During Microsoft Inspire 2023 (July 18-19), Microsoft provided an update regarding upcoming designations for ISV solutions. Now known as Solutions Partner* with certified software**designations, these designations will be available for qualifying cloud software solutions.
At Microsoft, we recognize that what each partner needs to succeed is unique to their business model, size, and stage of growth. To accommodate this variation in need, our Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program provides offerings such as Founders Hub and ISV Success, which are designed to help partners who develop software build, publish, and grow well-architected software solutions on the Microsoft Cloud. For partners who are ready to differentiate their software solutions in the market, we will be adding Solutions Partner* with certified software** designations. When partners become a Solutions Partner with certified software, they signify to customers that their solution meets technical criteria for interoperability with the Microsoft Cloud and demonstrates a proven track record of customer success. For partners who develop software—often referred to as independent software vendors (ISVs)—certified software designations provide an opportunity to better connect with customers seeking software solutions and unlock additional benefits from Microsoft.
Attaining a certified software designation for your solution will also unlock go-to-market, sales and marketing benefits designed to help propel your growth and fuel greater demand for your solutions. Because the marketplace is the essential platform for co-sell opportunities, maximizing the full benefits of becoming a Solutions Partner with certified software will help Microsoft sellers more quickly and confidently identify your solution for co-sell opportunities.
Among the go-to-market, sales, and marketing benefits you will unlock:
- Dedicated engagement manager: Access subject matter experts who can assist with available Marketplace Rewards benefits and guide you through the fulfillment process—helping ensure you experience the full benefits of becoming a Solutions Partner with certified software.
- Customer-facing badging: When you become a Solutions Partner with certified software, a digital badge appears on the Microsoft commercial marketplace, including Azure Marketplace and Microsoft AppSource, which includes Industry Cloud Gallery. You can also download the badge for use in your marketing collateral. This badge matters—68% of customers searching for software solutions evaluate vendor certifications and badging when making purchasing decisions.2
- Microsoft solution play cards: Designed to facilitate relevant and easy discovery by Microsoft sellers, use these cards to highlight the scenarios your software solution addresses.
- Nurture assets, emails, and call scripts: Use these assets to go-to-market more quickly and help drive demand for your certified solution.
- Customer-facing solution briefs: Outline use cases and value propositions tailored to your target audience for use in various go-to-market strategies, which can be customized to reflect your unique brand.
These designations differentiate partners’ software solutions in areas of high demand—and help customers identify the trusted software solutions for their needs.. We will be sharing more on certified software designations in March.
Details regarding these eligibility requirements can be found in the Solutions Partner with certified software FAQ.
Microsoft Disclaimers
*“Solutions Partner” refers to a company that is a member of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program and may offer software, services, and/or solutions to customers. Reference to “Solutions Partner” in any content, materials, resources, web properties, etc. and any associated designation should be not interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof of effectiveness or functionality, a commitment or any other type of representation or warranty on the part of Microsoft. All decisions pertaining and related to your business needs including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, etc., rests solely with your business.
**A certification is (1) specific to the solution’s interoperability with Microsoft products and (2) based on self-attestation by the solution owner. Solutions are only certified as of the date the solution is reviewed. Solution functionality and capability are controlled by the solution owner and may be subject to change. The inclusion of a solution in the marketplace and any such designations should not be interpreted as an offer, endorsement, guarantee, proof of effectiveness or functionality, a commitment or any other type of representation or warranty on the part of Microsoft. All decisions pertaining and related to your business needs including but not limited to strategies, solutions, partner selection, implementation, etc. rests solely with your business.
