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Maximizing MSP Opportunities: AI, Microsoft Teams Phone & Telco Partnerships

December 20, 2024

We hosted Microsoft’s Leon Wright, from Teams Phone, at The MSP Summit Vegas 2024. Watch the video below, or read the transcript-based article below to find out more. Part of our Channel Partner 2024 Highlights series.

Note: the below article has been created using a transcription of the above video. 

Want to experience sessions like this one? Join us this coming March at Channel Partners 2025!

 

Bobby DeMarzo, Senior Director Content Strategist, Informa Channel

Our guest speaker for this segment is Leon Wright, a senior product marketing manager at Microsoft. Leon flew 30 hours from Perth, Australia, to be here at the Channel Partners Conference for the MSP Summit. Leon, welcome, and thanks for making the journey!

 

Engaging with Partners on the Ground

DeMarzo
Leon, what brings you here all the way from Australia?

Wright
Meeting with partners face-to-face is invaluable. These are partners I work with daily, so I’m here to connect directly, understand what’s working, what isn’t, and explore how we can improve together. We come with a learning mindset, aiming to take feedback and enhance our approach.

Advice for MSPs on Microsoft Teams Phone and AI

DeMarzo
Given your experience with Cisco and T-Systems, you understand the needs of telcos and SIs. What advice would you give MSPs about the revenue opportunities with Microsoft Teams Phone?

Wright
Expect a significant shift in business opportunities. AI, especially pervasive AI, is advancing faster than anticipated—whatever speed you think it’s coming, double it. This rapid growth opens doors for MSPs to capture new markets and build AI-driven services. MSPs will need to build and market these services both internally and externally.

Leon Wright, Microsoft

Partnering with Agents and Leveraging Telco Relationships

DeMarzo
What about agents in the telco and communications space? Should MSPs look to partner with them for Teams Phone solutions?

Wright
Absolutely. Deep relationships with telco partners are essential. MSPs excel at managing complexity—an area where telcos may face challenges. By leveraging telco partnerships and the extensibility of the Teams platform, MSPs can add value and even create their own intellectual property (IP). MSPs working in specific verticals, like healthcare, can use AI to develop tailored solutions.

Funding and Resources for MSPs

DeMarzo
Are there marketing funds or resources available for partners to acquire new customers and upskill staff?

Wright
Yes, we prioritize partner enablement. From pre-sales to deployment, we support our partners at every stage. If you’re not yet familiar with Microsoft Co-Pilot and other tools, get hands-on. Training funds, pre-sales support, and incubation-phase resources are available to partners depending on the customer’s adoption journey.

DeMarzo
Thanks, Leon. Let’s give a warm welcome to Leon Wright from Microsoft for his insights and commitment, flying 30 hours to be here!