{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"IAMCP Profiles in Partnership","title":"The Future of Microsoft Partnerships in the AI Era with Jay McBain","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3359,"description":"Winning the AI Era Through Partnership\n\nMicrosoft partners are entering one of the biggest market shifts in history. In this episode, Jay McBain shares why AI is creating trillions in opportunity, why 82% of partners feel unprepared, how buyer behavior is changing, and what successful partners must do now to stay relevant. From ecosystem collaboration to digital-first selling, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for Microsoft partners looking to grow in the AI era.\n\nTop 5 Intriguing Takeaways for IAMCP Partners\n1. AI Is Creating the Largest Opportunity in Technology History\nThe technology industry took 56 years to reach roughly $6 trillion in annual spending. Jay believes AI will effectively double that market in the next several years, creating enormous opportunities for Microsoft partners.\n2. Most Microsoft Partners Don't Feel Ready\nResearch across approximately 25,000 Microsoft partners found that 82% do not feel prepared for AI because the technology is evolving faster than traditional training and certification models can keep up.\n3. Customers No Longer Buy the Way They Used To\nModern buyers complete much of their research independently using AI tools like ChatGPT before ever engaging a salesperson. Partners must influence buyers throughout the entire journey, not just at the point of purchase.\n4. Business Outcomes Matter More Than Technology Features\nSuccessful partners are shifting conversations away from products and toward growth, profitability, customer acquisition, efficiency, and measurable business outcomes.\n5. The Future Belongs to Partner Ecosystems\nCustomers increasingly trust multiple specialists rather than one vendor. Jay's research shows the average customer relies on 6.3 trusted partners, making collaboration more important than ever.\n\nGuests:\nJay McBain, Chief Analyst - Channels, Partnerships & Ecosystems at Omdia\nPersonal LI: Jay McBain\nHis blogs about the IT industry and channel management: Blogs | Omdia\nPersonal website: Jay...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/UindEHTGn__6-SCbZTniaGlstpFdtl3YZK640nRKnGI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82YzJm/ZGRjMWFhYjNmNDgx/MWZlNjkxZmQ0YmMy/ZjgwYy5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}