Microsoft and C3 AI Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Enterprise AI Adoption

Thomas M. Siebel, Chairman and CEO of C3 AI, emphasized the transformative power of this alliance, stating, "C3 AI has pioneered Enterprise AI for over a decade, accelerated by collaboration with Microsoft to enable iconic organizations to solve some of the hardest business challenges of the 21st century." The partnership aims to provide enterprises with readily accessible AI application software that can drive rapid improvements in various sectors, including supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance, and energy management.

Judson Althoff, Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, echoed this sentiment: "C3 AI and Microsoft are committed to helping enterprise organizations across industries address complex challenges with AI to accelerate their business transformation and sustainability goals." The collaboration will not only enhance existing capabilities but will also introduce fresh innovations designed to maximize the delivery of high-value enterprise AI solutions via Azure.

The agreement outlines several strategic initiatives that will enhance the partnership's effectiveness:

C3 AI’s full suite of Enterprise AI application software will be readily available on the Microsoft Commercial Cloud Portal. This integration aims to improve customer access and foster easier implementation of AI solutions.

Regular roadmap alignment sessions will ensure that C3 AI’s offerings evolve alongside Azure’s capabilities, adapting to dynamic customer requirements and unlocking new benefits for enterprises.

A comprehensive go-to-market strategy will be established, featuring co-hosted webinars, sales training, and collaborative marketing campaigns to promote their integrated solutions effectively.

C3 AI’s applications will be orderable through the Azure Marketplace, allowing for coordinated sales, marketing, and customer support efforts to ensure the success of joint customers.

The alliance will immediately deliver a range of C3 AI Enterprise AI solutions through Azure's sales channels. This includes offerings such as:

This strategic alliance positions Microsoft as the preferred cloud provider for C3 AI offerings, while establishing C3 AI as a preferred AI application software provider on Microsoft Azure. The focus on product innovation, integration, and joint marketing efforts aims to accelerate the cross-industry adoption of Enterprise AI, benefiting customers, stakeholders, and society at large.

The potential impact of this alliance has been echoed by industry leaders. Melanie Kalmar, Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Dow, stated, "The combination of C3 AI’s Enterprise AI solutions and Microsoft Azure’s extensive capabilities will further propel Dow’s digital initiatives aimed at enabling our Decarbonize and Grow strategy." She emphasized the importance of a reliable manufacturing footprint as a cornerstone of sustainability.

Dan Jeavons, Vice President of Digital Innovation at Shell, reflected on the long-standing collaboration among the three entities, noting, "Our co-innovation with C3 AI and Microsoft Azure has helped us develop solutions like predictive maintenance which are now rolled out widely across our enterprise." The integration of such solutions into Azure's offerings is seen as a significant enabler for digital transformation.

The strategic alliance between Microsoft and C3 AI marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of enterprise AI. By combining their strengths, the two companies aim to not only enhance operational efficiencies for their clients but also drive sustainable business practices across industries. With immediate availability of advanced AI solutions and a commitment to ongoing innovation, this partnership is set to reshape the future of enterprise AI on the Microsoft Azure platform.

For more information about the alliance and C3 AI on Microsoft Azure, visit C3 AI's partnership page.