Channel Brief: Microsoft Reportedly Diversifying Copilot with ‘Home-Grown’ Models

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone. ChannelE2E will be taking tomorrow off to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. But we're still here today, and here's your daily news roundup.

Microsoft has been working to bring additional AI models to its flagship artificial intelligence offering, Microsoft 365 Copilot, according to a Reuters report.The report notes that the software and cloud giant is seeking to reduce its reliance on OpenAI due to cost and speed concerns. Instead, it is working to add smaller, home-grown models to power Copilot.

Microsoft is also looking to diversify from OpenAI, which operates the popular ChatGPT AI service.

We at ChannelE2E wish you and yours a very happy holiday season. Meanwhile, if you've got news you want to share, send it to [email protected].

Today’s Tech, Channel and MSP News

1. Are you offering automated breach and attack simulation? -  MSPs, there are some advanced cybersecurity services that are expected to grow significantly. You may want to reach out to your MSSP partner or vendor about Automated Breach and Attack Simulation. This market is expected to hit $5.5 billion by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of 33.6% from 2022 until 2031.

2. What about other cybersecurity? - If you aren’t offering cybersecurity yet, MSPs, you are way behind. Maybe you offer MFA and security awareness training yourself and then partner to offer more sophisticated services such as MDR, XDR, pen testing and more. The cybersecurity market is a huge opportunity for MSPs. Allied Market Research says it will grow to reach $578 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% from this year until then.

3. Managed print sparkle partnership - Managed print services provider Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is partnering with training and software solutions provider Taktiful Software Solutions for what they are calling digital embellishments – combining managed print with Taktiful’s high-end design capabilities for brochures, signage, direct mail and packaging.

4. Singapore/Australia private equity deal – Singapore investment and operating firm Xcelerate Pte Ltd has acquired a strategic equity stake in Carisma Solutions Private Limited, a knowledge-led business services provider offering 3600 managed services and digital solutions in the accounting, financial advisory, mortgage and SMSF (a type of retirement fund in Australia) segments in Australia.

5. Evergreen’s big year – Evergreen is ending 2024 with 25 acquisitions of MSPs, including several in the UK and Australia. MSPs join the group under its Lyra Technology Group.

In-Person MSP and Channel Partner Events