Show notes
The Microsoft partner ecosystem is entering a new phase of growth driven by Business Applications, AI deployment, and deeper partner collaboration.In this episode of IAMCP Profiles in Partnership, Anthony Carrano and Rudy Rodriguez sit down with Rick McCutcheon, Microsoft MVP and host of Partner Talks, to discuss what he’s seeing across 300+ conversations with Microsoft partners.They explore why Business Central adoption is accelerating, how AI will reshape SMB consulting, and why partner-to-partner collaboration (P2P) is becoming the most important growth strategy for Microsoft partners heading into 2026.Top 5 Intriguing Takeaways for IAMCP Partners1. Business Applications Are Exploding in the SMB MarketMicrosoft Business Central is rapidly growing, driven by migrations from NAV, GP, and QuickBooks Enterprise customers.2. The Microsoft Partner Model Is ConvergingTraditional silos between MSPs, BizApps partners, and ISVs are disappearing, creating more collaborative delivery models.3. AI Adoption Depends on Data ReadinessThe biggest blocker to AI success is poor data structure and disconnected systems across CRM, ERP, and marketing platforms.4. ERP Implementations Are Becoming EcosystemsA modern ERP deployment often includes 5–10 integrated ISV solutions, creating much larger consulting opportunities.5. Partner-to-Partner Collaboration Drives GrowthSuccessful partners build long-term trusted collaborations, not one-off alliances, to expand capabilities and revenue.Guests:Rick McCutcheon, MVP Host of PartnerTalks (PartnerTalks | Website), and Partner Thought Leader Development at MSDynamics World | WebsiteLinkedIn: Rick McCutcheonHost:Anthony Carrano, Managing Partner at Dunamis MarketingLinkedIn: Anthony CarranoCompany: Dunamis Marketing | WebsiteRudy RodriguezLinkedIn: Rudy RodriguezManaging Partner at Dunamis MarketingCompany: Dunamis Marketing | WebsiteInternational Association of Microsoft Channel Partners: IAMCP | WebsiteNotable Quotes:“Business Central in the SMB space is on fire right now.”“If you deploy Business Central, there’s probably five to ten ISVs attached to it.”“The biggest challenge with AI isn’t the technology — it’s the data.”“Partners are going to need experts in specific industries.”“IAMCP is becoming even more important as our partners start working together more.”Chapters00:00 — Overview of the Microsoft partner ecosystem and Rick McCutcheon’s background.01:26 — The Origin of Partner Talks03:48 — The State of the SMB Microsoft Ecosystem05:08 — Business Central’s Growth06:24 — Microsoft Platform Convergence09:07 — What “Frontier Partner” Means11:15 — AI Adoption in BizApps vs MSP Models13:23 — AI Deployment Risks15:31 — Why MSPs and BizApps Partners Are Converging17:18 — How MSPs Can Enter the BizApps Market19:36 — The Real Key to P2P Partnerships23:05 — One Strategic Move for Partners25:45 — Resources for Partners27:19 — Final Advice for Microsoft Partners