Adaptive Cloud in Action: Lumen’s Azure Local Innovations

Adaptive Cloud in Action: Lumen’s Azure Local Innovations

On today's episode of The Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast, Adam Burke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/] and Mike Hartman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/] are joined by Marco Rota and Mike La Torre from Lumen Technologies. The conversation explores Lumen’s transformation from a traditional telecom provider into a platform enabling enterprise cloud and edge computing powerhouse, and how its network infrastructure supports Microsoft’s Adaptive Cloud strategy, with Azure Local at the core. Together, they break down how combining fiber networks, edge compute, and Azure Local enables low-latency, AI-driven use cases across industries, from retail and supply chain to real-time global production environments, while also sharing lessons from Lumen’s own internal cloud and AI transformation.       In this episode you’ll learn:        * Key lessons from Lumen’s own AI and cloud transformation that apply to enterprise customers  * Why low-latency networks are critical for AI and real-time data processing  * How Lumen Technologies is transforming from a traditional telecom into a cloud and edge platform     Some questions we ask:      * Where does Lumen fit into Microsoft’s adaptive cloud model?  * How has Lumen’s internal transformation influenced how you serve customers?  * What should customers consider when building an AI and infrastructure strategy?    Resources:        View Marco Rota on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/reachrota/]   View Mike La Torre on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-la-torre-389080b/]   View Adam Burke on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/]   View Mike Hartman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/]  Lumen Azure Local Offer [https://marketplace.microsoft.com/en-us/product/centurylink.azure_local?tab=Overview]     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                       * No Slides Attached Podcast [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/no-slides-attached/]  * The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast [https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/microsoft-threat-intelligence]    * The BlueHat Podcast [https://bluehatpodcast.com/]                      Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/]   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Sovereign, Secure, and Scalable: Arxus’ Hybrid Cloud Playbook

On today's episode of The Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast, Adam Burke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/] and Mike Hartman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/] are joined by leaders from Belgian-based managed services provider Arxus to discuss the company’s evolution into a full hybrid cloud MSP. The conversation explores how Arxus differentiates through deep Microsoft expertise, long-term managed services, and a flexible customer engagement model, as well as how Azure Arc enables unified management across on-premises, private, and public cloud environments. The guests also share how Arxus uses AI internally to modernize operations, strengthen security, and improve customer experience, while helping organizations navigate AI readiness and data sovereignty challenges across Europe.       In this episode you’ll learn:        * How Arxus evolved from a Microsoft hosting provider into a full hybrid cloud MSP  * Why Azure Arc plays a central role in managing hybrid and multi-cloud environments  * What technologies support sovereign cloud strategies, including confidential computing.     Some questions we ask:      * What differentiates Arxus in the marketplace, and why do customers choose you?  * How are you using AI within your managed services today?  * What impact does the Azure Belgium region have for your customers?    Resources:        View Adam Burke on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/]   View Mike Hartman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/]     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                       * No Slides Attached Podcast [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/no-slides-attached/]  * The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast [https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/microsoft-threat-intelligence]    * The BlueHat Podcast [https://bluehatpodcast.com/]                      Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/]   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ignite Update: Virtualization Changes and New Horizons for Hosters

On today's episode of The Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast, Adam Burke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/] and Mike Hartman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/] are joined by Fernando Peoples [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-peoples-6880628/] for a fast-paced recap of key insights from Microsoft Ignite. They discuss how Broadcom’s VMware licensing changes are pushing partners to seek a clear modernization roadmap and how Microsoft’s adaptive cloud approach across Azure Native, Azure Local, and Azure Arc supports that journey. The conversation highlights opportunities to move from SPLA to CSP, unlock value through Cloud Ascent, and leverage Azure migration investments, all framed through the Three Horizons model that helps partners strengthen current offerings, adopt AI and Copilot, and build toward long-term cloud-focused growth.    In this episode you’ll learn:        * How partners are responding to Broadcom’s VMware licensing changes  * Why becoming customer zero for AI and Copilot strengthens partner capabilities  * How hybrid cloud providers can position themselves for long-term success in Azure     Some questions we ask:      * What are the major Broadcom licensing changes partners need to understand?  * How does the Cloud Accelerate Factory help with migrations?  * What incentives and investments are available for partners in CSP?    Resources:        View Fernando Peoples on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-peoples-6880628/]    View Adam Burke on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/]   View Mike Hartman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/]     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                       * No Slides Attached Podcast [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/no-slides-attached/]  * The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast [https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/microsoft-threat-intelligence]    * The BlueHat Podcast [https://bluehatpodcast.com/]                      Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/]   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Private Equity Perspective for Building a High-Value MSP in the Microsoft Ecosystem

On today's episode of The Microsoft Hybrid Cloud Partners Podcast, Adam Burke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/] and Mike Hartman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/] are joined by Don Penland [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donpen/] of Knox Capital to explore the private equity perspective on managed service providers (MSPs) and the Microsoft partner ecosystem. Don shares insights from two decades in IT consulting and managed services, explaining how operator-first investing, recurring revenue models, and strong go-to-market alignment with Microsoft drive valuation and long-term success. He discusses the evolving role of AI, from internal optimization to client-facing productization and how MSPs can adopt and monetize it effectively. Don also offers candid advice on preparing for private equity investment, building niche vertical expertise, and embracing programs like the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program to fuel sustainable growth.    In this episode you’ll learn:        * Why an operator-first mindset gives Knox Capital a different approach to investing  * How aligning with Microsoft’s partner ecosystem accelerates business growth  * The growing role of AI in operations, sales, and customer offerings     Some questions we ask:      * What attracted you to focus on the Microsoft partner ecosystem as an investor?  * How are current market shifts impacting managed service providers?  * What advice do you have for MSPs starting their AI journey?    Resources:        View Don Penland on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donpen/]   View Adam Burke on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdburke/]   View Mike Hartman on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hartmann-sea/]     Related Microsoft Podcasts:                       * No Slides Attached Podcast [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/no-slides-attached/]  * The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast [https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/microsoft-threat-intelligence]    * The BlueHat Podcast [https://bluehatpodcast.com/]                      Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/]   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Intcomex impulsa la innovación en la nube con comunidades, datos y propósito

En este episodio en español, Fede Pacheco e Isaac Arellano conversan con Lina Barrios, líder del negocio de Azure en Intcomex, uno de los distribuidores de tecnología más importantes de América Latina. Lina comparte cómo Intcomex ha transformado su modelo de negocio con iniciativas innovadoras basadas en inteligencia artificial, comunidades técnicas y un enfoque profundo en el desarrollo de sus socios. Desde el Club de los 14 hasta Techmasters y Mujeres Inspirando Cambios, este episodio está lleno de ideas prácticas y estrategias escalables para partners que buscan crecer en la nube híbrida.   En este episodio aprenderás: * Cómo Intcomex utiliza IA para personalizar campañas, analizar datos y generar demanda.  * Qué es el Club de los 14 y cómo ayuda a escalar el negocio de los socios.  * La importancia de construir comunidades como Club Copilot y Mujeres Inspirando Cambios.   Algunas preguntas que hacemos: * ¿Qué hace diferente a Intcomex en el desarrollo de partners en la nube híbrida? * ¿Qué rol juega la diversidad en la estrategia de Intcomex? * ¿Cómo están ayudando a los socios a prepararse para el futuro con IA?   Resources:        * Suscríbete a nuestro nuevo boletín en LinkedIn [https://aka.ms/hybridcloudnews] para recibir las últimas noticias, ideas clave y resúmenes de episodios. * Conecta con nuestro equipo de DCO [https://dco.microsoft.com/SignUp.aspx]    Related Microsoft Podcasts:          * No Slides Attached Podcast [https://news.microsoft.com/podcasts/no-slides-attached/]  * The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast [https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/microsoft-threat-intelligence]    * The BlueHat Podcast [https://bluehatpodcast.com/]  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.