Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit: AI, Data Centers And Channel Partner Opportunity

As AI demand accelerates, channel partners are facing new pressure around power, infrastructure and long-term planning. In exclusive interviews with CRNtv at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit, executives and solution providers said the next phase of growth will depend on readiness.

“We at Schneider like to call this the time to power moment where the next 1,000 days or so could arguably determine the next 30 years of U.S. economic and energy leadership,” said Jon LoBello, director of channel sales at Schneider Electric. “Zoom out. One is AI and data centers.”

That growth is already changing customer conversations.

“Really, it is a lot of people’s first rodeo when it comes to AI,” said Jon Gould, director of software business development at Schneider Electric. “In software, you can leverage it, whether that’s through a digital twin or monitoring or asset audits. You can really understand: Are you ready for AI? What it’s going to take to get there? And you can even model and simulate changes before they happen so you can make much more informed decisions.”

For Schneider’s channel leadership, the opportunity extends beyond traditional hardware discussions.

“What really excites me is most of our partners are familiar with us from a product brand, APC, American Power Conversion,” said Gordon Lord, vice president of U.S. channels at Schneider Electric.

The emphasis, Lord said, is on broadening that conversation.

“When we engage our partners, we really have to start thinking beyond the hardware and lead with both software, services and assessments,” he said.

Partners said that shift is already shaping how they engage customers.

“My biggest message that I’m going to bring back to my customers is, hey, these massive changes are coming,” said Chris Day, vice president of technical sales at Safari Micro. “You’re already starting to see them, but I don’t think you’ve even scratched the surface on what this truly encompasses, and it’s not just ChatGPT or Copilot. It’s the whole ecosystem and framework that it’s encompassing.”

The message from Innovation Summit interviews with CRNtv was consistent: AI-driven demand is accelerating, and partners are responding with a greater emphasis on software, services and long-term infrastructure planning.

Learn how to help your customers get AI ready with a Power Infrastructure Assessment.