The Future of Operations 2025 study reveals a surge in generative AI interest and investment across the region. 44% of SMBs in APAC expect AI to be a top driver of transformation in their business by 2027. Yet fewer than 15% currently report mature adoption.
This is no longer about theoretical innovation — it’s a scramble to put AI to work in real, everyday tasks. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the productivity domain, where Microsoft 365 Copilot is changing the conversation for partners.
Across the board, SMBs report high levels of intention to adopt AI:
SMBs also identified a clear set of obstacles that stand in the way of successful AI adoption:
Unlike complex or standalone AI platforms, Copilot is embedded directly into the Microsoft 365 apps SMBs already use — Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more.
That matters because:
It’s not just about productivity — it’s about how that productivity connects to broader SMB business goals.
SMBs are not investing in AI for AI’s sake. They’re investing because it aligns directly to their business goals.
According to the Future of Operations 2025 study, the top five business objectives driving technology investment are:
Need to reduce costs? Automating routine work reduces manual labour and human error.
Looking to enhance resilience? Copilot delivers better insight into business risks and opportunities — in real time.
Trying to unlock data value? Copilot brings natural language querying and summarisation to complex documents and dashboards.
Want to improve skills? It’s a training tool embedded into daily work, making every user more effective.
According to the study, SMBs’ top IT objectives in 2025 include:
The corresponding IT actions reinforce the challenge: while SMBs want AI, they still need to complete foundational work:
As a result, Copilot becomes the logical entry point for SMBs — because it leverages the Microsoft 365 environment they already know and trust, and it creates a use case that ties directly to business outcomes.
You don’t need to build a custom AI stack to be an AI partner. SMB customers are actively looking for external expertise to help them:
This is exactly where Crayon’s true value-add can make a difference.
From our M365 white-label helpdesk, to our through-partner cloud security assessments and data protection expertise, for M365 migration services, or Copilot workshops and training engagements, we’ll help you deliver Gen AI-ready environments, securely, efficiently, and profitably.
For partners looking to move into more advanced AI use cases, our Managed Cloud Services and Data & AI consulting teams can help you scale into new advisory and automation opportunities.
As a Crayon partner, you already have access to the services, resources, and programs to deliver real value — from licence activation to user enablement, governance, integration, and beyond.
The message to partners is clear: You don’t need to wait. Your SMB customers are already asking about AI.
And with Microsoft Copilot, you have an answer that’s secure, immediate, and ready to scale.
The momentum for Generative AI with SMB customers is fast, and they are on the hunt for partners that can help them build AI-led capabilities.
No matter where you are in the Copilot journey, we’re on your side. Always.
Our in-house team of Copilot experts can help you hit the runway and take flight, from POCs to business-wide adoption and beyond.
Book a meeting and let’s talk about what comes next for you and your customers.
Simply leave us with a few details, and we’ll be in touch!
Thank you! Our Copilot team will be in touch soon.
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