Join SQL Modernization Day on October 20, 2026, to explore Azure SQL migration, AI apps, and new modernization tools for customers.
Help your customers modernize SQL: Join the SQL Modernization Day livestream on Oct 20. Your customers’ SQL Server estates are ready for their next move, and SQL Modernization Day can help you guide them there. Join the Microsoft SQL team for a no-cost, half-day livestream on Microsoft Reactor on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM PT. Across eight sessions, you’ll explore: The full modernization path: moving SQL Server to Azure SQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance, Azure Virtual Machines, and SQL database in Microsoft Fabric. Building AI apps once customers land in Azure. The new SQL modernization agent, in public preview, delivered as skills that plug into any interface that supports skills, starting with GitHub Copilot CLI and Visual Studio Code. Expanded Azure Arc migration, in public preview, to migrate multiple instances at once to Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Database Hyperscale, or Azure SQL Managed Instance. With SQL Server 2016 now out of support, this is a timely resource to share with customers still running it. Register today and invite your customers to join you. If you can’t make it live, every session will be available on YouTube after the event. Disclaimer: The SQL modernization agent and multi-instance Azure Arc migration to Azure SQL Database and Hyperscale are in public preview. Preview features are subject to change and may have limited availability. Agenda and speakers are subject to change. Participation is subject to the Microsoft Reactor Code of Conduct, linked on the registration page. Register for the livestreamICYMI: Accelerate your Frontier journey: Summit sessions now available on demand
The Frontier Transformation Engineer Summit may be over, but you can keep the momentum going. Revisit the highlights or catch up on sessions you missed. Read more on the new Partner Skilling discussion board Follow the Partner Skilling discussion board here to keep up to date on all future announcements!Don’t miss these key opportunities to strengthen your security practice
Security is the baseline expectation in migration and modernization—and the partners who lead in security can drive faster adoption, smoother deployments, and stronger customer outcomes from day one. Here’s how you can start today: Complete the Cloud Security Envisioning Workshop before June 30: Sharpen your security‑first approach and engage customers earlier in their cloud journey. After June 30, access requirements may change, so complete the workshop while current guidance is still in effect. Earn the Cloud Security specialization: Unlock continued workshop access and reinforce your role as a trusted partner for secure cloud transformations. Review the specialization requirements, check your status in Partner Center, and work with your Partner Development Manager or the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Concierge to accelerate readiness. Strengthen your security framing today Want more guidance? Explore these additional resources: Partner Concierge Azure Migrate and Modernize Partner ForumBuild the skills to strengthen customer conversations with Microskilling
Build the skills needed to stay current with product changes, strengthen customer conversations, and take action faster through curated videos and podcasts. Microskilling is purpose-built to accelerate understanding of the most impactful Microsoft skilling content related to leadership narratives, product pitches and updates, industry insights, and competitive differentiators. Why use the Microskilling modality Through curated topics, rapid updates, and intentional design, Microskilling is built to speed the time-to-value of Microsoft skilling. Partners can accelerate the learning that drives customer conversations and more deals. Microskilling offers: Low time commitment: Available through two to nine-minute videos and podcasts, there's no need to take time from your workday. On-demand learning: Microskilling content is always available, meaning it works with your schedule. An experience designed to drive action: Each asset includes clear next actions, so learning turns into doing. Access the Microskilling platform today through Partner Center or the Microsoft Partner Skilling Hub.Earn certifications and accelerate deal velocity at the Sales Certification Week event
Join a no-cost, three-day virtual Sales Certification Week event designed to help partner sellers build practical AI fluency, activate real-world use cases, and validate AI readiness by earning Microsoft credentials—without taking extended time away from selling. Sales Certification Week is part one of a two-part skilling initiative called Skills2Win and will be followed by Microsoft Presales Cloud Week. Skills2Win empowers partners to earn the latest business certifications while strengthening presales expertise to accelerate customer value. This new, no-cost event runs in a half-day virtual format with multiple session options. Space is limited—register today on the Microsoft Partner Skilling Hub, or find the language that fits your needs from the schedule below: May 5–7 (EMEA: German) May 12–14 (Americas: Spanish) May 13–15 (Asia: Chinese, Japanese, Korean) May 18–20 (EMEA: French) May 19–21 (Americas: Portuguese) Register nowExplore curated Microsoft Partner Digital Skilling Journeys
Partners like you understand that skilling isn't optional—it's foundational for success in an AI-first market. Keeping up with evolving technologies and capabilities will better position you with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing market. Explore Microsoft Partner Digital Skilling Journeys (PDJs), curated presales, sales, and tech skilling experiences designed to enhance your knowledge aligned with partner strategic wins. First-time users may need to register—use your work email credentials to sign up. Curated journeys include: Microsoft Security Copilot Drive Business Transformation with Microsoft Copilot 365 Innovate with Azure AI Platform Drive Windows in the Cloud with Windows 365 Cloud Endpoints Modern Security Operations Data Security for AI Migrate to Azure Drive Business Collaboration and Teamwork with Microsoft Teams Accelerate Data Analytics Journey with Microsoft Fabric Cloud Security These journeys are tailored to your interests, needs, and role within your organization. Select the link relevant to the journey you're interested in, register today on the Skilling Hub using your organizational login, answer a few questions, and you'll receive tech and sales-ready skilling experiences customized to your interests and goals. Register nowUpcoming IT Management and Security in the AI Era events on Tech community!
We’re excited to invite you to IT Management and Security in the AI Era, on Thursday, February 26th, from 8:00AM to 10:30 AM Pacific. This digital event is designed to help IT and security professionals answer questions with clarity and confidence, grounded in the latest Microsoft 365 Copilot capabilities and controls. What to expect IT Management and Security in the AI Era brings together insights, demos, and deep dives from Microsoft experts, giving you a practical understanding of how to prepare your environments for Copilot and agents while managing risks responsibly. Topics covered include: Built-in protections in the Copilot platform that help proactively safeguard your organization Practical ways to reduce exposure to common attack vectors in an increasingly AI-driven digital workplace Technical guidance for protecting sensitive data while maintaining productivity Best practices for managing AI agents and controlling costs Measurement, analytics, and usage insights to understand adoption and business impact Guidance on enabling users and assessing the value of Microsoft 365 Copilot and agents across your organization Continue reading and register here!Redefine work in an AI-enhanced world: Attend the Frontier Firms webinar November 24, 2025
Our dynamic four-part webinar series, Agentic AI + Copilot Partner Skilling Accelerator, empowers you to use the Microsoft AI ecosystem to unlock new revenue streams and enhance customer success. Across four sessions, experts will deliver practical guidance, industry best practices, and proven strategies for applying AI tools in no-code, low-code, and pro-code scenarios. The first session in this learning series explores Frontier Firms and how to position yourself as one, provides an overview of the Microsoft AI ecosystem, and offers tips on when and how to apply specific Microsoft tools. Don't miss this chance to level up your business's ability to design, position, and sell AI solutions that accelerate customer success and increase revenue. This live virtual event is scheduled for November 24, 2025. Register today to reserve your spot!
Profiles in Partnership Ep 22 | Unlocking M&A Success: Human Insights and Tech Transformation for Microsoft Partners
Understanding the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is more crucial than ever—especially for Microsoft partners navigating the competitive tech ecosystem. In the latest podcast episode of "Unlocking M&A Success," hosts Anthony Carrano and Rudy Rodriguez sit down with Tim Mueller, M&A managing partner and co-founder of IT ExchangeNet, as he shares invaluable insights into how human relationships and technological innovation are reshaping the future of business. With expertise gleaned from decades in the field, Mueller delves into the human side of the M&A process, the transformative power of AI, and critical strategies to elevate Microsoft partners for long-term success. Listen to full episode here! The Human Element: Relationships as the Cornerstone of M&A Success Contrary to common perceptions, M&A is not solely about numbers and valuations—relationships play a pivotal role. As Tim Mueller explains, the human element can make or break a deal. Sellers, who have often invested years of dedication in building their businesses, must strike a balance between transparency and humility during the due diligence process. Buyers, on the other hand, need to approach negotiations with empathy and understanding. Mutual respect and trust are vital for ensuring a seamless transition. Mueller highlights how crucial it is for M&A advisors to act as part therapist and part mentor, guiding clients through the emotional journey of selling or acquiring a business. "Our role is part priest, part rabbi, part therapist, part big brother, part adviser," says Mueller, emphasizing how understanding the human psyche can unlock the soul of the deal. Key Takeaways for Microsoft Partners: Nurturing Relationships and Achieving Balance A recurring theme in the discussion is the importance of cultivating strong, integrated relationships within the Microsoft ecosystem. Mueller advises Microsoft partners to maintain consistent communication with their Microsoft contacts, striking a balance between organic revenue and referral revenue. Over-reliance on referrals can create vulnerabilities if the flow of business shifts unexpectedly. As Mueller notes, "You want a stellar relationship with Microsoft, but never to the point where 70% of your revenue relies on them." Takeaway #1: The Power of Partnerships Strong alignment with Microsoft ensures your business remains relevant and respected. However, balancing this with internally generated revenue strengthens your position and long-term viability. Takeaway #2: Transparency Builds Trust Open and honest communication during the M&A process fosters respect and trust among all parties, setting the stage for successful transitions. AI: The Catalyst for Transformation Mueller predicts that AI will revolutionize both the operations of Microsoft partners and the broader mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape. He compares AI's potential to the internet revolution of the 1990s, calling it "the singular transformational, catalytic push" that will redefine how businesses operate. From automating billing processes to optimizing cybersecurity practices, AI tools can reduce costs and increase productivity, driving higher valuations for sellers. Takeaway #3: Leveraging AI Internally AI isn't just for client solutions—using it to streamline operations, analyze metrics, and automate repetitive tasks can significantly boost efficiency and margins. Takeaway #4: AI-Driven Business Models Buyers are increasingly looking for businesses that incorporate AI as part of their core strategy. Tim Mueller urges Microsoft partners to leverage tools like Microsoft Copilot and other ancillary AI platforms to enhance their value proposition. Preparing for the Future: Practical Tools for M&A Readiness For partners preparing to sell, Mueller emphasizes the importance of readiness. IT ExchangeNet offers a free "Ready, Set, Go" assessment to help sellers identify their strengths and areas for improvement before entering the market. This proactive approach ensures that sellers are well-positioned to attract the best buyers. For buyers, IT ExchangeNet's "Buyers Direct" program offers a platform to advertise their acquisition criteria, facilitating easier connections with sellers who meet their needs. Mueller also highlights the role of rudimentary AI in matching buyers and sellers, further streamlining the M&A process. Takeaway #5: Preparation is Key Whether selling or buying, leveraging tools like readiness assessments and buyer-seller matching platforms can optimize outcomes and reduce friction during the M&A process. Practical Recommendations for Microsoft Partners As a final thought, Mueller offers two invaluable resources for business owners preparing for an M&A journey: Book Recommendation: “The Soul of the Deal” by Mark Morgenstern. This book explores the psychological and emotional aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), providing practical insights for both buyers and sellers. Podcast Recommendation: “Acquired” by David Gilbert. This podcast explores the journeys of businesses and entrepreneurs, providing in-depth examinations of the nuances of acquisitions. Looking Ahead: The Future of M&A for Microsoft Partners The following five to ten years promise to be transformative for Microsoft partners. As AI continues to evolve, businesses that fully integrate these technologies will gain a competitive edge. Mueller envisions a future where AI tools not only enhance business operations but also create entirely new categories of value. For Microsoft partners, staying ahead means embracing innovation, nurturing relationships, and positioning themselves strategically within the tech ecosystem. Whether you're preparing to sell your business or seeking to acquire one, the insights shared in this podcast episode provide a clear roadmap for success. Final Thoughts Success in M&A extends beyond financial metrics—it's about understanding the human dynamics, leveraging transformative technologies like AI, and preparing strategically for the future. By aligning with these principles, Microsoft partners can unlock new levels of growth and opportunity in the ever-changing tech landscape. Whether you’re a new partner or an established one, the IAMCP community can be your gateway to success. For more insights and inspiration, or if you are ready for M&A, visit the IAMCP M&A Marketplace to connect with an M&A professional with expertise in selling Microsoft-focused businesses. You can learn more about IAMCP hereUnleash the power of generative AI in your marketing strategies
In the recent Boost your marketing with GenAI and Through Partner Marketing webinar, we explored the top trends in marketing powered by generative AI (GenAI) and ways to leverage tools like Microsoft Copilot to accelerate go-to-market strategies.
