38 E X E CUT I V E I NT E R V I EW that every partner has a chance to continue growing and accelerating in the competitive cloud market. We are helping partners gain specialisations and deep technical training across solution areas. The new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program gives customers an easier way to identify partners with technical capabilities, knowledge and a history of delivering innovative solutions in specific areas. The new programme designations and naming will take effect in October 2022. Over the past few years, Microsoft has been working hard to deliver new tools that can aid worker productivity and connect service providers with their customers. Where do you see the next 12 months taking us on our road to a full recovery from Covid-19 restrictions and what is the Microsoft strategy when it comes to delivering a diverse array of industry-specific solutions? We have seen a wave of digital transformation that has affected every industry. The pandemic has introduced new business modes such as contactless pick-up and virtual healthcare. It is no longer enough to simply adopt technology; we must now build and grow new solutions. We are working closely with our partners to deliver innovative cloud solutions that are helping customers in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, financial solutions, and nonprofits to overcome unique business challenges by addressing these four principles: business model alignment, customer ownership and control of data, industry customisation, and unmatched partner ecosystems. Microsoft industry clouds build on our solution areas and provide tools and templates to help increase partners’ speed to market for their industry-specific applications, devices and services. Innovation is the key for partners to differentiate their solutions and scale go-tomarket offerings. As we have this conversation, preparations are well under way for Microsoft Inspire. In recent times, the in-person event has been replaced with a digital counterpart, as will be the case in 2022. What advantages do you feel a digital gathering can offer delegates and what can we expect to hear when the event kicks off on 19 July? The digital aspect gives us the incredible opportunity to include partners from around the globe. This level of inclusion and scale is a big benefit of digital events, and we appreciate the opportunity to have this direct connection with so many of our partners. We saw record numbers of attendees and sessions in 2021, so we will continue to offer registration at no cost to attendees. Microsoft is privileged to have an incredible partner ecosystem that thrives with the responsibility of delivering innovative solutions and services to businesses and local economies. Given the virtual component, we are eager to see our partners from around the world participate. Leading into Inspire, we will announce our annual Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards and celebrate the winners and finalists at the event. The awards recognise outstanding successes and innovations from across the diverse, global partner ecosystem. As we all come to terms with the impact of Covid-19 there are other equally important challenges to be addressed too, not least when it comes to the subject of climate change. Microsoft has a strong track record when it comes to putting sustainability at the heart of the conversation, with strategies such as #BuildFor2023. Where do you think the main sustainability focus will be as we move into the second half of 2022, and how will Microsoft work with partners to drive further innovation? Our goal isn’t just to become more sustainable; we want to help every organisation on the planet to do the same. We’re intentional about recognising partners that enable a more sustainable and equitable future, empowering every person and organisation to achieve more. Our partner ecosystem has the responsibility of helping customers transition to net-zero “ Microsoft is investing in ongoing partner benefits to ensure that every partner has a chance to continue growing”
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