SMB strategic objectives in the APAC region will focus tech investments towards outcomes for customer experience, revenue, business adaptability and innovation. Our latest independent study of over 600 companies across the region dives into how SMBs are prioritising solution adoptions and service engagements to support these goals.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key findings from the 2025 study, reflect on how these trends are influencing the way SMBs operate, and how our partners can exploit these findings to inform GTM strategies and competitive positioning.
The journey towards digital transformation has been accelerating for SMBs. As businesses adapt to new technologies, many are finding that cloud solutions, AI, and other digital tools are no longer just nice-to-haves—they’re essential to remaining competitive.
The 2025 study highlights a significant shift in how SMBs view and adopt technology solutions. The rate of AI implementations amongst SMBs is already at significant levels, as is their investment in formal implementations. Operationalising AI in the cloud is a driver of investment in other domains, as SMBs seek to harness AI to improve operational resilience, enhance customer experience, and accelerate their ability to innovate.
At the heart of these changes is cloud infrastructure. The 2025 study reveals that SMBs are increasingly embracing cloud technologies not just for their cost efficiency, but for their scalability and flexibility. As more businesses adopt hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, they are able to access cutting-edge solutions that were once only available to large enterprises.
With cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure, SMBs can scale their operations quickly, reduce overhead costs, and ensure business continuity in ways that were previously out of reach. This digital shift allows SMBs to tap into more efficient workflows, more secure data management, and enhanced collaboration capabilities.
AI is another technology that is reshaping SMB operations. AI adoption is accelerating across industries, with SMBs increasingly leveraging AI-powered tools and automation in pursuit of novel ways to pursue their objectives.
SMBs are prioritising implementation of AI-enabled or Generative AI tools for business applications as a means to improve their ability to respond to changing market conditions and competitively differentiate, through accelerated innovation.
As SMBs face increasingly complex challenges, from cybersecurity threats to economic uncertainties, the ability to remain agile and responsive is critical.
The cloud infrastructure and AI adoption trends align with a broader desire for SMBs to future-proof their operations. This includes investing in disaster recovery solutions, cloud backup services, and AI-powered threat detection systems that can anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions. By prioritising resilience in their operations, SMBs can not only survive unforeseen challenges but emerge stronger and more competitive in the long term.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that tech-led innovation is central to how SMBs will drive business competitiveness and performance over the next two years. The Future of Operations study for 2025 shows that SMBs are not only adopting cloud and AI for the sake of operational efficiency but are using these tools to create value in new, creative ways. This includes leveraging cloud-based ERP systems for seamless business processes, adopting AI-driven analytics for real-time insights, and enhancing customer interactions with cloud-based CRM and journey analytics solutions.
For SMBs, the future is about becoming more agile, data-driven, and customer-centric, with cloud and AI technologies as the foundation for achieving these goals.
The opportunity for Crayon’s partners is to use these insights to land your capabilities directly in front of emerging demand for solutions and services.
Download the study today and stay ahead of changing priorities and technology investment trends. The study is complimentary to you, only from Crayon.
*The Future of Operations: Advancing AI-Driven Innovation and Cloud Agility for Small and Medium Sized Businesses is a Forrester Consulting study, conducted on behalf of Crayon, March 2025
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.
Vendor Announcements
Check out curated announcements, updates and important actions for Microsoft Cloud and Modern Work partners. All the latest info, updated monthly, all in one place.
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
The full roll-out of Crayon's next generation Cloud-iQ platform has arrived, with enhanced features and functionality that partners will love.
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?
Case Studies
Find out how Dynamics Square combined Cloud ERP and Copilot to transform operations for a growing pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Case Studies
Explore how Dynamics Square delivered a 25% cost reduction for AV Health in our latest case study.
Case Studies
Learn how Navigatum reduced Azure infrastructure costs and delivered a cost-effective, scalable foundation for growth for a leading strata firm.
Guides and eBooks
Insights, articles and resources on major updates in Microsoft's programs and licensing agreements and channel strategy.
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.
Insights
Rhonda Robati, Executive Vice President of Crayon APAC assesses the factors driving Microsoft's channel strategy and the evolution needed to be a Partner of the Future.
Guides and eBooks
The Microsoft Fabric Partner Guide curates our recent articles, videos and resources to accelerate Crayon partner learning.
Insights
Find out what this means for Crayon’s partners, and what can you do to ensure your SPLA house is in order.
Guides and eBooks
Mission essentials for winning data protection business in education, healthcare, retail and manufacturing.
Guides and eBooks
Partners, get your Bond on! Our Cyber Operatives Field Guide breaks down five cybersecurity missions to foil would-be cybercriminals.
Insights
The Essential Eight security framework is a pragmatic and clear-cut way for partners to get their customers on the right track when it comes to improved cybersecurity posture.
Insights
A recent study of small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) across the Asia Pacific region signals a sweet spot for partners that can connect Cloud ERP, Business Process Automation and AI.
Blogs
When it comes to SPLA compliance, it’s far better to be transparent than to be exposed. Find out why and how Crayon can help.
Podcast
Cybersecurity experts from Crayon, SMX and Red Sift cover the realities of the complex threat landscape and how partners can respond.
Blogs
Crayon cloud security assessments help partners lock down M365 and Azure environments and build profitable cybersecurity practices. Learn how.
