Microsoft Ignite 2025: Azure AI and Mainframe Modernization Converge

Microsoft Ignite 2025 made one thing clear: the enterprise technology landscape is entering a new era—one where AI-driven innovation and legacy modernization converge on Azure. For Ensono, as an Azure Expert MSP and a leader in mainframe modernization, these announcements reinforce the strategic direction we’ve long championed for our clients.

Agentic AI on Azure: What It Means for Managed Services

The introduction of Agent 365, Microsoft’s unified control plane for AI agents, signals a major shift in how enterprises operationalize AI. Identity, governance, and observability are now embedded at the core of AI adoption—rather than added as afterthoughts.

What is agentic AI on Azure?

Agentic AI refers to autonomous AI agents that can reason, act, and operate within governed enterprise environments. On Azure, this means AI agents are deployed with built-in identity controls, policy enforcement, and observability from day one.

For Ensono, this evolution expands the scope of managed services beyond infrastructure management into AI lifecycle management—helping clients deploy, govern, and scale AI agents securely and efficiently.

Coupled with Azure Copilot and the Foundry Control Plane, Microsoft is positioning AI not as a standalone tool, but as an operational layer embedded across enterprise systems.

Mainframe Modernization on Azure: From Stability to Agility

Ignite also highlighted how GenAI-powered mainframe modernization can transform COBOL applications into Azure-native pipelines at scale. This is more than migration—it’s reinvention.

Ensono’s strength lies in bridging the reliability of the mainframe with the agility of the cloud. By combining API enablement, DevOps practices, and data transformation, we help organizations modernize core systems while preserving the stability their businesses depend on.

For enterprises anchored in legacy platforms, modernizing the mainframe on Azure creates a foundation for analytics, AI, and modern application development—without forcing unnecessary risk.

Microsoft FY26 Partner Priorities: What They Mean for Enterprises

Microsoft’s FY26 partner priorities—Cloud & AI Platforms, AI Business Solutions, and Security—closely align with Ensono’s service portfolio.

For enterprises, this translates into:

•  Accelerated Azure modernization, supported by incentives that improve cost efficiency
• AI governance and Copilot specialization, enabling compliance and operational control
• Expanded marketplace and co-sell opportunities, opening access to global innovation ecosystems

These priorities shape not just partner strategies, but how enterprises modernize, govern, and scale on Azure.

Why This Matters for Enterprise Leaders

The implications extend beyond technology. Enterprises benefit from:

• Faster transformation timelines through AI-assisted modernization
• Greater confidence in compliance and governance via managed AI operations
• More predictable costs and measurable ROI through subscription-based models and partner incentives

Executive Takeaways: What CIOs Should Do Now

Prioritize AI Governance Early

AI adoption without governance increases risk. CIOs should work with providers that embed identity, compliance, and observability into AI initiatives from the start.

Accelerate Mainframe Modernization

Mainframe systems are not barriers—they’re strategic assets. With GenAI-powered tools and expert MSP support, modernization timelines can shrink dramatically.

Leverage Azure Partner Incentives

FY26 introduces meaningful financial and operational advantages for Azure migrations. Aligning transformation roadmaps to these incentives can materially improve outcomes.

Think Beyond Migration—Plan for AI Integration

Moving workloads to Azure is only the first step. Embedding AI into business processes is what creates differentiation. CIOs should ensure their MSP can deliver both.

The Road Ahead

Microsoft Ignite 2025 confirmed what many enterprises are already experiencing: AI and modernization are no longer separate initiatives—they are two sides of the same transformation.

As an Azure Expert MSP, Ensono is ready to guide organizations through this convergence, delivering managed services that help enterprises modernize with confidence and operate in a cloud-native, AI-enabled future.