The Future of Operations Data Companion is a resource designed to complement the findings of our commissioned Forrester study into the cloud technology priorities of small to medium sized businesses across the APAC region. We’ve drawn on the raw data and compiled additional insights that were not included in the main report.
Here’s a quick snapshot of where we dive into to more detail on what SMBs are planning into 2025, and where they need the most help from their tech partners.
SMBs have changed their views on the value of public cloud. The pre-pandemic preference for private or hosted has shifted dramatically. Find out which cloud platform is the most popular now, and which ones will take market share over the next 24 months as SMBs continue to migrate their workloads.
The benefits of cloud adoption are clearer than ever, and this results in strong intent to continue investing. In fact, over 70% of surveyed SMBs have executive approval and finance in place for expanded use of cloud technology. But they’re struggling to get transformation vision into action. What’s holding them back?
After investing heavily in the productivity stack, SMBs are changing gears. Find out which cloud domains will reap the largest share of budgeted spend and which solution categories are at the top of the priority list, leading into 2025.
Complexity, license management and cybersecurity are keeping SMBs awake at night when it comes to operating their cloud environments, but the hurdles vary depending on whether they’re using public or private cloud. Find out how, and why.
Budgets for tech partners are on the rise. This is great news for partners with the right capabilities. Explore which capabilities are sought after the most in each domain.
What tips the balance on the final choice – cost, time, expertise or access? Find out how each of these factors rank in order of importance. The results may surprise you.
There’s never been a better time to take full advantage of this value-add research into SMB cloud buying behaviour. Download it today.
Blogs
Catch our comprehensive summary of the highlights from Microsoft Ignite 2025, combined with the resources and links you need to dig into the detail!
Training
In our latest webinar, our in-house Modern Work experts Jye Wong and Ksenia Turner will run you through a practical refresher on Solution Partner Designations; what they are, why they matter and how to get started.
Sales and Marketing
Business leaders don't live in the tools. They live in the outcomes. The metrics they care about most are not always limited to compliance and risk. So how do you connect data protection to the big-ticket objectives, when they're less obvious? Our in-house pre-sales expert, Michael Brooke explains.
Guides and eBooks
As SMBs mature in the Data Protection lifecycle, they need help to optimise spend, reduce the compliance burden and ensure results align to business objectives. The third installment of our Data Protection Playbook series provides practical guidance for partners on how to address emerging pressure and connect ongoing investment to measurable business value.
Training
Copilot Agents: what are they and how do they differ from AI assistants and chatbots? Our in-house Copilot expert Ksenia Turner explains the use cases and service opportunities for partners.
Blogs
Fragmented data protection systems and processes create compliance proof-gaps for SMB customers. Scott Hagenus, Director, Cybersecurity here at Crayon explains.
Guides and eBooks
How can partners help their SMB customers to move from silos of security and continuity to a more cohesive, measurable and insurable data protection framework? The second edition in our Data Protection Playbook series maps out their journey, and yours.
Sales and Marketing
Ever wonder why a pitch has some IT Managers leaning forward, while others glaze over? Michael Brooke, Cybersecurity Pre-Sales Lead offers some insight on how to tune your approach to chime with different technical mindsets.
Vendor Announcements
Copilot for Business has landed at Microsoft Ignite 2025, levelling the GenAI playing field for SMB customers. Learn all about it from our man on the ground, Andreas Bergman.
Press Release
Press Release
Blogs
As cybersecurity and continuity converge in platforms and in practice, partners need new playbooks to address modern Data Protection standards. Our in-house cybersecurity pre-sales lead, Michael Brooke explains why.
Guides and eBooks
What triggers an SMB customer to begin exploring their need for better Data Protection? The first of our four Data Protection Playbooks for partners breaks down how to position and win in the Pre-Adoption and Exploration stage.
Insights
Data Protection priorities are shifting for SMBs. Ramp up your ability to respond with curated insights, articles and resources to help you guide every customer conversation with confidence.
Partner Spotlight
In this Partner Spotlight, Acceltech Managing Director Ivy Tarrobago shares how Crayon’s responsive support enhances client outcomes and business growth.
Whitepapers
Data Protection is a must for all SMBs but how can partners align solution investment with critical business objectives? Our latest paper shows you how.
Press Release
Crayon has been recognised with a huge double win at the CRN Channel Asia awards ceremony.
Insights
All the latest insights, articles and resources on M365 Copilot, curated into one place.
Insights
SMB customers are storing greater volumes of sensitive data in more places than ever. Secure backup and recovery practices are essential to how they protect it.
Partner Spotlight
Bigfish Technology saved AU$20,000 on its annual Microsoft licensing after one call with Crayon and has since built a strong partnership that enabled Bigfish to get access to Crayon’s expertise and vendor ecosystem.
Insights
Insider risk is a subtle and continuous challenge for SMB customers. Turn it into a manageable and quantifiable aspect of their Data Protection strategy.
Blogs
From rethinking backup to governance frameworks and behavioural analytics, what's involved in building a complete Data Protection strategy for SMB customers?
Insights
We explore the evolution of Microsoft's channel strategy over the past ten years, and what can be learned by viewing it through a Value Cycle lens.
Guides and eBooks
The Microsoft Fabric Partner Guide curates our recent articles, videos and resources to accelerate Crayon partner learning.
Research Reports
The Future of Operations 2023 is an APAC wide study of small to medium sized businesses. It covers outcomes from cloud adoption, intent to invest and what businesses want from their technology service providers.
Podcast
Is high-performance more than just a buzzword? Find out as Dr. Joe explores the importance and impact of internal culture with his guests.
Podcast
Join Dr. Joseph Sweeney of IBRS as he interviews APAC partners about the strategies, methodologies, and behaviours that underpin their success.
Blogs
Insights on the direction of SMB cloud adoptions across the region, and the capabilities they most value in their technology service providers.
