The Value Of Channel Partners

Microsoft's George stressed the value of the company's ecosystem and channel partners in deploying Internet of Things solutions. Microsoft currently has more than 300 partners trained in its Azure IoT suite and involved in its Internet of Things program, and that number is "quickly growing."

"Microsoft is a partnership company – and partnering is needed in IoT," he said. "The level of vertical specialization that these customers need means there's a lot of white space for partners to come provide that."