Mr. Andrew Caprara reports

SOFTCHOICE TO ADVANCE GENERATIVE AI AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS THROUGH NEW AGREEMENT WITH MICROSOFT

Softchoice Corp. has signed a new strategic partnership framework agreement with Microsoft Corp. to further enhance its capabilities and capacity to develop, sell and deliver Microsoft's cloud and digital workplace AI (artificial intelligence) and security solutions, including Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Copilot for Security. Earlier in 2024, Softchoice launched its AI solutions team, which delivers next-generation cloud and workplace AI offerings for organizations across the United States and Canada.

"Softchoice and Microsoft have been unleashing the potential in our customers for more than 30 years. We are excited about the next phase of our relationship, enabling organizations to move faster on their AI journeys and deliver better outcomes to their stakeholders. Whether they are transforming how their people work, how they interact with their customers or building AI into their existing applications, Softchoice's solutions will ensure they do it effectively, securely and confidently," said Andrew Caprara, Softchoice's president and chief executive officer.

"Microsoft Copilot is the key differentiator for partners like Softchoice to unlock future success," added David Smith, vice-president, worldwide channel sales, Microsoft. "Now is the time for action and our No. 1 priority, together as a team, is to ensure Copilot activation has a zero-trust data security plan in place to deliver meaningful outcomes for customers."

Softchoice was among the first companies to implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 internally, giving it the first-hand experience, data and best practices to lead AI adoption for its customers, and validating the benefits of Copilot for Microsoft 365 across a range of use cases. Internal data indicate:

• 97-per-cent reduction in time spent summarizing technical meetings and 75-per-cent reduction for other meetings;
• 70-per-cent reduction in time spent creating internal training modules and avoidance of outsourced costs;
• 62-per-cent to 67-per-cent reduction in time spent creating customer-facing technical content.

Softchoice has taken a leading role in the early customer adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 through modern consumption programs like CSP and innovative implementation programs like Copilot for Microsoft 365 planning workshops. Softchoice manages approximately 8.5 million Microsoft 365 bundled suites and delivers thousands of Microsoft assessments annually.

Softchoice is an Azure expert managed service provider and holds nine specializations across five solutions partner designations. Softchoice has also won Microsoft Canada's National Large Solution Provider and National Cloud Solution Provider Impact awards in 2023, and the overall Partner of the Year award in 2020.

About Softchoice Corp.

Softchoice is a software- and cloud-focused information technology solutions provider that equips organizations to be agile, innovative and secure, and for their people to be engaged, connected and creative at work. The company does this by delivering secure, artificial intelligence-powered cloud and digital workplace solutions, supported by Softchoice's advanced software asset management methodology and capabilities. Through the company's ROI (return on investment) customer success framework, Softchoice creates value for its customers by reducing their IT spending, optimizing their technology and supporting business-driven innovation. Softchoice is a highly engaged, high-performing team that is welcoming, inclusive and diverse in thought and experience, and is certified as a Great Place to Work in Canada and the United States.

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