192 – Julie Sanford Reveals Microsoft’s Game-Changing Moves at Inspire!

Microsoft’s VP for Partner GTM, Programs & Operations Joins Ultimate Guide to Partnering® In a world where technology constantly pushes boundaries, the recent Microsoft Inspire conference set the stage for groundbreaking announcements, including the emphasis on artificial intelligence and the renaming of Microsoft’s partner program. I had the privilege of hosting an exclusive interview with Julie Sanford, Vice President, Partner GTM, Programs & Operations, to kick off our first LIVE Digital Event, “Winning with Ecosystems.” Julie Sanford reveals Microsoft’s game-changing moves at Inspire on this episode of Ultimate Guide to Partnering. In Julie’s Words As Vice President, Partner GTM, Programs, & Operations within Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft, Julie is responsible for the end-to-end go-to-market strategy across Microsoft’s commercial services partner ecosystem. The team combines the go-to-market strategy, programs, and platforms to accelerate growth and improve partner experience across all partner segments. Before her current roles, Julie was GM of Global Industry Product Marketing and was responsible for Microsoft’s Industry GTM across priority industries and Microsoft industry clouds strategy and GTM, including Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Microsoft Cloud for Retail, Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services, and Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing. What You’ll Learn In a world where technology is constantly pushing boundaries, the recent Microsoft Inspire conference set the stage for groundbreaking announcements in artificial intelligence. I had the privilege of hosting an exclusive interview with Julie Sanford, a prominent figure trailblazing the partner business. This interview discusses the exciting developments empowering partners to win with ecosystems. Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program: A Game Changer The highlight of the conference was the launch of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. Julie revealed that this move was driven by overwhelming customer demand, making it clear that AI is the way forward. This program opens up possibilities for partners to capitalize on Microsoft’s AI offerings and enhance their businesses. With a focus on seamless onboarding, skilling, and go-to-market incentives, it’s an opportunity like no other. Unleashing the Potential of ISVs Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) won big during the conference with many exciting benefits and incentives. From specialized AI applications to increased investments in Azure Migrate and Modernize, Microsoft lays the groundwork for ISVs to thrive. Access to GitHub co-pilot, funding for assessments and proof of concepts, and personalized support is a game-changer for those venturing into the AI landscape. SMB and SMC Segments Microsoft is significantly emphasizing the Small and Medium Business (SMB) and Small Medium Corporate (SMC) segments, recognizing their untapped potential. With customized investment portfolios and deliberate strategies, Microsoft is paving the way for partner-led success in these segments. The Microsoft Marketplace Moment Julie disclosed some remarkable developments in the Microsoft Marketplace. The availability of multi-private-party offers and the integration of “transactable” offers with co-sell benefits are transforming the game for partners. The conversation with Julie Sanford at Microsoft Inspire left us inspired for the future of AI. With the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program revolutionizing the in