Technology Record - Issue 35: Winter 2024

36 EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW and investing in AI and cloud technologies, Microsoft is committed to supporting our customers and partners in achieving their goals. In November 2024, Microsoft hosted thousands of partners and customers at Microsoft Ignite in Chicago, USA. What is the relevance of events like this and how do the messages shared there impact the broader customer community? Events like Ignite are meaningful for showcasing our latest innovations, sharing strategic insights and providing direct learning opportunities. They bring together partners and customers to engage with Microsoft experts, network with peers and gain valuable knowledge. Ignite demonstrates Microsoft’s leadership and industry innovation, particularly in areas like AI with Copilot, Copilot Agents and the Copilot Stack. The messages shared help our partners and customers stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions about their technology investments. The event also offers extensive education and training, driving greater adoption, more efficient paths to innovation and effective use of our solutions. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, Ignite contributes to the success of our partners and customers. How is generative AI driving the adoption of cloud computing? What has the real uptake from business communities and civic organisations looked like in 2024, and how has Copilot impacted the adoption of Microsoft’s Azure Clouds for Industry family? Generative AI drives cloud adoption by offering tools that foster innovation and efficiency across industries. Copilot integrates seamlessly into Microsoft platforms, including Azure, and provides AI-powered insights that all users can rely on for data-driven decision-making. IDC’s Microsoft Partners: Driving Economic Value and AI Maturity report revealed that software organisations are recognising the immense business value of generative AI. One of the key findings is that for every $1 of Microsoft revenue, partners who provide services generate $8.45, and those who develop software make $10.93. AI is a huge growth opportunity, and we see the excitement from many partners in our ecosystem who are taking advantage of the MAICPP tools and resources to help customers transform and migrate to Azure. For partners, generative AI tools are more than just technological advancements; they serve as solutions that enable customers to address real business challenges. This translates into significant growth and economic opportunities for partners. Microsoft Azure Clouds for Industry is a collection of tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of industries by combining the power of Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Microsoft Fabric and Power Platform. In 2024, we have seen significant uptake. One example is with Żabka Group, Poland’s leading modern convenience store chain. Like many retailers, Żabka is dedicated to understanding the needs of its customers by offering products and services designed to simplify their lives. With this mission in mind, it launched Nano Stores, which provide “ For every $1 of Microsoft revenue, partners who provide services generate $8.45, and those who develop software make $10.93” Vodafone has transitioned to Microsoft 365 to improve productivity across its stores Photo: Vodafone

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