Azul’s Simon Taylor Repeats as CRN Channel Chief; PartnerConnect Program Also Honored
Event summary
- Simon Taylor, Azul’s VP of Worldwide Partner Sales & Alliances, named to CRN’s 2026 Channel Chiefs list for the second consecutive year.
- Azul’s PartnerConnect program recognized in the 2026 CRN Partner Program Guide.
- Azul’s channel program achieved 73% growth in strategic VARs and alliances, expanding to 346 global partners.
- 50% of Azul’s business now flows through channel and alliance partners.
- Azul plans to revise partner tiers, expand training, and introduce new incentives in 2026.
The big picture
Azul’s recognition underscores the growing importance of channel partnerships in the enterprise Java market. As organizations migrate from Oracle Java, Azul’s PartnerConnect program provides a critical advantage through its open-source alternatives, migration expertise, and managed services. The company’s strategic alliances with global leaders like AWS further solidify its position in the cloud-first, AI-driven landscape.
What we're watching
- Channel Strategy
- Whether Azul can sustain its 73% year-over-year growth in strategic partnerships amid increasing demand for Java modernization.
- Partner Ecosystem
- The pace at which Azul expands its PartnerConnect program, particularly with new incentives and training options.
- Java Modernization
- How Azul’s focus on AI and cloud-first Java solutions will impact its competitive positioning in the enterprise software market.
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