There are three pieces of interesting international news.
Microsoft has partnered with various organizations in Singapore to drive AI adoption and skillsets among small and midsize businesses (SMBs). The collaborations involve training SMBs in AI tools, integrating AI into the education curriculum, and developing industry-specific use cases for generative AI. The efforts aim to enhance productivity, boost operations, and establish an AI-first culture and ecosystem. Singapore’s government has also allocated funds to accelerate AI development in the country.
MSP360 has announced its strategic expansion into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) through partnerships with local software resellers. This move is part of MSP360’s global expansion strategy to provide cloud-based backup and IT management solutions to a wider audience in EMEA.
Pax8 has divested its New Zealand managed service provider (MSP) business to the newly-formed Umbrellar Technology Group, ensuring continuity of service and support for its direct clients. The agreement also establishes Pax8 as the exclusive supplier for Umbrellar. Pax8 plans to make its professional services globally available from the region and launch a New Zealand office.
Why do we care?
Most of my audience is US based, but not entirely so. These are important in each region.
That said, there’s some US implications here. For Pax8, they’re divesting services business they had previously acquired. Their goal – be “pure channel”. What this also tells me is they are filtering what they keep. They held onto the professional services component, and divested the managed services component.
Microsoft’s investment gives insight into their market strategy. Invest in the local market, train, and drive adoption.
