At the 15th SMEChannels Channel Accelerator Awards 2025, Bhaskar Basu, Country Head – Enterprise Partnerships, Microsoft India & South Asia, joins CIO TV to share how AI is transforming India’s IT channel ecosystem and partner business models. In this exclusive conversation with Sanjay Mohapatra, Group Editor, Accent Info Media, he explains why AI is a paradigm shift—not a passing fad—and what it means to become a true “frontier firm” in the AI-first era.
Mr Basu shares how Microsoft is enabling partners with deep-skilling programs, commercial incentives to build AI-led service lines, and hands-on support in customer success and ROI-driven AI projects.
Key Highlights:
- Why AI is a paradigm shift for channel partners
- What it means to become a “frontier firm” in the AI-first world
- Three core AI use-case clusters: employee experience, process automation, and ROI-led transformation
- How customers are demanding clear business value from AI investments
- Microsoft’s three-pronged partner strategy: awareness & skilling, commercial incentives, and customer success support
If you are a VAR, SI, MSP, distributor, or regional partner looking to stay relevant and profitable in the age of AI, this discussion offers clear guidance on where to start, how to build capabilities, and how to monetize AI-powered solutions.
