<p>Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is finally turning the corner with Office 365, training and engaging channel partners that want to generate consulting and recurring revenues from the cloud. Roughly 18 months after Office 365 officially launched, the discussion has increasingly shifted from partner concerns to partner opportunities. Here's the proof.</p><p>During a Microsoft-led session at a Tech Data (NASDAQ: TECD) conference last week near Tampa, Fla., nearly 100 VARs and MSPs peppered Microsoft's Steve Deming (pictured) with questions. Most of the session focused on Microsoft's forthcoming Office 365 upgrades, new SKUs for resellers and customers, and the long-awaited Office 365 Open program which will let partners manage end-customer cloud billing and pricing.</p><p>Throughout the session, partners focused on profit opportunities. Concerns about Microsoft's overall cloud strategy were rarely mentioned if at all. That's critically important as Microsoft battles Google Apps (NASDAQ: GOOG) partners like Cloud Sherpas for the hearts and minds of partners and corporate IT managers.Bumpy Start</p><p>What a difference 18 months makes. When Microsoft launched Office 365, the successor to BPOS (Business Productivity Online Suite), in July 2011:The software giant declined channel partners the opportunity to manage end-customer billing and pricing.Many of the initial Office 365 deals seem to be direct sales to customers with little or any partner engagement.Microsoft historically has sold more than 90 percent of its software through partners. But the company hasn't said what percentage of its cloud revenues involve partners.</p><p><a href="http://www.thevarguy.com/2013/01/14/microsoft-office-365-turns-corner-with-channel-cloud-partners/">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://www.latinospost.com/articles/9506/20130114/microsoft-office-2013-release-date-news-end.htm">Microsoft Office 2013 Release Date News: &#039;End of January&#039; Launch Rumored by ...</a> (Latinos Post)</p><p><a href="http://www.captees.com/3500-newsmicrosoft-office-2013-release-date-might-be-january-29/">Microsoft Office 2013 Release Date might be January 29?</a> (Capital Technologies)</p><p><a href="http://www.nasdaq.com/article/retailers-giving-a-lift-to-microsofts-cloud-ambitions-20130114-00827">Retailers Giving a Lift to Microsoft&#039;s Cloud Ambitions</a> (NASDAQ)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d3-Pko_BJdG6_5Mbsdxh3AnyKanQM&ned=us">16 additional articles.</a></p>