June update: What’s new for partners in Azure
This month’s Cloud and AI newsletter is packed with essential updates for Microsoft partners looking to expand their businesses. From exciting news at Microsoft Build 2026 to valuable skill-building opportunities, we’ve got it all. You’ll find fresh features across Microsoft Fabric, Azure databases, and Azure Linux, as well as key announcements like changes to Azure Virtual Machine Reserved Instances and calls for Partner of the Year Award submissions. Additionally, we’re sharing insights into migration offers, training events, and inspiring success stories from partners who are leveraging Azure and Microsoft Power Platform to achieve tangible results.
Quick Links
News and Announcements,
Incentives and Offers,
Skilling and Events,
Go-To-Market,
Partner Success Stories,
Additional Resources
- Select Azure Virtual Machine Reserved Instances that are ending soon: As of July 1, 2026, Microsoft will no longer accept new purchases or renewals for select Azure Virtual Machine Reserved Instances (RIs). Head to the transition guide to understand which VM series are affected, check RI expiration dates, and learn how to prevent your workloads from switching to pay-as-you-go pricing when your existing reservations expire.
- Catch Up on Microsoft Build Highlights: This annual event was not just about showcasing new technology for developers; it was a pivotal moment for partner growth. Discover the latest advancements across the Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft Agent platform, Foundry, Microsoft IQ, Azure, and more. These innovations create unique opportunities for partners to build, modernise, secure, and scale AI-ready solutions. Learn how partners can turn these announcements into profitable offers and valued customer outcomes.
- Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are now open for nominations: You have until July 7 to submit entries for the Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards. This is your chance to showcase how your organisation is achieving Frontier Transformation and making a significant impact globally. Submit your entry today!
- Azure HorizonDB is now in public preview: Experience the public preview of Azure HorizonDB, offering partners innovative ways to provide customers with resilient, high-performing data platforms. Tap into various AI-powered application development opportunities with PostgreSQL databases on Azure.
- Azure Linux is now in public preview: Discover Azure Linux in public preview, a secure and cloud-optimised Linux environment designed by Microsoft to ensure consistency and control at scale—without any licensing costs. This platform helps customers reduce operational overhead while streamlining compliance, updates, and security management across their Azure infrastructure.
- Enhance your Microsoft Fabric skills at FabCon + SQLCon Barcelona: Join Microsoft to dive into the latest Fabric and SQL innovations while seizing new business opportunities at FabCon + SQLCon Barcelona (September 28–October 1). Participate in hands-on labs, connect with engineering leaders, and stay ahead with the evolving Frontier-era products. There’s also an exclusive Partner Day on September 28 for aligning with Microsoft’s data and AI priorities, making it a must-attend event. Don’t miss out; early bird pricing ends July 16.
- Plan your FY27 strategy on a robust cloud and AI platform: Join us for MCAPS Start for Partners on July 22 to learn practical strategies for turning Microsoft’s platform vision into real results. Discover how to modernise your IT environments, fully leverage your data, and develop innovative solutions with AI. Register now, and encourage your team members to sign up too, so they can benefit from sessions tailored to their roles and growth ambitions.
- Kick off FY27 with us: Join us on July 28 for the Microsoft Partner FY27 GTM Kickoff Event, where we will explore the FY27 go-to-market strategies and initiatives across AI Business Solutions, Cloud and AI, Security, and more. Register now and get ready for the new fiscal year!
- Get SMB Azure asset placement guidance: Access updated SMB Azure asset placement guidelines that will assist you in matching workloads with the appropriate Azure services. Use this resource for smoother customer discussions and to position Azure solutions that align with SMB needs and growth strategies.
- Appfie unifies operations for dispersed theme parks using Microsoft Power Platform: Learn how Microsoft partner Appfie transformed Studio Plopsa NV by streamlining and centralising finance operations across eight theme parks. They replaced outdated, manual processes with a low-code solution on Power Platform, now benefitting over 1,500 cashiers, while reducing errors by 85% and minimising onboarding time significantly—all enabling Plopsa’s team to create and adapt applications independently.
- Copeland modernises manufacturing through Azure: Find out how Copeland quickly migrated its Connect+ platform from a legacy datacentre to Azure, meeting a tight deadline by using services like Azure Data Box and SQL Managed Instance to modernise operations seamlessly. They automated deployments with GitHub Actions and Bicep, cutting customer onboarding from weeks down to hours, increasing release frequency to monthly, achieving 99.9% uptime across 40,000 sites, and reducing cloud costs by 20%—all of which enabled a small DevOps team to innovate and scale effectively.
- Banco Bradesco accelerates development while ensuring security: Watch this video case study to discover how Banco Bradesco is advancing enterprise AI innovation on Microsoft Azure—utilising Microsoft Foundry, Azure API Management, and Azure Red Hat OpenShift. By standardising on Azure Red Hat OpenShift, Bradesco operates over 200 generative AI projects, enhancing governance, security, and operational oversight—expediting development while adhering to the stringent regulations of a top-tier financial institution.
- Collaborate within the SQL Partner Community: Join the SQL Partner Community on Teams to engage with Microsoft engineering teams and fellow partners. Access curated technical resources, participate in peer discussions, gain product insights, and join regular SQL Engineering Connection calls. These resources empower partners to sharpen their skills, resolve issues more efficiently, and explore new avenues for growth.
- Subscribe to our Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program newsletter: Encourage your teams to sign up for the newsletter for the latest updates, incentives, and opportunities. It’s a simple way to have the newest partner news delivered straight to your inbox.
Keep up to date with Azure news by following the tag for monthly updates, and connect with experts through the Azure Partners discussion board for any questions you may have.
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