Copilot for MCTs
I participated in the February 2024 Training Services Partner Community Call (TSPCC) about an hour ago, where numerous Copilot courses and Applied Skills Assessments were announced. However, a critical concern remains unaddressed: the accessibility of Copilot for Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) to effectively teach these courses and conduct assessments. The current guidance of "Bring your own subscription" (which was provided to me as a response in the TSPCC Q & A today) for training organizations is impractical and does not align with the needs of MCTs and training service providers (TSPs). The lack of a feasible solution for accessing Copilot presents a significant barrier to entry, particularly for individual trainers and small to medium-sized TSPs. The financial burden of procuring a Copilot license, with its substantial upfront cost and lack of a monthly payment option, is a deterrent to many, including myself and many TSPs in my region. This situation creates an uneven playing field, favoring larger enterprise TSPs capable of acquiring multiple licenses, thereby monopolizing the market and client base. It is imperative to recognize that the demand for instructor-led training in Copilot is high, with students seeking guidance and consultation in navigating this revolutionary tool. The self-learning route is not a viable alternative for all learners. I urge Microsoft WWL to expedite the development of a solution that provides MCTs with complimentary access to Copilot, enabling us to deliver the high-quality training that is in demand. The current model is not sustainable and risks alienating a significant portion of the training community. It is crucial for Microsoft WWL to address this issue promptly to ensure the successful rollout of Copilot courses and to maintain the integrity and inclusivity of the MCT program.🚀 Calling All Microsoft Partners 🚀
We're thrilled to announce that the Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards nominations open on June 18, 2025! These awards celebrate the transformative impact you make - from driving innovation in AI and security to championing sustainability and industry transformation. This is your chance to gain global recognition for your achievements! 📅 Important: June 18, 2025: Nominations open This Spring: Guidelines will be published, so you'll have plenty of time to prepare your submissions Plus, we're excited to announce a future LIVE AMA (Ask Me Anything) event where you can engage directly with the POTYA team and get your questions answered in real time. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, be sure to check out the inspiring stories of our 2024 winners on the POTYA Homepage. Let's showcase our success and innovation together!Data & AI Summer School 2024
Dear Microsoft partners, even if the temperatures have not yet reached summer levels, the AI summer continues to be in full swing. While AI continues to attract significant attention, more organizations are recognizing the importance of thinking about data and AI from an end-to-end perspective. This broader view encompasses critical aspects such as data management, governance, security, user interactions, and the augmentation of workforce capabilities. We believe this comprehensive approach is more impactful, though we acknowledge it can be more challenging to fully grasp. The focus of our event is to equip you, our partner, with this broader perspective and provide a deeper understanding of how our technologies can be integrated to deliver even greater impact for your customers and your business. Join us at The Circle for a fantastic opportunity to expand your AI knowledge, upgrade your technical skills, and network with industry leaders from the Microsoft Swiss GPS tech team. Please note that on-site capacity is limited, so make sure to reserve your seat quickly. Save the Date & Registration When: August 21st, 2024 from 08:30 to 18:00 Onsite Location (Hybrid Event): Microsoft Switzerland, The Circle 02, Zurich Airport Online: Teams Meeting (Business Track only) Event Language: English Registration: Business Track (on-site experience) Business Track (virtual experience) Tech Hands-on Track (on-site experience only) Preliminary Agenda (Business Track) The Hands-on Track will run in parallel to the session of the business track between 10:50 and 15:00. Timeslot Sessions 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM Welcome Coffee 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM Intro & Keynote 09:30 AM - 09:50 AM Data & AI News Show 09:50 AM - 10:10 AM Azure AI Infrastructure: A Look Behind the Scenes 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM Microsoft Vision: Fabric + AI 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM Coffee Break 10:50 AM - 11:20 AM Market & Strategy Update: Introducing AI Design Wins 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM Microsoft Sales Stories on AI Design Wins 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM Swiss DC 12:20 PM - 01:30 PM Lunch Break 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM Legal Update 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM Microsoft Copilots 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM Migration Factory 03:00 PM - 03:20 PM Coffee Break 03:20 PM - 03:50 PM Recap Microsoft Partner Support 03:50 PM - 04:45 PM Partner Q&A Panel 04:45 PM - 05:00 PM Closure Remarks and Goodbye 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Apero
Tech Talk Fridays with the Partner Tech Team from Switzerland - starting 19th of April 2024
Dive into the world of technology with our Tech Talk Fridays series! Join us from the 19th of April 2024 onwards every Friday for engaging sessions covering a range of solution areas: Modern Work Security Infrastructure Data & AI App Innovation Business Applications Stay ahead of the curve and explore with us the latest trends and insights in tech. For further details on the sessions and registration options, you can find them here: Tech Talk Fridays – Switzerland Cloud ChampionExclusive Event for Resellers Only - June 17th in Zürich
We’re bringing together the brightest minds in security, cloud, and AI to explore “Security & Cloud Adoption: The Swiss SMB Opportunity”. This is your chance to unlock actionable strategies for growth in a competitive landscape, directly from Microsoft and Pax8 experts. 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2025 📍 Location: Microsoft Office @ The Circle, Flughafen CH, Zürich, 8058 🕛 Time: 12:00 – 16:00 CEST Register now! Swiss SMBs are ready for cloud & AI – but they need trusted partners to guide them through security and adoption. At this event, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Navigate the cloud journey for SMBs with confidence ✅ Position yourself as a trusted security advisor ✅ Build a profitable AI services portfolio with Copilot and Microsoft technologies ✅ Leverage insights from the latest Microsoft Digital Defense Report What’s On the Agenda: 12:00 – Lunch & Networking 13:00 – Welcome 13:15 – SMB AI Opportunity 14:00 – Security Insights 15:00 – Data Loss Prevention Demo 15:15 – Monetize AI 15:45 – Wrap-Up & Q&A Meet the Speakers: Calin Turcanu, GM SME&C, Microsoft Harald Nuij, CEO, Pax8 EMEA Andy Readman, AI Director, Pax8 Academy Marcel Weber, Lead Security, Microsoft Tom Welton, Solution Consultant, Pax8 Martin Janisch, Partner Tech Strategist, Microsoft 🌐 Resellers Only | In-Person Networking | Actionable Insights 🎟️ Seats are limited – Register now! Don’t miss the opportunity to lead the SMB transformation with the right mix of Cloud, AI, and Security. #MicrosoftPartners #Pax8 #MSPartner #CloudSecurity #Azure #CloudAdoption #SwissSMBAI Icebreaker Day 2025 - January 29th
Happy New Year everyone! ☃️ We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming AI Icebreaker Day on January 29th. The world of Data & AI does not sleep and after a long holiday break, there are many announcements and updates to catch up with. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to help you hit the ground running, with everything you need to get up to speed on AI trends such as agentic systems and exciting technologies that will shape the year ahead. So join us, for a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and exchange thoughts. 📅 Date: January 29th, 2025 🕒 Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 📍 Location: Microsoft Zurich, The Circle Register for AI Icebreaker Day 2025 What’s in Store: - AI agent adoption and our vision for the future. - Building agents with Copilot Studio or custom code. - Ensuring the right data and infrastructure for AI success. - Securing your AI workloads to stay compliant and safe. Please note that on-site capacity is limited and registrations from Swiss Microsoft Partners will be prioritized. Make sure to reserve your seat quickly. Organisation Team: Alexandra Grozea Lisa Wolffhugel Florian FollonierBecome a Sponsoring Partner for the Microsoft AI Tour Zurich – Apply Now!
We’re excited to invite partners to join the Microsoft AI Tour in Zurich on Thursday, 13th March 2025 as a Sponsoring Partner! This event was formerly known as Microsoft Ignite Switzerland. Showcase your company’s innovations and engage with key decision-makers at this high-profile event. Event website: Please find the event website here. Sponsorship Packages: All the details about our sponsorship options are attached. Please complete the application form to apply for your preferred package. Application Deadline: Submit your application by December 20, 2024 Email applications to: chevents@microsoft.com Successful applicants will be notified by CW 2, 2025. Let’s make this event unforgettable together! For questions, contact us at chevents@microsoft.com.New benefits packages and program updates
Today, I’m excited to announce the release of new partner benefits packages, each equipped with in-demand product, support, and advisory benefits and designed to drive partner success. There are three new distinct benefits packages: Partner Launch Benefits, Partner Success Core Benefits, and Partner Success Expanded Benefits. These packages are purpose-built to meet the varied needs of our partners at different stages of growth and designed to help take your business to the next level. They complement Solutions Partner and ISV Success core and expanded benefits already available for partners. Grow with Microsoft: unlock new benefits packages and program updates - Microsoft AI Cloud Partner ProgramMicrosoft AI Icebreaker Day for Partners - Save the Date: 31st of January 2024
Dear Microsoft Partners, As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, we are delighted to invite you to a special event that aims to "break the ice" on any uncertainties and open up new opportunities: The AI Icebreaker Day. Since our successful AI Summer School in August, the AI field has surged ahead with remarkable advancements. This winter, we're excited to update you on the latest in AI technology and market trends. Prepare for a day brimming with innovative learning and exploration in AI. Save the Date & Registration: January 31st Join us from 08:30 to 17:00 at the Microsoft Office at the Circle. Remember to mark your calendar using the attached save the date file. Register for the on-site or the virtual event via the following links: Microsoft Events - On-Site AI Icebreaker Day Microsoft Events - Virtual AI Icebreaker Day Breaking the Ice We understand that keeping up with AI can be challenging. This event is our way of helping you break through any barriers or hesitations, ensuring you stay at the forefront of AI advancements. It's an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together in this dynamic field. We eagerly await the chance to welcome you to this engaging and enlightening day. What to Expect This event is designed for everyone, whether your expertise lies in technical realms or business and sales. We've tailored two separate tracks to provide insights specific to your professional role. Browse the agenda below for details on what each track will cover. As the year draws to a close, we extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Warm regards, Florian Follonier, Alexandra Grozea, & Lisa Wolffhugel Preliminary Agenda Timeslot Sessions 08:30 - 09:00 Welcome Coffee 09:00 - 09:30 Intro and Keynote 09:30 – 09:55 AI News Update 09:55 – 10:15 Security Update 10:15 - 10:35 Coffee Break Tech Track Business Track 10:35 - 11:20 Performance Tuning & PTU How to Sell AI 11:20 - 12:05 Exploring Semantic Kernel Generating New Business with AI 12:05 - 13:15 Lunch Break 13:15 - 14:00 Building Copilots Make or Buy Decision across the MS AI Portfolio / Challenges with Customers 14:00 - 14:45 LLMOps Legal Update 14:45 - 15:05 Coffee Break 15:05 - 15:50 Dealing with data challenges with MS Fabric 15:50 - 16:35 Partner Podium – AI Partner Accelerator / Regulatory / AI Trends 16:35 - 17:00 Closure: End Remarks and Goodbye
