

Biz Apps Partner Podcast: Microsoft's Steve Thomas on AI Transformation, Evolution of MAICPP

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Biz Apps Partner Podcast, John Siefert hosts Steve Thomas, Director, Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, Microsoft, for a discussion on how Microsoft is leading the rapid growth of AI transformation, an overview of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (MAICPP), and what his session will cover at the Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit.

Episode Notes

Key Takeaways

• MAICPP: Thomas leads the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program’s (MAICPP) offers and benefits team, which drives engagement and investment across the full partner lifecycle. The goal is to make the program a unified, agile home for all partner types that evolves with innovation and customer needs. "Think about my team as the central force that connects across stakeholders within Microsoft to co-design, launch, and manage this program."
• How AI is impacting partners: Microsoft is leading the way in AI transformation, from generative AI to adaptive agentic systems, in order to drive customer value and profitability. AI is forecasted to grow 86% from 2022-2027, with Microsoft accounting for 39% of the growth. As such, the MAICPP is evolving to support partners who deliver value through both first-party and third-party AI solutions on the Microsoft Cloud, explains Thomas.
• Partner priorities: Thomas defines three priorities he's working with partners on. The top priority for partners in the MAICPP is to earn relevant designations and specializations aligned to their business models to drive AI transformation. Based on those achievements, partners can unlock high-value benefits. "Lastly, we expect our partners to share leads, as well as solve joint opportunities with our Microsoft sellers to drive exponential growth in their business," he adds.
• Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit session: Thomas' session at the Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit, "How to Grow Your Business with Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program," will begin with an overview of the MAICPP's breadth, offers, and benefits, followed by a preview of upcoming program evolutions tied to AI transformation. He notes that the session will wrap up with specific action items and investments partners can unlock.