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.Don’t miss our upcoming Azure Accelerate Partner Webinar on September 25
We're excited to take the next step in the launch of Azure Accelerate - showing our ecosystem how partners are already seeing success with it! Azure Accelerate is Microsoft’s unified offering that brings together Azure Migrate and Modernize with Azure Innovate, built on the foundations of Azure Essentials. Azure Accelerate gives partners access to trusted experts, significant investments, and comprehensive coverage for every stage of the cloud and AI journey. Don’t miss our upcoming Azure Accelerate Partner Webinar on September 25, 8–9am PT, where we'll cover: Welcome & context: Why Azure Accelerate, what’s new for FY26 Two partner success stories: Real-world impact and lessons learned Live Q&A with Microsoft SMEs Resources & next steps: How to access toolkits, nominate deals, and maximize Accelerate Register to hold your spot at the webinar here: https://aka.ms/partner/AzureAccelerate Join us to learn, connect, and get inspired for FY26!Register for the Cloud and AI Platforms FY26 Partner Playbook Walkthrough Replay and Q&A session
Join us for a replay and exclusive Q&A session on September 11, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time or 5:00 PM Pacific Time to learn about the exciting go-to-market (GTM) priorities and initiatives planned for FY26 across the Cloud and AI platforms solutions area, aligned to the System Integrator partner audience. We are excited to invite you to an exclusive session where we will unveil the FY26 Cloud & AI Platform Partner Playbook and guide you through any Q&A. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you leverage Microsoft's latest investments and strategies to grow your business and enhance customer engagement. What to Expect: Business Overview: Gain insights into the FY26 investments and strategic priorities. Customer Opportunities: Understand the growth drivers and market opportunities for FY26. Solution Plays: Learn how to migrate and modernize your estate, innovate with Azure AI apps and agents, and unify your data platform. Partner Skilling: Discover opportunities for partner skilling and certifications to enhance your capabilities. Why Attend? Exclusive Insights: Get a detailed overview of the playbook and how it can benefit your business. Interactive Sessions: Participate in discussions and Q&A sessions to address your specific needs and questions. We look forward to your participation and collaboration in driving mutual growth and success. Please register now to secure your spot. Can’t attend the live event? Register anyway to get notified when the event content is available on demand. Register here for the morning and evening session! When you join this meeting, your name, email address and/or phone number may be viewable by other session participants in the attendee list. By joining, you’re agreeing to this experience. Learn more at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839. This event may be recorded and shared publicly with others, including Microsoft’s global customers, partners, employees, and service providers. The recording may include your name and any questions you submit to Q&A. You may submit questions anonymously.Save your spot for the FY26 Partner Power Hour webinar series happening soon!
Get ready to elevate your FY26 go-to-market (GTM) strategies with the Microsoft Partner Power Hour—a three-part, interactive webinar series. Register now and join us to: Explore the power of AI to help transform your marketing and sales go-to-market strategies. Maximize the impact of partner-ready campaigns. Engage with customers more effectively with insights from top-performing partners. Each session is designed to deliver real-world strategies you can immediately apply to drive results. Webinar 1: The winning formula: partner go-to-market strategies in the AI era Join Akanksha Shrivastava, Through-Partner Marketing Lead at Microsoft, and Vince Menzione, CEO of Ultimate Partner, to explore how partners can evolve their GTM strategies to meet changing buyer expectations, generate demand, and go to market with Microsoft in proven, impactful ways. Americas: July 22, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT APAC: July 23, 2025 | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM IST Webinar 2: Unleashing AI: transform your marketing campaigns Join Paul Shirer, Director of AI and GTM Technology at Bridge Partners, and Ashley Childress, Through-Partner Marketing Lead at Microsoft, as they discuss the transformative power of AI and Microsoft Copilot technologies—and discover how they can help optimize your go-to-market strategies, enhance campaign creation efficiency, and improve campaign effectiveness. Americas: July 29, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT APAC: July 30, 2025 | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM IST Webinar 3: Marketing mastery: lessons from leading Microsoft partners Join us for a virtual panel moderated by Scott Moltner, Through-Partner Marketing Lead at Microsoft, and featuring Kristen Fehrenbach of Pax8, Brendan Murphy of Arrow, and Terri McKinnon of Evolution Business Systems. They will share their experiences and provide practical examples of how they've effectively utilized partner-ready resources to achieve their goals. Americas: August 12, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT APAC: August 13, 2025 | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM IST Can’t attend the live sessions? Register anyway—recordings of each webinar will be available on demand.Accelerate cloud migrations with confidence - Join the Dr. Migrate Webinar
Join us for a special Teams Live Event: Solution and Services Assessments with Dr. Migrate Eligible Microsoft Partners can now request access to Dr Migrate licenses to run customer environment assessments with customers across segments. Dr Migrate is an AI-Assisted Cloud Migration platform that helps customers optimize their end-to-end migration and modernization planning— from secure discovery to executive-ready business case and wave plans migration and modernization roadmaps. With the new Dr Migrate Collector (DMC), Dr Migrate delivers a comprehensive environment assessment without requiring intrusive agents or compromising customer data security. 🎓 Join this session to learn more about Azure Accelerate and how tools like Azure Migrate and Dr Migrate can help you have actionable data and deep solution insights from a customer's IT environment. In this session you’ll learn how to get your teams trained and certified, and how to request a Dr Migrate license, an alternative solution available to partners eligible for support through Azure Accelerate. Tues, Aug 5, 2025 - 9:00am-10:00am MDT Tues, Aug 5, 2025 - 6:00pm-7:00pm MDT *Dr Migrate is available to Azure Expert MSP, Infrastructure & Database, Kubernetes, Migrate to Enterprise Applications, SAP, Analytics, DW Migration, Build AI Apps, Accelerate Developer Productivity, and AI Platform specialized partners.
