From AI to ecosystem strategy: Why UP LIVE Reston was a game-changer
On Oct 28–29, Carahsoft hosted Ultimate Partner LIVE at their incredible Reston, VA facility — a high-impact, two-day experience designed to empower ecosystem partners to lead through change. With keynotes from top Microsoft leaders, immersive workshops, and a curated executive audience, this wasn’t just another conference — it was a strategic accelerator for the future of partnering. Here are the top 7 insights from Ultimate Partner LIVE Reston 1. Microsoft’s vision: Ecosystem leadership in action The event kicked off with a powerful keynote from Craig Abod, President of Carahsoft, who reminded attendees to “know the business you're in, and know where you're going.” His disciplined approach to scaling — from $2B to $10B — set the tone for strategic focus and execution. His advice to “take care of your $2K customers, they’ll become $50K customers” was one of the most quoted lines of the event. Microsoft leaders then took the stage to amplify the momentum: Erwin Visser- GM, SCP Channel, challenged attendees to embrace co-innovation, stating, “In 10 years, the world’s top 50 brands don’t even exist yet.” Matt Berg- Global Sales Leader, AI Workforce SME&C, emphasized the importance of scaling success through Copilot and secure AI adoption. Pat Primavera- Americas ISV Channel Sales Leader Applications and Infrastructure, shared the origin story of Microsoft’s co-sell practices, highlighting how transparency and shared learning fuel ecosystem growth. Together, their insights framed a clear call to action: the time to build is now, and the future belongs to those who lead with purpose, partnership, and velocity. 2. AI is reshaping the partner ecosystem AI isn’t just a tech trend — it’s a business revolution. From Copilot to Agentic AI, Microsoft and its partners are leading the charge in redefining how innovation is delivered. Systems integrators (SIs) are at the forefront of AI experimentation, signaling a shift in who drives transformation. The message was clear: “Don’t wait for the next wave. Be the wave.” 3. The lines between partner roles are blurring The partner landscape is being rewritten. Today, partners play an average of 3.2 roles — ISV, MSP, SI, and more. The traditional definitions are fading fast. The winners will be those who adapt their models to stay relevant as these worlds collide. As one speaker noted, “Modern sales is an ecosystem play.” 4. Relationships are the real currency Jay McBain- Chief Analyst, Channels, Partnerships & Ecosystems at Omedia & Canalys, nailed it: “The difference between contacts and contracts is the letter R — Relationships.” His “7 Spheres of Influence” framework — advisors, analysts, ISVs, influencers, integrators, peers — was widely referenced as a guide to navigating modern partnerships. Trust and influence are now central to deal-making, and the ecosystem is the engine that drives it. 5. The buyer has changed permanently Only 5% of buyers are ready to buy now, and 90% will choose from their “Day 1 list.” With 51% of B2B buyers being millennials, early relationship-building is no longer optional — it’s essential. Partners must engage long before a formal buying process begins. The takeaway? If you’re not already on their radar, you’re already too late. 6. The time to build with AI is now From Copilot to secure chat and Agentic AI, Microsoft’s message was clear: the opportunity to build, launch, and scale new solutions is unbridled. Business-led innovation > tech-led innovation. AI isn’t just about automation — it’s about reimagining how work gets done and delivering real business outcomes. Partners were encouraged to adopt AI-first strategies and start building now. 7. Community beats chaos Transformation fatigue is real. Burnout is real. But UP LIVE Reston was described by attendees as “the jolt I didn’t know I needed.” Amid the noise of the industry, the event provided a space for authentic conversations, collaboration, and inspiration. From hallway chats to workshops, the energy was electric. The message was clear: community still matters, and we are truly better together. Special thanks to Craig Abod and the Carahsoft team for their generous support and leadership throughout the event. Carahsoft was honored with Ultimate Partner’s 2025 Partner of the Year Award, recognizing their outstanding commitment to building lasting relationships across the partner ecosystem. If you missed UP LIVE Reston, you can catch the event recordings here: Ultimate Partner LIVE: Reston - Oct. 28 Ultimate Partners LIVE: Reston - Oct. 29Explore Marketplace and partner innovations at Microsoft Ignite 2025
Are you coming to Microsoft Ignite? Microsoft Marketplace has an expanded space in the Hub, in addition to a full slate of must-watch breakout and theater sessions. We are thrilled that the following software companies will be joining Marketplace in the Hub to showcase their cutting-edge solutions: Ada Agentic CX for the world’s most personalized customer experiences Contentsquare Better digital experiences, made easier and faster with AI Delinea Your next AI innovation is our next identity to protect Fivetran Moves, transforms, and activates data to power AI innovation Moveworks The AI Assistant platform for your entire workforce ntegral Empowering the future of cloud innovation Parloa AI agents that elevate every customer conversation Profisee Build trusted data to operationalize AI and accelerate innovation Sight Machine Industrial transformation at the speed of AI with enterprise scale Sitecore Digital experiences so powerful they connect the world Unily The #1 enterprise employee experience platform Zammo.ai Build AI agents with just your words, any channel, any use case If you’ll be joining us at Microsoft Ignite in San Francisco, make sure you stop by our Marketplace space in the Hub from November 18-20 to: Connect directly with Microsoft subject matter experts ready to help you become Marketplace-ready and accelerate your business growth Explore AI-powered solutions from featured partners, all available in Microsoft Marketplace Experience live demos, interactive showcases, and receive hands-on guidance Grab a sweet treat with the return of our famous Marketplace donut wall Not able to attend in person? Breakout sessions will be streamed live for digital attendees and available on demand. Learn more about the value in purchasing through Marketplace in these breakout sessions: BRK213: Microsoft Marketplace: Your trusted source for cloud and AI solutions BRK215: Boost cloud and AI ROI using Microsoft Marketplace If you're a software company looking to sell through Marketplace, these sessions are for you: BRK424: Marketplace success for partners—from SMB to Enterprise BRK420: Executing on the channel-led marketplace opportunity for partners As a trusted source for cloud solutions, AI apps, and agents, Marketplace is an extension of the Microsoft Cloud, where we collaborate with our partner ecosystem to bring their innovations to our customers globally. Whether you’re looking to innovate, scale, or simply get inspired, Marketplace is your destination at Microsoft Ignite. Register today.How to structure your Microsoft Partner Center account for long term success
A well-defined Microsoft Partner Center account is critical for smooth operations, marketplace success, and an overall better experience in the portal. But with multiple configuration options, identifiers, and account relationships to understand, it’s easy to get lost in the details. In this discussion, we’ll walk through how to set up and organize your Microsoft Partner Center account for operational efficiency and marketplace success. What we will cover Understand account structures and publisher configurations Working with important identifiers used in account management and support scenarios Scenarios and best practices for long-term successful management of your accounts By the end, you’ll know exactly how to structure your Microsoft Partner Center account so that it supports your organization’s needs today and scales with you as you grow in the Microsoft ecosystem. Ready to optimize your Partner Center account? Join us November 4th at 9:00 AM PST to learn more and ask questions. How do I participate? Select “Add to calendar” to save the date, then click the “Attend” button to save your spot, receive event reminders, and participate in the Q&A. If you can’t make the live event, don’t worry. You can post your questions in advance and catch up on the answers and insights later in the week. This session will be recorded and available on demand immediately after airing. Where do I post my questions? Scroll to the bottom of this page and select “Comment.” This event will feature AI-generated captions during the live broadcast. Human-generated captions and a recap of the Q&A will be available by the end of the week.
New To The Community
Hello ISV Success Community, As a new member to the community, I decided to start with an introduction. I’m Aubin Bakana, Founder and CTIO (Chief Technology & Innovation Officer) of Baobab Logix LTD, now based in Leeds, UK. I lead technology and innovation, driving solutions that are secure, ethical, and intelligent. At Baobab Logix, we’re building future-ready platforms that empower businesses to thrive. One of our flagship innovations is KeepComm Intel, a next-generation contact center solution that combines AI-driven automation with human-in-the-loop architecture for speed, accuracy, and trust. As a Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Harvard CS50 certified, and full-stack developer, I bring deep technical expertise and a vision for sustainable innovation. I’m here to connect, collaborate, and share insights with fellow innovators who believe in shaping technology for good. Looking forward to engaging with this amazing community and exploring opportunities to build impactful solutions together! thank you.AI-powered acceleration: Scale faster in Microsoft Marketplace
Go beyond the basics of listing and explore what truly drives velocity. For SaaS companies, the Microsoft Marketplace is no longer just a procurement convenience, it’s a strategic revenue engine. Yet while publishing a listing is simple, reaching that first transaction quickly is what separates software development companies who scale from those who stall. Dive into operational readiness, CRM-native automation, seller engagement, trust signals, and AI-enabled acceleration. Whether you're just getting started or looking to optimize your Marketplace motion, this session will provide you with information that will turn your first sale into a repeatable growth engine. What we will cover Accelerate your launch. Learn how embedded deep links and guided tasks cut down publishing time from weeks to hours. Ask AI, get answers. Find out how to access expert marketplace knowledge 24/7; no docs, no guesswork. Stay on track. See how automated roadmaps and adaptive progress tracking keep you from missing critical steps. Ready to turn your sales into repeatable growth engine? Join us December 4 at 9:00 AM PST to learn more and ask questions. How do I participate? Select Add to calendar to save the date, then click the Attend button to save your spot, receive event reminders, and participate in the Q&A.* If you can’t make the live event, don’t worry. You can post questions in advance and catch up on the answers and insights later in the week. * Don’t’ see the Attend button? Sign in to your Marketplace Tech Community account or Register for the Tech Community and join the conversation! Where do I post my questions? Scroll to the bottom of this page and select Comment. This session will be recorded and available on demand immediately after airing. It will feature AI-generated captions during the live broadcast. Human-generated captions and a recap of the Q&A will be available by the end of the week.Your front row seat to Ultimate Partner® LIVE starts now!
In just a few days, Ultimate Partner® LIVE goes live from Reston, VA with its most impactful agenda yet. Top performing partners including Veeam, Accenture, Carahsoft, Cisco, SHI, ServiceNow, Commvault, and Siemens will share how they've overcome challenges and built lasting success. Microsoft experts will also join for candid, unscripted conversations about what it really takes to thrive in today's Hyperscaler ecosystems. The entire event will be streamed live for free — making partner mastery accessible to everyone. Join the livestream. Be inspired. Become the Ultimate Partner. October 28th Livestream October 29th LivestreamChannel strategy, accreditation, and real results — All at UP LIVE Reston
FY26 Is the Year to Lead with Capability FY26 is here — and Microsoft is investing more than ever in partner-led growth. From expanded co-sell motions to marketplace acceleration and capability development, the message is clear: partners who demonstrate value through accreditation and specialization are leading the way. According to Microsoft’s FY26 Partner Strategy Update (July 2025), accredited partners are seeing 3x higher engagement in co-sell motions and 2x faster time-to-market in the commercial marketplace. These metrics reflect a growing emphasis on partner capability, specialization, and alignment with Microsoft’s GTM priorities. That’s why ISSI’s workshop at Ultimate Partner LIVE: Reston is a must-attend for partners looking to align with Microsoft’s FY26 strategy and drive measurable business impact. Making Accreditation Work for Partners and Vendors ISSI has spent years helping IT service organizations and hyperscalers build smarter, more effective partner channels. Their consulting and auditing services focus on transforming partner programs — not just for compliance, but for impact. Their workshop, Driving Channel & Customer Value with Partner Accreditation, will explore: How accreditation programs are designed and optimized Case studies from both a hyperscaler and a partner organization How partners can assess the relevance of accreditation to their business Ways to improve technical and business capabilities through structured programs ISSI’s recent article “The Ways That Partners Can Make Money” outlines five core ways partners generate revenue: Resale Managed Services IP Monetization Marketplace Success Co-Sell Engagement Accreditation amplifies each of these models. It builds trust, proves capability, and unlocks deeper engagement with vendors like Microsoft. Why Attend UP LIVE: Reston ISSI’s workshop is just one part of a much larger conversation happening at UP LIVE: Reston. With over 42 speakers — including leaders from Microsoft, AWS, Elastic, Carahsoft, and more — the event brings together the most accomplished voices in partnering: Jay McBain Canalys (part of Omdia)), Erwin Visser (Microsoft), Pat Primavera (Microsoft), and Darryl E. Peek II (Elastic) the innovators building the future of co-sell and marketplace success — Rebecca Jones (Bridge Partners) Reis Barrie (Carve Partners), Erin Figer (CORE Consulting LLC), and Sam Gong (WorkSpan) the leaders transforming GTM and channel execution — Craig Abod (Carahsoft), Shane Wilson (Cohesity), Scott Sacket (AvePoint), Tarek Shamounki (ServiceNow), Erika Irby (Veeam Software) Expect: Real conversations about what’s working now in co-sell, marketplace, and GTM execution Actionable insights from strategists, innovators, and channel leaders A community of peers who are shaping the future of partner success Whether you're a partner looking to refine your strategy or a vendor seeking stronger channel performance, UP LIVE is the place to connect, learn, and lead. The Takeaway Accreditation isn’t just a badge — it’s a business accelerator. ISSI’s work shows how structured partner programs can unlock new revenue streams, improve delivery quality, and align with Microsoft’s evolving priorities. If you’re serious about driving channel and customer value in FY26, don’t miss ISSI’s workshop — and don’t miss UP LIVE: Reston. ISSI manages client-specific programs that enable industry leaders to quantify, asses, and improve the quality of services available to partner organizations migrating or managing customer workloads. Visit www.issi-inc.com or contact them at asales@issi-inc.com to learn more. ⭐ SPECIAL OFFER As a valued Microsoft partner, Ultimate Partner is offering a 15% discount on general passes to experience UP LIVE. 👉 Register HERE USE CODE: ULTIMATEVIP15 at checkout If you are unable to attend, join us via the live stream: Ultimate Partner LIVE: RestonDon't miss the moment: FY26 is the year to align, accelerate, and win with Microsoft
The moment is now. For digital native software development companies and startups bringing AI solutions to our joint customers, growth in partnership with Microsoft isn’t just about gaining speed and reach, it's about strategically aligning with purpose. I know that every deal is gold, having hustled building partnerships at both startups and global software development companies myself. I’ve felt the urgency to unlock Microsoft’s strengths: incentives, access to Microsoft field sellers and ecosystem, and the power of showing up “better together” in the market. You need to move fast, but with intention. Now at Microsoft, I stay focused on what drives results: testing strategies, leveraging programs and incentives and continued learning from other experts in our ecosystem. My advice? When you get the chance to learn from those experts—take it. The partners who align their vision with Microsoft’s AI-first, marketplace-driven future are the ones who will scale fastest and furthest. “AI is the new runtime.” That’s how Microsoft framed the opportunity at the AI Tour earlier this year — and it wasn’t just rhetoric. In the past 12 months, more than 3,000 AI apps and agents have launched in the new Microsoft Marketplace, attracting 6 million monthly visitors and driving 2× year-over-year growth in AI transactions. For digital native software companies, the message is clear: align your solutions with Microsoft’s AI-first, marketplace-driven ecosystem, or risk being left behind. In just a few weeks, leaders from across the partner ecosystem — software development companies, GSIs, MSPs, distributors, and consultants — will gather in Reston, Virginia for Ultimate Partner® LIVE. For software-first companies, this event arrives at the exact moment when Microsoft is reshaping the partner landscape for FY26 and beyond. Microsoft’s shifting landscape: What’s changed since July 2025 Marketplace at scale Microsoft unified AppSource and Azure Marketplace into the new Microsoft Marketplace. More than 3,000 AI apps and agents are now live, with 6M+ monthly visitors. Microsoft reports 2× year-over-year growth in AI solution purchases through Marketplace. Partner programs re-architected for AI At MCAPS Start FY26, Microsoft expanded the AI Cloud Partner Program with new specializations — including Copilot — and streamlined recognition around three areas: AI Business Solutions, Cloud & AI Platforms, and Security. Microsoft is urging partners to adopt agentic AI — autonomous workflows and composable agents — as the foundation of innovation. Compliance and governance tightened Partner-of-Record validation now enforced for CSP orders. MFA is mandatory across Partner Center (UI enforced Aug 2025; API April 2026). The AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement updated as of Sept 2025. For software companies, the implication is straightforward: be AI-ready, transactable, and compliant — or risk losing ground. Why Ultimate Partner Reston matters Ultimate Partner LIVE will bring these shifts into focus. The agenda features voices across the ecosystem delivering the insights you can’t get anywhere else. Key sessions include: Microsoft’s Erwin Visser, Matt Berg, and Harman Cheema unpacking FY26 priorities and the role of AI in customer transformation. Cisco’s Aly Shivji and Commvault’s Sanjay Mehta on driving outcomes through stronger partnering. Elastic’s Darryl Peek, Cohesity’s Shane Wilson, ServiceNow’s Tarek Shamounki, and Canalys’ Jay McBain on what it takes to win in 2026 and beyond. Workshops from WorkSpan, PartnerTap, Carve Partners, AvePoint, RevStacker, and Digitalzone, offering frameworks that top partners usually guard as competitive advantage. Why FY26 demands urgency from digital native software companies Early movers capture momentum. Partners publishing solutions now are compounding growth through marketplace and co-sell. Gateways are narrowing. Microsoft’s designations and compliance requirements filter who gets field visibility and GTM support. Agentic AI is the new baseline. Customers expect more than AI add-ons — they want autonomous, composable, outcome-focused solutions. Co-sell is non-negotiable. Microsoft’s field sellers are incentivized on it. If you’re not aligned, you’re not in the motion. Final word For digital native software companies, FY26 represents a massive opportunity. Microsoft is doubling down on AI, marketplace, and co-sell motions — and those who align early will define the next wave of growth. Reston isn’t just about attending an event. It’s about stepping into Microsoft’s AI-driven future, connecting with the leaders shaping it, and walking away with the playbooks to lead. ⭐SPECIAL OFFER As a valued Microsoft partner, Ultimate Partner is offering a 15% discount on general passes to experience UP LIVE⭐ 👉 [Register Now for UP LIVE: Reston] USE CODE: ULTIMATEVIP15 at checkout See you there!Certified Software Designations: FY26 Benefits Updates
If you are a software development company selling through the Microsoft commercial marketplace, don’t miss this office hours session. Learn how to stand out to Microsoft customers and sellers -- and unlock the top-tier of benefits available to software development company partners. Walk away with a better understanding of: Certified software designation: What it is and why it matters FY26 updates: New benefits and incentives for designated partners Getting started: Steps to begin your designation journey Where can I access the deck? Click here to download the slides presented in this session of Office Hours. When is the next Office Hours session? Bookmark the Marketplace Community for announcements about upcoming Office Hours events.Office hours for partners: Marketplace rewards for FY26
If you are a software company or channel partner selling through the Microsoft commercial marketplace, don’t miss our first Office Hours session of the new fiscal year! We start with an update on Marketplace Rewards for channel partners, which is now generally available for FY26. We then dive into the following topics and answer your questions live: Marketplace Rewards benefit tiers and changes from the pilot program Essential tips for utilizing Microsoft Azure Sponsorship to win multiparty private offer deals Lessons learned from successful partners Where can I access the deck? Click here to download the slides presented in this session of Office Hours. When is the next Office Hours session? Bookmark the Marketplace Community for announcements about upcoming Office Hours events.
