The partnership between Xoriant and Microsoft has evolved into a powerful collaboration driving digital transformation and innovation for clients across industries. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Xoriant leverages cutting-edge technologies such as Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI, and Copilot to simplify complex data landscapes, accelerate cloud migrations, and unlock new business value through unified data platforms.

This interview with Alex Eames, Enterprise Sales Director, and Avinish Agarwal, Director of Delivery at Xoriant, offers a deep dive into how Xoriant is helping organizations harness Microsoft’s ecosystem to break down data silos, implement advanced analytics, and deliver real-time insights that fuel smarter decisions and competitive advantage. Explore the transformative impact of Microsoft Fabric and the exciting future of AI-driven enterprise solutions.

How has our partnership with Microsoft evolved, and what strategic advantages has it unlocked for Xoriant and our clients?

Alex: Our partnership with Microsoft has grown into much more than just aligning technology—it’s become a real driver of growth. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we’re closely integrated with their ecosystem, covering everything from cloud and data modernization to cutting-edge AI innovation. For our clients, this means quicker access to new features like Fabric and Copilot, smoother cloud migrations, better cost efficiency, and top-level security. For Xoriant, it’s a gateway to new markets and joint sales opportunities that help us broaden our reach and impact.

What are clients expecting today from a Microsoft Solutions Partner—and how is Xoriant exceeding those expectations?

Alex: These days, clients want more than just certifications—they’re looking for a partner who truly understands their business, values their current technology investments, and can bring the best of Microsoft’s innovations into their unique setups. More and more, this means handling hybrid environments that blend Microsoft solutions with platforms like Databricks and other cloud systems. At Xoriant, we excel in these complex landscapes. Our deep industry knowledge, flexible delivery methods, and strong track record in cloud migration, data modernization, and AI integration help us build tailored solutions that work seamlessly across technologies. That’s how we deliver real business outcomes and earn lasting trust.  

How are we aligning with Microsoft’s go-to-market priorities, and how is that shaping our co-selling and growth opportunities?

Alex: We’re tightly aligned with Microsoft on priorities like AI transformation, Fabric adoption, and cloud optimization. This alignment has strengthened our co-sell motion, helping us accelerate deals and deliver higher value solutions to clients. From account planning to marketplace offers, we’re tapping into Microsoft’s GTM engines in a way that amplifies our reach and relevance—especially in high-growth verticals like healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services.

Can you share a client example where Microsoft-powered solutions helped us accelerate time-to-value or gain a competitive edge?

Avinish: Definitely! One of our manufacturing clients had many facilities across Canada and the U.S., all using old legacy systems that struggled to handle their complex operations. Their data was scattered, making quick decisions hard. Maintenance was costly and mostly reactive, and supply chain issues affected customer satisfaction. The leadership realized they needed a single platform to bring their data together, use predictive analytics, and automate important processes to move faster and stay ahead of competitors.

We focused on three main areas:

Cloud Migration: We moved their old systems to Microsoft Azure, giving them secure, scalable infrastructure and unified data management.

Intelligent Operations: By using Dynamics 365 and IoT sensors, we improved their supply chain, planning, and maintenance, allowing real-time monitoring and shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance.

Data-Driven Insights: We gave their teams Power BI dashboards and AI-powered analytics to help forecast, spot issues early, and make faster decisions. The results were impressive: they cut their product development time in half, boosted team productivity by 40%, and improved data accuracy by 30%. Plus, streamlined operations brought significant cost savings. This helped them get value faster and gain a real competitive advantage.

This shows how Microsoft solutions can quickly deliver real business value, even in complex industries with older systems. Some key takeaways were:

1. Begin with a unified data strategy to enable innovation.
2. Empower frontline teams with easy-to-use BI and AI tools.
3. Start small with pilots, then scale up to spread success.

How is Xoriant using Microsoft’s data stack (Azure Synapse, Purview, etc.) to enhance data visibility, security, and governance?

Avinish: At Xoriant, we make the most of Microsoft’s data tools like Azure Synapse and Purview to help our clients really see and secure their data. By connecting different data sources and using advanced analytics, we give businesses clearer insights and help them make smarter decisions. With Purview, we ensure strong data governance and security, so clients can trust that their information is well-managed and compliant. This approach not only streamlines data management but also helps us stay ahead in today’s fast-moving, data-driven world—thanks to our deep partnership with Microsoft.

What are the key success factors when migrating legacy systems to Microsoft Azure, and how does Xoriant mitigate risks?

Avinish: Migrating legacy systems to Microsoft Azure can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s definitely achievable—and highly rewarding. At Xoriant, we start by thoroughly assessing the existing systems to understand their complexities and dependencies. This helps us choose the best migration strategy—whether that means moving applications as they are, making some adjustments, or rebuilding them for the cloud.

We believe in starting small, testing with less risky applications first, so we can refine our process before scaling up. Automation plays a big role too—using tools like Azure Resource Manager and DevOps helps reduce errors and speeds up the whole migration. Security is baked in from the very beginning, with strong identity controls, encryption, and compliance checks to keep everything safe.
We also focus on change management and training to make sure teams are ready and comfortable working in the new cloud environment. Plus, we keep a close eye on resource usage to optimize costs throughout the migration.
By carefully planning each step and proactively managing risks, we help clients move to the cloud smoothly, minimize disruptions, and unlock faster business value.

With Microsoft Fabric gaining traction, how are clients responding to unified data platforms, and where do you see the biggest demand?

Alex: Clients really want things to be simpler, and Microsoft Fabric is delivering on that. The idea of a unified data platform is really connecting with companies that have struggled to break down data silos between BI, engineering, and real-time analytics. We’re seeing the strongest interest in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing—industries where having secure, self-service access to data and real-time insights is absolutely critical. The biggest draw is how Fabric lets them move from raw data straight to business impact—all within one platform—which is why it’s gaining so much momentum.

From a delivery standpoint, what makes Microsoft Fabric transformative—and how is Xoriant enabling seamless implementation?

Avinish: Microsoft Fabric is a game-changer. It brings together data engineering, real-time analytics, and business intelligence into one unified, scalable, and secure platform. By combining these capabilities, Fabric makes it easier for organizations to move quickly from raw data to actionable insights all in one place.

At Xoriant, we play a vital role in making sure this powerful platform is implemented smoothly and effectively. Thanks to our deep expertise, we provide tailor-made solutions that fit each client’s unique needs, and we offer ongoing support throughout their transformation journey. This partnership lets us help businesses confidently accelerate their digital transformation with Fabric while ensuring agility, security, and top performance every step of the way.

Can you share how we’re applying AI—particularly Azure AI and Copilot—within Microsoft ecosystems to solve real-world problems?

Avinish: At Xoriant, we’re using AI in smart ways—especially Azure AI and Copilot—to tackle real business challenges and drive innovation across industries. These advanced technologies help us boost operational efficiency and create solutions that truly transform how businesses work. As AI evolves, we stay curious and committed to exploring new ways to push the boundaries of what AI can do.

Alex: We’re embedding AI right into day-to-day operations for our clients. For example, we use Azure OpenAI to power intelligent chatbots that improve customer service, and Copilot to automate workflows and help employees work smarter. One healthcare client is leveraging AI-driven document intelligence to extract insights from clinical data that’s usually hard to analyze. Ultimately, it’s about making AI practical, accessible, and focused on delivering real results.

Looking forward, which Microsoft innovations (e.g., Fabric Copilot, Mesh, AI integration) are you most excited about building with, and why?

Avinish: The innovations Microsoft is bringing, such as Fabric Copilot, Mesh, and AI integration, aren’t just small upgrades—they’re huge shifts that change how technology works. These tools give developers the power to create smarter, more immersive, and more efficient applications that can make a real difference across many industries. There’s a real buzz around these innovations because they open up endless possibilities, and we’re excited to explore all of them.

Alex: Having seen these up close at FABCON and the Microsoft AI Tour, I’m especially excited about Fabric Copilot. It’s a game-changer because it makes analytics much more intuitive and conversational—non-technical users can just ask questions and get insights on the spot. Mesh is opening up new ways for immersive collaboration, which is great for things like training and remote support. But what really stands out to me is how AI is weaving itself seamlessly into everyday workflows, bringing us closer to truly intelligent experiences in the enterprise.