Microsoft is 50, and the company this week is reflecting back on the last half century with its annual State of the Partner Ecosystem. The Official Microsoft Blog was authored by Nicole Dezen, chief partner officer and CVP of Global Partner Solutions.
Microsoft has 500,000 partners and its ecosystem is growing, and the company wants to emphasize the role partners play in transforming industries and communities.
The blog examines the Microsoft partners' economic impact, among other things; According to IDC, the blog says, for every $1 of Microsoft revenue, services partners earn $8.45, and software partners earn $10.93, highlighting the immense opportunities available to Microsoft partners.
Dezen's blog also highlighted the new SMB path for Azure Solutions Partner designations, announced in late February, to simplify the designation qualification process for partners, making it easier for them to differentiate their businesses and reach more SMB and SMC customers. This adds to existing SMB paths for Business Applications and Modern Work.
There's also a nod to the future of AI and how partners can leverage generative AI to drive higher margins and growth.
As always, drop me a line at sharon.florentine@cyberriskalliance.com if you have news to share or want to say hi!
Grab your coffee. Here's what you need to know today.
Today’s Tech, Channel and MSP News
1. Halcyon names new chief strategy officer: Anti-ransomware platform Halcyon has appointed former Barclays CISO Oliver Newbury as the company's chief strategy officer. Newbury, who joined Halcyon as a strategic advisor earlier this year, will lead the company’s strategic growth functions. Newbury currently serves as a Strategic Advisor to TPG, a global alternative asset management firm; a Board Member of Immersive Labs, a cybersecurity platform; and GALLOS Technologies, a UK-based venture capital firm. Prior to these roles, Newbury was the Global Chief Information Security Officer for Barclays, a renowned multinational financial services company, and as Chief Technology Officer for BTs Security Division. Congratulations!
2. Syncro's new network discovery solution: MSP platform provider Syncro has announced a new Network Discovery solution, a fully integrated tool for MSPs, MSSPs and IT ops teams that automatically detects and manages network-connected devices. This feature simplifies IT operations by eliminating the need for third-party scanning tools and is included at no additional cost for Syncro’s Team Plan users.
3. SnapLogic's new partner program: AI integration provider SnapLogic has launched a new SnapLogic Partner Connect Program for technology and consulting partners that offers comprehensive training and certification, as well as dedicated support and go-to-market resources, to help partners grow their business and drive customer success. The SnapLogic Partner Connect Program is structured into three distinct tiers—Authorized, Advanced, and Premier—allowing partners to engage based on their level of commitment and expertise.
4. Cork hosts fireside chat on the future of MSPs: Cyber risk compliance and warranty solutions provider Cork Protection, Inc. is hosting a CEO Summit Fireside Chat on Wednesday, March 26 at 12:00pm Eastern. This virtual event will feature a candid and forward-looking discussion on the forces reshaping the MSP landscape and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve. It will feature Aharon Chernin, Founder and CEO of Rewst, Chris Day, Founder and CEO of ScalePad, Austin McChord, Founder of Datto, Cork, and Slide, Dan Candee, CEO of Cork.
5. Alliance of Channel Women honors six leaders: The Alliance of Channel Women, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to female technology channel leaders, announced the winners of the 2024 LEAD, INSPIRE and EMPOWER Awards last night. Six women in tech were honored at a ceremony during the ACWConnect Live! event as part of the Channel Partners Conference & Expo and MSP Summit at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Check out the winners and send your congratulations!
In-Person MSP and Channel Partner Events
- Channel Partners Conference & Expo and MSP Summit, March 24-27, The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
- N-able Empower, week of April 7, Berlin, InterContinental Hotel
- NerdioCon, April 7-9, La Quinta Resort and Club, Palm Springs, California
- Kaseya Connect, April 28-May 1, MGM Grand Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
