Partner Blog | Limitless learning, one location: The Microsoft Partner Skilling Hub is here
This month, we kicked off our new fiscal year. On July 15, Microsoft hosted MCAPS Start for Partners, during which we unveiled our strategic priorities, key investments, enhancements to the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, and new opportunities to scale your business. One of these opportunities, our new Microsoft Partner Skilling Hub, is available now in preview. The Skilling Hub is a unified platform that brings together all GPS partner skilling resources—Microsoft Titan Skilling Academy, LevelUp, GPS Skilling Hub, SureStep, AI Partner Training Days, and regional events—into one seamless experience. First announced in our June blog post, this streamlined platform is your new home base for training, certification prep, and continuous growth. One of the most exciting opportunities in the Skilling Hub is Microsoft Titan Skilling Academy. This centralized, global learning portal is designed to help partner sales professionals boost their skills and close more deals through structured, role-based training. Launched on June 1, 2025, its first module, “Sales Titan: Threat Protection,” focuses on Microsoft 365 E5 Security and offers on-demand training, certifications, and resources to support confident customer conversations. Built for you, shaped by your feedback The Skilling Hub isn’t just a new portal—it’s a partner-driven experience. As a partner-centered organization, we listened carefully to your feedback and shaped the platform around the capabilities and features that matter most to you. You gave us valuable insights about what would be most useful, including: A single access point for role-based learning. Easy-to-follow guidance that supports specialization and certification acquisition. A simplified interface for purposeful learning journeys. We plan to deliver all this and more. Continue reading hereIntroducing Microsoft Sales Titan and Consumption Led Skilling learning platforms
For 50 years, Microsoft has been at the forefront of technology, driving transformation and innovation that empower organizations worldwide. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our partners—helping them seize market opportunities, accelerate success, and foster sustainable growth. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, skilling is more critical than ever. Businesses must stay ahead of trends, equip their teams with the latest knowledge, and develop expertise in emerging technologies. That’s why we’re introducing two new initiatives designed to help our partners build expertise, gain recognition, and unlock new business opportunities: Microsoft Sales Titan, a centralized skilling portal tailored to help sales professionals enhance their proficiency in Microsoft Threat Protection SKUs and position themselves as industry leaders. Consumption Led Skilling (CLS) 2.0, a streamlined tool that simplifies partner skilling requests and ensures training resources are aligned with customer projects for maximum impact. These programs are beyond traditional training. They are designed to help partners differentiate themselves, expand their influence, and grow their business as we continue to improve and simplify our partner skilling portals. Continue reading hereBuild AI skills at Microsoft AI Skills Fest
Register now for Microsoft AI Skills Fest, a no-cost digital skilling event taking place June 8–12. Designed so partners can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, attendees can build in-demand AI skills, gain practical insights, and discover ways to deliver innovative solutions, deepen customer relationships, and stay competitive in a fast-changing market. Get ready to lead Frontier Transformation If you’re a solution engineer or architect building AI agents across the Frontier stack—including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Foundry, Copilot Studio, GitHub Copilot, Fabric, and Agent 365—you can validate your expertise with the Frontier Transformation Engineer badge. Continue reading this blog on our newSkilling discussion boardDrive customer demand and accelerate growth with Microsoft skilling opportunities
Developing cutting-edge skills isn’t just a priority—it’s a competitive necessity, as data from 2024 skilling trends revealed. According to TalentLMS, 71% of employees now seek more frequent skill updates, and 80% are calling on their organizations to prioritize upskilling and reskilling investments. Microsoft partners can turn this willingness to learn into an opportunity to drive innovation and growth: skilling trends in 2025 show growing demand for new, industry-specific skilling, particularly in AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, and data literacy and analytics. Studies also found a thirst for self-guided learning, bite-sized certifications, and career resilience. Microsoft is here to help meet that demand. We're dedicated to providing our partners with tools and opportunities to help your organization thrive in 2025 and beyond. We’ve developed skilling events around the world, such as bootcamps, workshops, and self-guided learning opportunities to strengthen sales and technical skills in the topics most critical to your organization. Explore upcoming online and in-person events in your region to discover how we can help you learn and grow. Microsoft AI Partner Training Days Join us in person to hear about the latest trends and technology in the era of Al, with guidance from Microsoft executives and industry leaders. Hear about lessons learned from real-world Al deployments, discuss sales best practices followed by Microsoft teams, get hands-on experience with the Microsoft Al platform, and discover go-to-market tools designed to build and expand your Al practice. Register today and share with your global teams. We’re excited to host you at one of our training days around the world: Americas January 28, 2025: New York, NY Asia February 25, 2025: Mumbai March 19, 2025: Seoul April 3, 2025: Tokyo Europe, Middle East, Africa January 22, 2025: Johannesburg March 4, 2025: London Partner Project Ready workshops Your organization’s developers, solution architects, and data scientists can register for the Microsoft Azure, Business Applications, Modern Work, or Microsoft Security Partner Project Ready workshops. These multiday skilling events help deepen the expertise needed to assess customer needs and seamlessly implement Azure solutions. Plus, participating in the live sessions of certain events gives you the opportunity to earn a digital badge that serves as a testament to your engagement and training. We are continually adding new events across the globe, so be sure to check the Microsoft Global Partner Skilling Hub for the latest events and registration links. In the meantime, you can register today for the following events to begin building the skills that will help you become project-ready: Azure Build and modernize AI Apps workshop February 17-20, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Power your AI transformation with Copilot and the Copilot stack January 22-24, 2025: IST, GMT Learn more and register Microsoft Fabric workshops Track 1: Fabric administration and governance Track 2: Data warehousing with Microsoft Fabric January 28-29, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Microsoft Fabric Workshops Track 1: Modern data engineering with Microsoft Fabric February 11-13, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Track 2: Data insights with AI in Microsoft Fabric February 11-12, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Microsoft Fabric workshops Coming soon: Track 1: Real-time intelligence with Microsoft Fabric Track 2: Data warehousing with Microsoft Fabric March 11-12, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Azure Databricks: migration and integration February 18-20, 2025: IST February 19-21, 2025: GMT, PST Learn more and register Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities January 28-30, 2025: IST January 29-31, 2025: GMT, PST Learn more and register Fortify your data with Microsoft Purview February 4-6, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Build, extend, or buy? Driving customer conversations with Copilot and Copilot stack February 11-13, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Business Applications Power your AI transformation with Copilot and the Copilot stack January 22-24, 2025: IST, GMT Learn more and register Full contact center solution with Power Platform & Dynamics 365 January 28, 2025: PST January 30, 2025: PST February 4, 2025: PST February 6, 2025: PST February 11, 2025: PST February 13, 2025: PST February 18, 2025: PST February 20, 2025: PST Learn more and register Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities January 28-30, 2025: IST January 29-31, 2025: GMT, PST Learn more and register Build, extend, or buy? Driving customer conversations with Copilot and Copilot stack February 11-13, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Innovate with Microsoft 365 Copilot and build your own agents February 18-20, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Modern Work Power your AI transformation with Copilot and the Copilot stack January 22-24, 2025: IST, GMT Learn more and register Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities January 28-30, 2025: IST January 29-31, 2025: GMT, PST Learn more and register Build, extend, or buy? Driving customer conversations with Copilot and Copilot stack February 11-13, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Innovate with Microsoft 365 Copilot and build your own agents February 18-20, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Security Certification week for Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program – Security and GitHub January 27-31, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Power your AI transformation with Copilot and the Copilot stack January 22-24, 2025: IST, GMT Learn more and register Fortify your data with Microsoft Purview February 4-6, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Build, extend, or buy? Driving customer conversations with Copilot and Copilot stack February 11-13, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Migrating your SIEM solution to Microsoft Sentinel February 18-20, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Innovate with Microsoft 365 Copilot and build your own agents February 18-20, 2025: IST, GMT, PST Learn more and register Develop new business with Sales and Pre-Sales Partner Skilling bootcamps To grow your business, you need to understand the critical points in the customer journey, identify business opportunities, and articulate the differentiated value of your AI and cloud solutions. We can help your sales team build their knowledge and techniques in Microsoft solution areas with training based on our industry expertise, market research, and decades of experience in the sales journey. Our on-demand, hybrid, and interactive Sales and Pre-Sales Skilling bootcamps provide scheduling flexibility for learners at every level of experience—so your team can learn wherever and whenever their calendar allows. Register today for one of our upcoming Sales and Pre-Sales Skilling bootcamps: Power your AI transformation with Copilot and the Copilot stack January 22-24, 2025: IST, GMT Learn more and register SMB sales bootcamp January 28-30, 2025: PST January 29-31, 2025: IST, GMT Learn more and register Low code + Copilot Studio sales bootcamp February 11-13, 2025: PST February 12-14, 2025: IST, GMT Learn more and register Explore our in-person technical workshops Our in-person regional partner skilling workshops are meticulously crafted for the AI era. These hands-on workshops provide the essential skills required in today's dynamic landscape, including: Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities Build and extend Copilots to improve business productivity Technical workshop implementing Azure VMware solutions AI-powered threat protection with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Security Copilot Fortify your data security with Microsoft Purview Empowering business growth: modernizing data and analytics with Microsoft Fabric in the AI era Find an exclusive workshop coming to a city near you: Build and extend Copilots to improve business productivity Empowering business growth: modernizing data and analytics with Microsoft Fabric in the AI era Technical workshop implementing Azure VMware Solution February 25, 2025: Tokyo Fortify your data security with Microsoft Purview Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities Upcoming: February 11, 2025: Bogota February 19, 2025: Cologne April 16, 2025: Osaka Technical workshop implementing Azure VMware Solution February 17, 2025: Singapore Upcoming: February 13, 2025: Bogota Empowering business growth: modernizing data and analytics with Microsoft Fabric in the AI era February 11, 2025: Bengaluru February 20, 2025: Cologne March 6, 2025: Tokyo March 12, 2025: Prague April 1, 2025: Milan April 2, 2025: Melbourne April 24, 2025: Beijing May 8, 2025: Munich AI-powered threat protection with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Security Copilot February, 12, 2025: Bogota Upcoming: February 18, 2025: Singapore February 18, 2025: Cologne February 19, 2025: Seoul March 7, 2025: Tokyo March 17, 2025: Gurgaon April 2, 2025: Milan Migrate to innovate March 13, 2025: Sydney We are continually adding new events that take place around the globe, so if you do not see an event near you, be sure to bookmark the following links and check back frequently. In the Americas: Americas Partner Workshops In EMEA: Partner Enablement Workshops In Asia: Asia Partner Workshops Grow your AI capabilities with our Industry AI Envisioning series Join one of the Business and Capability Envisioning webinars to explore AI’s impact on your industry and how you can harness it to drive more business value and better customer experiences. You’ll gain insights from industry-specific use case examples, learn how to strategically solve business problems using an envisioning framework, and better understand how to recognize AI-driven solution opportunities for your customers and organization. Register for an upcoming webinar for your industry: AI for Retail AI for Manufacturing AI for Healthcare AI for Sustainability AI for Financial ServicesPartner Blog | What's new for Microsoft partners: January 2026 edition
Your voice continues to shape how the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program evolves. In this update, we’re bringing together the announcements, investments, and resources that matter most to partners right now. From the innovations unveiled at Microsoft Ignite to updates across benefits, Azure, AI business solutions, Marketplace, security, and skilling, this edition is designed to build capability, accelerate execution, and drive meaningful customer impact as AI becomes central to every workload. What follows highlights our focus and areas of partner opportunity, grounded in feedback from across the ecosystem and aligned to how customers are evolving their cloud and AI strategies. Spotlight Microsoft Ignite Microsoft Ignite marked an important evolution for the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, introducing new investments for partners to lead as Frontier Firms, translating their own AI experience into customer impact. Read Nicole Dezen’s blog for a partner-focused recap of Microsoft Ignite 2025, bringing together the announcements that matter most across AI, cloud platforms, security, and developer tools. Continue reading hereMicrosoft Partners: Accelerate Your AI Journey at AgentCon 2026 (Free Community Event)
Recently, a customer asked me a question many Microsoft partners are hearing right now: “We have Copilot — how do we actually use AI to change the way we work?” That question captures where we are in the AI journey today. Organizations have moved past curiosity. Now they’re looking for trusted partners who can turn AI into real business outcomes. That’s why events like AgentCon 2026 matter. A free, community-led event built by practicioners AgentCon is not a traditional conference. It’s a free, community-driven global event organized by the Global AI Community together with Microsoft partners and ecosystem leaders. Simply put: it’s for the community, by the community. Across cities worldwide, developers, consultants, architects, and Microsoft partners come together to share practical experiences building with AI agents, Copilot, and the Microsoft platform. The focus isn’t theory — it’s implementation: What worked What didn’t What partners can apply immediately with customers This peer learning model reflects how many of us actually grow in the Microsoft ecosystem: by learning from other partners solving real problems. Why this matters for Microsoft partners The opportunity for partners is evolving quickly. Customers aren’t just asking about AI tools — they’re asking how to redesign processes, automate work, and unlock productivity using AI-powered solutions. The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program emphasizes partner skilling and helping customers realize value from AI investments. Community events like AgentCon accelerate that learning by bringing partners together to exchange proven approaches and practical insights. When partners upskill faster, customers succeed faster. Why attend AgentCon is designed to help partners move from AI awareness to AI delivery. As an attendee, you can expect: Practical sessions and demos from practitioners Real-world AI and agent scenarios Direct conversations with builders and peers New collaboration and co-sell opportunities You’ll leave with ideas and approaches you can bring directly into customer engagements. Why speak AgentCon thrives because partners share openly with one another. If you’ve implemented Copilot, explored AI agents, or learned lessons from customer deployments, your experience can help others accelerate their journey. Speaking at AgentCon allows you to: Share your expertise with the global partner community Build credibility within the Microsoft ecosystem Create new partnerships and opportunities Contribute to collective partner success You don’t need a perfect story — just an honest one others can learn from. Join the global AgentCon community AgentCon 2026 events takes place around the world including these upcoming events: March 9 - New York: https://aka.ms/AgentconNYC2026 April 11 - Hong Kong: https://aka.ms/AgentconHongKong2026 April 16 - Seoul: https://aka.ms/agentconLondon2026 April 22 - London: https://aka.ms/agentconSeoul2026 Each event is locally organized, community-led, and free to attend. Help shape the next phase of AI adoption AI transformation is happening now — and Microsoft partners play a critical role in guiding customers forward. AgentCon is an opportunity to learn together, share experiences, and strengthen the partner ecosystem driving AI innovation. 👉 Register or apply to speak: https://aka.ms/agentcon2026 We hope you’ll join us — and be part of the community helping customers turn AI potential into real impact.GPT-5 in Azure AI Foundry: The future of AI apps and agents starts here
OpenAI’s GPT-5 is available today in Azure AI Foundry. GPT-5 adds advanced capabilities to support agentic workflows, complex code synthesis, and safer, more flexible integrations. Ideal for: Unified reasoning + chat for end-to-end problem solving Agentic task mastery with multi-step tool use and auditable decisions, Frontier coding with minimal prompting Developer controls for depth, speed, verbosity Free-form function calling (no rigid JSON schemas) Safer completions for sensitive prompts Learn more here!
