Oxygen Finance is excited to announce that we have been selected to join Microsoft’s exclusive UK Digital Startups and ISV (Independent Software Vendor) programme.
As part of this programme, we have access to dedicated resources, funding, and support from Microsoft to accelerate our development and deployment of AI and data applications.
This marks a significant milestone in our journey to harness the power of artificial intelligence to deliver even more value to our clients.
A Longstanding Partnership with Microsoft
As a long-standing Microsoft customer, our relationship has evolved, leading to deeper integration with Microsoft’s cloud computing capabilities. As Rob Parker, CTO at Oxygen Finance, explains:
“As we’ve grown and put more of our compute power in Azure, our relationship with Microsoft has also grown, culminating in our joining the small, select cohort of high-growth tech firms who have been invited to be part of the UK Digital Startups and ISV programme.”
One of the key benefits of being part of this select group is having access to dedicated support. “We’ve now got access to people within Microsoft. So, when there’s a new component or service in Microsoft Azure or elsewhere in their tech stack, I can speak directly to someone at Microsoft who can help us configure and integrate the new service.”
“There are also other businesses in the programme that we can reach out to, plus the Microsoft partner network,” Parker noted.
What the Programme Offers
The Microsoft UK Digital Startups and ISV programme is designed to support startups and ISVs in building, publishing, and growing their applications.
The programme offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Funding Opportunities: Access to Microsoft’s Azure Innovate channel for deploying AI applications.
- Technical Support: Dedicated account managers and cloud solution architects to assist with technical challenges.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect with other businesses and industry experts through events and networking sessions.
- Marketing and Sales Support: Tools and resources to accelerate growth and reach potential customers.
The programme provides access to key Microsoft technology, including AI & Copilot Azure AI Studio, M365 Copilot Dev Access, the latest AI models, Microsoft Azure credits, GitHub Enterprise Cloud subscription, Visual Studio subscription benefits, Dynamics 365 Sales, Field Service, the Customer Service partner sandbox, and more.
Rob Parker highlights the significance of this support: “It’s not just about funding. Having access to the right people, both within Microsoft and their partner network, is invaluable. We can now make informed decisions about new technologies and how they can benefit our business.”
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Solutions
One of the most exciting aspects of our participation in the programme is the opportunity to leverage AI to enhance our solutions.
As part of our development efforts, we have been working with SoftwareOne, a Microsoft partner, on several AI projects.
“We already have one project going through their Azure Innovate channel, and we’ve got another couple planned that will help improve our throughput and automation using Microsoft’s AI platforms,” Parker said.
“Our current project focuses on using AI to improve data analysis, starting with pre-procurement opportunity summarisation for our Insights product. The AI technology can also self-assess its work, allowing for human review and intervention when needed,” Rob added.
These projects not only allow us to leverage cutting-edge AI technology but also provide an opportunity for us to explore the possibilities and potential applications of AI within our business.
“What’s amazing is we’re now able to get access to the right people who know AI, who have built products using AI, and who are used to rolling these projects out,” Rob Parker notes.
The Impact on Our Clients
Our participation in Microsoft’s UK Digital Startups and ISV programme is not just about technological advancement; it’s about delivering tangible benefits to our clients. By leveraging AI and cloud computing, we aim to:
- Enhance Data Analysis: Provide deeper insights and more accurate predictions.
- Automate Processes: Streamline operations and reduce manual effort.
- Improve Decision-Making: Enable more informed and timely decisions.
- Increase Efficiency: Save time and resources, allowing clients to focus on their core operations.
Oxygen Finance’s Commitment to Innovation
Our participation in Microsoft’s programme demonstrates our dedication to leveraging the latest technology assets as part of our solutions. We believe that AI can help streamline our processes, improve user experience, and extract further information from our data.
We look forward to collaborating with Microsoft and our clients as we continue to explore the transformative potential of AI and drive innovation within our organisation. Stay tuned for more updates!
