Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India
We got a few minutes to speak to Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India at Media & Analyst Days 2017. Here’s what he had to say about the top priorities for Microsoft India in 2018. He also defines the new Microsoft in his own words.
DC: After Satya Nadella took over as CEO, Microsoft changed a lot in the last three years. How would you define the new Microsoft in your own words?
Anant Maheshwari: Learn it all. Those three words summarise it best. Wake up hungry to know more. Continue to work to figure out what you don’t know. And do everything possible to keep bringing that knowledge into our ecosystem, and then leveraging that knowledge to solve problems for customers.
DC: What are the top action items on your 2018 agenda?
Anant Maheshwari: There are four things. The first is Modern Workplace. It is about how we create a seamless experience with the Microsoft 365 capability to create that modern workplace experience for all our enterprise customers.
The second is the Microsoft Azure platform. It is seamless from Azure public cloud to the hybrid and private cloud capability. More importantly, on top if that, the Azure data services that customers can activate.
The third one is continuing to leverage our partner ecosystem to drive digital transformation and make that as a continued strength of Microsoft.
There is a fourth priority, which is a focus on the SMB and the breadth market in India.
You might also want to read:
Microsoft India Showcases Cloud-Based AI, Cognitive Services and IoT Projects
Microsoft Demonstrates Leadership in Driving Digital Transformation in India
Microsoft Announces AI Updates
DC: What about your programs for Startups?
Anant Maheshwari: We have been engaging with startups through the Accelerator for a long time. The ISV program is very successful (in India). Of the new startups created in India, more than half of those are focussed on the enterprise. It is an area of strength for us to be in the enterprise space and work with the startup community.
The writer was hosted by Microsoft India for Media & Analyst Days 2017, in Hyderabad.
