At this month’s Voice of the Microsoft Partner Roundtable, we tackled some of the biggest challenges facing Microsoft Partners in 2025—AI adoption, data readiness, security, and aligning with Microsoft’s go-to-market (GTM) strategy.
With AI evolving rapidly, Partners must navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Is AI actually driving revenue, or is it just hype? What does the shift toward DeepSeek mean for Copilot? How can Partners package AI solutions for success?
These were just some of the critical topics discussed during our VOMP with Sherman Crancer and Marc Scott from Diversified Robotic Inc.
Here are the top takeaways from the discussion:
AI Is Not an Out-of-the-Box Solution—It Requires Strategy
Many Partners assume AI is a plug-and-play solution, but that mindset leads to failed implementations. AI solutions need to be packaged, positioned, and trained to deliver real business value.
What this means for Partners: AI success starts with guiding customers, not just implementing tools. Partners who proactively drive AI discussions with their customers—rather than reacting to hype—will be the ones who win long-term.
The Data Readiness Gap—Your AI Strategy Is Only as Good as Your Data
AI relies on structured, accurate data to provide meaningful insights. Many companies store decades' worth of data in SharePoint, thinking it’s “AI-ready”—but without proper organization, AI can’t deliver valuable results.
What this means for Partners: The most successful AI projects start with a data audit. Helping customers clean, structure, and consolidate their data (such as using Azure Data Factory or Data Lakes) can unlock new opportunities for AI-driven insights.
DeepSeek vs. Copilot—What’s Next for Microsoft AI?
DeepSeek has gained attention for its advanced reasoning capabilities, but what does this mean for Copilot and other AI tools in Microsoft’s ecosystem? The panel explored how AI technologies are evolving and how Partners can navigate these shifts.
What this means for Partners: AI tools will continue to change, but the real value lies in how Partners implement them for real-world business impact. Instead of chasing trends, Partners should focus on aligning AI solutions with Microsoft’s GTM strategy to ensure long-term success.
Governance & Security—The AI Blind Spot That Can’t Be Ignored
With AI’s rapid expansion, security and governance are critical concerns. Poor data governance can lead to compliance risks, inaccurate AI outputs, and potential data breaches.
What this means for Partners: Customers need trusted advisors to guide them on AI security best practices—from data governance policies to AI usage guidelines that prevent exposure to third-party risks.
Final Thoughts—How Microsoft Partners Can Stay Ahead
The biggest takeaway? Microsoft Partners who embrace AI with a strategic, data-driven approach will lead the market. Success isn’t about selling licenses—it’s about helping customers navigate AI adoption with confidence.
At The Crancer Group, we specialize in helping Microsoft Partners align with Microsoft’s evolving priorities, maximize incentives, and drive AI & data strategies that lead to growth. Contact us to learn how we can support your business.
Join Us for Next Month’s Voice of the Microsoft Partner Roundtable
We encourage you to join the next Voice of the Microsoft Partner for more insights and practical strategies to help you grow your business in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Stay tuned for future sessions and feel free to reach out to us if you’d like to learn more about how we can help you overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Check out the full event recording here.
Register for the whole year here.
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