At Microsoft Ignite, C3 AI and Microsoft announced a strategic alliance to accelerate the adoption of Enterprise AI on Microsoft Azure. This expanded partnership combines C3 AI’s Enterprise AI–native software, including C3 Generative AI, with Azure’s robust capabilities to address complex enterprise challenges, driving innovation and sustainability across industries.
1. The Strategic Alliance Overview:
- Milestone Partnership:
- Builds on the collaboration established in 2018 between Microsoft and C3 AI.
- Positions Microsoft as the preferred cloud provider for C3 AI applications and C3 AI as a preferred AI software provider on Azure.
- Core Objectives:
- Accelerate Enterprise AI adoption globally.
- Enable customers to achieve rapid time-to-value in areas like supply chain optimization, energy management, predictive maintenance, and ESG initiatives.
2. Key Focus Areas:
- Technical Integration:
- Full suite of C3 AI solutions, including C3 Generative AI, now available on the Microsoft Commercial Cloud Portal.
- Enhanced access to streamlined AI capabilities for enterprises.
- Product Development:
- Joint roadmap alignment sessions to ensure continuous evolution of C3 AI solutions in sync with Azure capabilities.
- Joint Delivery and Marketing:
- Coordinated go-to-market strategies including joint webinars, sales training, and collaborative marketing campaigns.
- C3 AI solutions orderable via Azure Marketplace.
3. Immediate Deliverables:
- AI Applications Available Today:
- C3 AI Energy Management: Optimizing energy usage and efficiency.
- C3 AI ESG: Driving environmental, social, and governance goals.
- C3 AI Reliability: Enhancing equipment uptime and performance.
- C3 AI Sourcing Optimization: Streamlining procurement and supplier management.
- C3 AI Property Appraisal: Automating property evaluations.
- C3 Generative AI for Public Benefits: Leveraging AI for government efficiency.
- C3 AI Demand Forecasting: Improving supply chain predictability.
4. Industry Perspectives and Use Cases:
- Dow’s Decarbonize and Grow Strategy:
- Melanie Kalmar, CIO and CDO, Dow:
“This collaboration supports Dow’s digital initiatives by integrating reliable AI-driven manufacturing processes, directly advancing sustainability.”
- Melanie Kalmar, CIO and CDO, Dow:
- Shell’s Predictive Maintenance Transformation:
- Dan Jeavons, VP of Digital Innovation, Shell:
“Shell’s co-innovation with C3 AI and Microsoft Azure has enabled AI scaling across thousands of equipment assets, enhancing operational reliability and sustainability.”
- Dan Jeavons, VP of Digital Innovation, Shell:
5. Broader Impact:
- Benefits for Customers and Stakeholders:
- Facilitates cross-industry adoption of Enterprise AI and Azure technologies.
- Promotes sustainable practices and efficient business transformation.
- Commitment to Innovation:
- Alliance focuses on enhancing product innovation, integration, and customer support for accelerated AI deployment.
The strategic alliance between C3 AI and Microsoft represents a pivotal step in scaling Enterprise AI adoption. By integrating C3 AI’s powerful applications with Microsoft Azure’s expansive ecosystem, organizations can overcome complex challenges, drive digital transformation, and achieve sustainability goals at scale.
