At the 15th SME Channels Accelerator Awards 2025, Rajesh Sharma, Product Specialist-Commercial Master Trainer at Microsoft, tells CIO TV how events like these foster collaboration to help partners leverage next-gen AI tools like Copilot and generative AI across line-of-business applications. Microsoft supports channels globally with AI from chip-to-cloud, hybrid environments, edge computing, and safe AI principles compliant with GDPR and enterprise data protection rules.
Facing disruptions from AI, edge, quantum, and autonomous platforms, Mr Sharma advises partners to integrate AI into daily operations for customer communication and segmentation, targeting three key scenarios: AI at the edge, legacy PC upgrades to AI solutions, and acceleration via Copilot+ PCs for creativity, document synthesis, and on-time project delivery.
Key Highlights:
- SME Channels Awards as collaboration hubs for AI tool adoption
- Microsoft’s chip-to-cloud AI, Copilot, and GDPR-compliant solutions
- Advice for channels amid AI/edge/quantum disruptions
- Three partner customer segments: edge AI, legacy PC AI upgrades, Copilot+ PCs
- Expectations for 2026: daily AI use for customer segmentation and productivity
A must-watch for channel partners preparing for 2026’s AI-driven sea changes in business models.
