New To The Community
Hello ISV Success Community, As a new member to the community, I decided to start with an introduction. I’m Aubin Bakana, Founder and CTIO (Chief Technology & Innovation Officer) of Baobab Logix LTD, now based in Leeds, UK. I lead technology and innovation, driving solutions that are secure, ethical, and intelligent. At Baobab Logix, we’re building future-ready platforms that empower businesses to thrive. One of our flagship innovations is KeepComm Intel, a next-generation contact center solution that combines AI-driven automation with human-in-the-loop architecture for speed, accuracy, and trust. As a Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Harvard CS50 certified, and full-stack developer, I bring deep technical expertise and a vision for sustainable innovation. I’m here to connect, collaborate, and share insights with fellow innovators who believe in shaping technology for good. Looking forward to engaging with this amazing community and exploring opportunities to build impactful solutions together! thank you.Lock in marketplace terms for up to five years with multiyear contract durations
Co-authored by Trevor_Yeats We’re excited to announce that the Microsoft marketplace now supports multiyear contract durations—enabling customers and partners to lock in terms and pricing for up to five years. New options include four and five-year terms for SaaS and Professional Services, and two, four, and five-year terms for Virtual Machine Software Reservations (VMSR). These contract durations are available globally across all marketplace-supported currencies. The value for your customers and for you With multiyear contract durations, customers can buy with confidence knowing they will have stability and continuity of service, making it easier to plan and forecast expenses and lock in substantial savings that often come with longer contracts. Partners benefit by supporting customers’ budget needs, strengthening customer relationships, reducing administrative burdens, and growing reliable revenue streams. “Our customers value five-year contracts for the stability and long-term value they provide. With multiyear contracts now available in Microsoft marketplace, we can better align with their operational timelines, reduce renewal cycles, and focus on building lasting relationships—while driving predictable revenue.” Sue Wilkinson, Global Director of Partners, IFS How it works To enable multiyear contract durations, software partners must take the following steps: Create a public offer with multiyear contract durations. Partners must ensure their public offers include extended contract terms before they can create private offers with those durations. Partners have two options: Update an existing public plan to support new options for extended durations (i.e., four and five-year options for SaaS offers and two, four, and five-year options for VMSR), or Create a new public plan that includes multiyear contract durations. Create private offers with multiyear contract durations. Once a public offer with multiyear contract durations is published, partners can configure private offers that leverage those durations. Notes: As of October 31, multiyear contract durations are available for CSP offers. Existing customer agreements cannot be modified mid-term to extend contract length. Customers must cancel their current plan and purchase a new one that includes the desired extended duration. Creating multiyear contracts with flexible billing schedules Partners can create private offers that combine multiyear contract durations with flexible billing options—like quarterly, semiannual, or bimonthly—making it easier to align with customer needs and streamline sales. “Microsoft’s recent launch of multiyear contracts and flexible billing has been a game changer, simplifying the buying process and enhancing the customer experience. We can now build private offers in the Microsoft marketplace in a more natural way that mirrors our contracts in the platform.” Sue Wilkinson, Global Director of Partners, IFS Learn more about flexible billing schedules and capturing the marketplace opportunity. Eligibility for multiyear contracts and how to get started Any company who is part of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program can sell on the marketplace with multiyear contract durations. Details are provided in our documentation, but at a high-level: Be a member of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program (it’s free to join) Sign the marketplace publisher agreement Publish your public offer with multiyear contract durations. Sell private offers with multiyear contract durations. In addition, we have many support resources for partners depending on where they are on their marketplace journey. For example, software development companies can join ISV Success, within the Partner Program, for tools and resources that help them publish their solution and maximize reach through the marketplace. Learn more by visiting: Microsoft commercial marketplace transact capabilities FAQs: https://aka.ms/multiyear-FAQsChannel strategy, accreditation, and real results — All at UP LIVE Reston
FY26 Is the Year to Lead with Capability FY26 is here — and Microsoft is investing more than ever in partner-led growth. From expanded co-sell motions to marketplace acceleration and capability development, the message is clear: partners who demonstrate value through accreditation and specialization are leading the way. According to Microsoft’s FY26 Partner Strategy Update (July 2025), accredited partners are seeing 3x higher engagement in co-sell motions and 2x faster time-to-market in the commercial marketplace. These metrics reflect a growing emphasis on partner capability, specialization, and alignment with Microsoft’s GTM priorities. That’s why ISSI’s workshop at Ultimate Partner LIVE: Reston is a must-attend for partners looking to align with Microsoft’s FY26 strategy and drive measurable business impact. Making Accreditation Work for Partners and Vendors ISSI has spent years helping IT service organizations and hyperscalers build smarter, more effective partner channels. Their consulting and auditing services focus on transforming partner programs — not just for compliance, but for impact. Their workshop, Driving Channel & Customer Value with Partner Accreditation, will explore: How accreditation programs are designed and optimized Case studies from both a hyperscaler and a partner organization How partners can assess the relevance of accreditation to their business Ways to improve technical and business capabilities through structured programs ISSI’s recent article “The Ways That Partners Can Make Money” outlines five core ways partners generate revenue: Resale Managed Services IP Monetization Marketplace Success Co-Sell Engagement Accreditation amplifies each of these models. It builds trust, proves capability, and unlocks deeper engagement with vendors like Microsoft. Why Attend UP LIVE: Reston ISSI’s workshop is just one part of a much larger conversation happening at UP LIVE: Reston. With over 42 speakers — including leaders from Microsoft, AWS, Elastic, Carahsoft, and more — the event brings together the most accomplished voices in partnering: Jay McBain Canalys (part of Omdia)), Erwin Visser (Microsoft), Pat Primavera (Microsoft), and Darryl E. Peek II (Elastic) the innovators building the future of co-sell and marketplace success — Rebecca Jones (Bridge Partners) Reis Barrie (Carve Partners), Erin Figer (CORE Consulting LLC), and Sam Gong (WorkSpan) the leaders transforming GTM and channel execution — Craig Abod (Carahsoft), Shane Wilson (Cohesity), Scott Sacket (AvePoint), Tarek Shamounki (ServiceNow), Erika Irby (Veeam Software) Expect: Real conversations about what’s working now in co-sell, marketplace, and GTM execution Actionable insights from strategists, innovators, and channel leaders A community of peers who are shaping the future of partner success Whether you're a partner looking to refine your strategy or a vendor seeking stronger channel performance, UP LIVE is the place to connect, learn, and lead. The Takeaway Accreditation isn’t just a badge — it’s a business accelerator. ISSI’s work shows how structured partner programs can unlock new revenue streams, improve delivery quality, and align with Microsoft’s evolving priorities. If you’re serious about driving channel and customer value in FY26, don’t miss ISSI’s workshop — and don’t miss UP LIVE: Reston. ISSI manages client-specific programs that enable industry leaders to quantify, asses, and improve the quality of services available to partner organizations migrating or managing customer workloads. Visit www.issi-inc.com or contact them at asales@issi-inc.com to learn more. ⭐ SPECIAL OFFER As a valued Microsoft partner, Ultimate Partner is offering a 15% discount on general passes to experience UP LIVE. 👉 Register HERE USE CODE: ULTIMATEVIP15 at checkout If you are unable to attend, join us via the live stream: Ultimate Partner LIVE: RestonUltimate Partner LIVE Fall 2025: AI ecosystem masterclass & partner success summit
Mark your calendars! Ultimate Partner LIVE Fall is coming to the Washington, D.C. area, October 27-29, and this event presents a unique, high-impact opportunity for partners looking to stay ahead of the tectonic shifts, align priorities, and accelerate performance in 2026. We are taking the ecosystem to Carahsoft's facilities for a masterclass in how to become the Ultimate Partner. With immersive workshops, direct access to decision-makers, and a curated executive audience; you’ll accelerate your strategy to new levels. Here is what you can expect: Decode the Tectonic Shifts: Learn how AI, Marketplaces, Co-Selling, and Ecosystems are reshaping partner success — and what you must do now. Hear directly from Microsoft leaders, Erwin Visser, Matt Berg and Wole Moses who will take you through the exciting $450B+ durable cloud budget flowing through marketplaces, FY26 AI priorities, and where you should align. Access Proven Frameworks & Playbooks: Attendees will also participate in hands-on workshops facilitated by top industry experts including: The Odigo Group, Carve Partners, ISSI, AvePoint, Bridge Partners, Digitalzone, WorkSpan, Revstacker and more! Workshops will focus on co-selling, AI marketing strategy and Building Service Models to grow revenue. Be in the Room with Leaders Network with 200+ executives, thought leaders, ISVs, GSIs, MSPs, distributors, and consultants in an intimate, high impact setting. 40+ amazing speakers will share their secrets to successful partnering! ⭐SPECIAL OFFER As a valued Microsoft partner, Ultimate Partner is offering a 15% discount on general passes to experience UP LIVE⭐ 👉 [Register Now for UP LIVE: Reston] USE CODE: ULTIMATEVIP15 at checkout Hope to see you there, Vince Menzione CEO, Ultimate Partner ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ultimate Partner is the go-to destination for technology leaders and partners aiming to thrive in the Hyperscaler ecosystem. Ultimate Partner delivers high-impact content, expert insights, and exclusive events—both live and digital. Our mission is to “Empower technology leaders to achieve their greatest results through successful partnering”. Learn more
FY26 Q1 update: Make the most of your certified software designation
Key reminders for partners with current top tier benefits Now: Partners can start the process of attaining a certified software designation—which is required to access benefits like partner-reported Azure consumed revenue (PRACR) reporting. Until December 31, 2025: Partners can retain access to current top tier benefits, including PRACR reporting and Azure partner-led incentives. Starting January 1, 2026: Partners will need to have a certified software designation to continue accessing these benefits. Updates for FY26 PRACR-reporting partners PRACR reporting has moved to Partner Center: PRACR reporting is now centralized in Partner Center and tied to active contracts—meaning that partners will need to register legacy deals and renewals as net-new to maintain eligibility. Partners who missed the April 30 deadline for estimated Azure consumption (EAC) percentage (EAC%) will receive a default rate unless updated proactively. If partners are renewing expired deals as net new through the deal registration process in Partner Center, please ensure a co-sell motion has occurred as part of the renewal. Review the Partner Center requirements for PRACR and ensure your reported deals are registered accordingly. Make the most of PRACR with vNext documentation: To support your success with vNext PRACR, we’re launching a suite of clear, actionable documentation designed to guide you through onboarding, transitions, and ongoing participation. News and announcements From FAQs to playbooks, our resource collection has the tools you need to succeed as a Solutions Partner with a certified software designation. Explore resources Enhanced FY26 go-to-market benefits: Solutions Partners with certified software designations can access updated go-to-market (GTM) benefits, including solution play cards, solution briefs, and an animated solution video—all designed to raise awareness of your solution and support your co-sell success. Learn more here or here. New Industry AI designations now available: We introduced six new designations for industry-specific AI—Energy, Government, Telecom, Education, Defense, and Nonprofit—so software development companies can further differentiate and align their solutions to sector-specific needs. Learn more here. Incentives and offers Microsoft’s FY26 Partner Incentives empower software development companies to accelerate customer migrations and modernizations with substantial financial rewards. Partners with certified software designations—including Azure, Security, and Industry AI—can earn up to $175,000 USD for qualifying Customer Migrate & Modernize engagements. These incentives, a part of Marketplace Rewards Advanced Package, support a wide range of customer scenarios, from migrating on-premises environments to Azure-hosted solutions, moving from competitive platforms, expanding Azure solution footprints, and acquiring net new customers. Check out the “ISV Engagements” tab in the incentives guide for more information. Partner success Hear how Symphony AI, Rockwell Automation, Rescale, Accenture, and Avanade are leveraging their certified software designations to expand global reach, increase brand visibility, and deliver cutting-edge AI-powered solutions. View here. Follow the tag certified software designations to stay updated on quarterly partner news for certified software designations. *“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. rest solely with your business.Welcome to the FY26 Q1 Partner Digest!
Stay up to date on the latest Microsoft Marketplace news, tools, and resources to help you grow your business. Subscribe to the Partner Digest label to never miss an update. 🚀 Noteworthy Highlights Introducing Microsoft Marketplace: Growth starts here. Turn your agents and other cloud-based innovations into sales, at scale, with Microsoft Marketplace. Learn more Updated Agreement: The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Agreement has been updated, effective September 22, 2025. Review now Partner Center Security: Multifactor authentication (MFA) is now required for Partner Center access. API enforcement beings April 2026. Learn more App Advisor Enhancements: Six new features help software developers build, publish, and sell apps faster and smarter on the Microsoft Marketplace. Explore now Fabric Extensibility Toolkit: Software companies can help customers bring apps to Fabric, speed development, and integrate workloads. Get started today Azure AI Foundry Updates: Now featuring GPT-5, OpenAI gpt-oss, Foundry Local support, and a new Browser Automation tool to help you build intelligent agents using natural language. Learn more Partner Center AI assistant: Now localized and smarter than ever with support for additional languages, providing quick answers to your day-to-day questions. Learn more Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program Concierge: Your go-to resource for all program related desk engagements, streamlined and more impactful than ever. Learn more 🌟 Microsoft partner resources: New for FY26 MCAPS Start recap Microsoft kicked off FY26 with a bold vision for partner growth in the AI era. Nicole Dezen outlines how partners can lead with innovation and scale impact. Explore strategic solution areas, expanded MAICPP investments, and GTM support.👉 Read the full post New benefits & resources New AI-powered benefits and tools are here to help partners thrive. Julie Sanford details how to get Azure credits, Copilot seats, and custom GTM materials to accelerate agentic AI adoption.👉 Read the full post Blog Series & Playbooks: Catch up on our Cloud and AI Platforms blog series. Part one: Capturing the market opportunity Part two: Migrations & Modernizations Explore the latest Cloud and AI platforms and Agentic AI partner playbooks which includes key skilling resources, investments, win formulas and more. Unlock your Microsoft AI Cloud potential with Partner Skilling Hub: Visit our skilling hub for the latest training resources to earn designations and specializations. Explore the most recent skilling blog for key skilling-related announcements. Incentives ISV Success Advanced Package: Top-performing partners with Certified Software Designations can qualify for financial incentives to build AI solutions or migrate customers to Azure. The package supports every stage of ISV Success. Learn more. Migration Incentives: New end-customer migration incentives are now available to help software companies and advanced specialized system integrators securely and efficiently move software companies’ end customers to modern applications running on Azure. See Azure Incentives > ISV Engagements tab in the incentive guide for details. 🗓️ Events & Office Hours June-September recaps June: The Microsoft Marketplace Ecosystem Opportunity Explore how AI is reshaping solution development and customer engagement in this conversation with Cyril Belikoff, Microsoft’s new leader for Marketplace. Learn how the marketplace is simplifying procurement and accelerating growth. A “lightbulb moment” for the industry and the critical role partners play in delivering innovation on Microsoft’s platform. 👉 Watch the recording July: Marketplace Rewards FY26 Learn how channel partners can benefit from multiparty private offers and new rewards tier thresholds to unlock $200K in sponsorship. 👉 Watch the recording August: Co-Sell Blueprint & Certified Designations Gain real-world co-sell strategies and learn about Microsoft’s Customer Engagement Methodology from industry experts. Plus, get the latest on Certified Software Designation benefits for FY26. 👉 Watch the recording from Ultimate Partner session on Co-sell 👉 Watch the recording on Certified Software Designations and download the slide deck 📖Explore Microsoft Customer Engagement Methodology (MCEM) September: Migrate and Modernize Summit Our Sep 23-24 event is now available online to help services partners learn how agentic AI can boost their agility by moving to the cloud quickly and effectively. Catch the replay. Upcoming Events Microsoft AI Tour for Partners is back- Join a free, one-day event to accelerate your AI journey with sales best practices, growth opportunities, hands-on labs, and technical deep dives. Discover upcoming events in cities around the globe. Join the Fabric Global Hack (Sept 15–Nov 3, 2025) to build data and AI solutions with Microsoft Fabric, collaborate globally, and compete for prizes up to $10,000. Participants get 50% off Fabric certifications. Join us at the Azure Dev Summit from October 13-15, a Microsoft-sponsored event designed for developers, architects, and technology leaders. Explore the latest in Azure, .NET, and Microsoft AI, gain insights from inspiring speakers, and connect with peers driving innovation. Participate in AgentCon 2025 by Global AI Community—a global series of one-day conferences designed exclusively for developers building the future with autonomous AI agents. 🔥 Microsoft Ignite 2025 Microsoft Ignite 2025 will empower you to get the edge you need to drive impact in the era of AI. Join us in San Francisco or attend virtually from November 18-21 to bolster your knowledge, build connections, and explore emerging technologies. Hear from Microsoft executives and other leaders on their vision for AI. Explore the latest in Cloud and AI platforms, AI business solutions, and Security. Celebrate the winners and finalists of Partner of the Year Awards 👉 Register now and stay up to date with event news at Microsoft Ignite Unplugged. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Stay tuned to the https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/marketplace-blog/bg-p/MarketplaceBlog for upcoming recaps and new office hour announcements. 💬 Share Your Feedback! We truly appreciate your feedback and want to ensure these Partner Digests deliver the information you need to succeed in the marketplace. If you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can continue to improve the content to best support you, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!Microsoft Marketplace Rewards FY26: Partner incentives, Azure sponsorships, and growth strategies
As Microsoft continues to expand its commercial marketplace ecosystem, the Microsoft Marketplace Rewards program introduces powerful new FY26 incentives for software development companies and channel sellers. From Azure sponsorships to co-sell enablement and performance-based marketing benefits, this program is designed to accelerate partner growth and drive cloud solution adoption. In this article, we break down the key updates, eligibility criteria, and strategic actions partners can take to maximize their presence and profitability in the Microsoft commercial marketplace. Marketplace Rewards Overview The Marketplace Rewards program is available to all participants in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program who publish and sell software in the Microsoft Marketplace and now includes channel partners who are enrolled in multiparty private offers (MPO). Whether you are publishing your own solution or reselling third-party offers, the program is structured to recognize and support your contribution to Microsoft’s ecosystem. Rewards are based on Marketplace Billed Sales (MBS) over the trailing 12 months. As performance increases, partners gain access to benefits that enhance visibility, marketing reach, and seller engagement. To get started, software companies should ensure their offers are transactable and channel partners should enroll to sell multiparty private offers. Monitoring performance through the Revenue Dashboard in Partner Center is essential to track progress and unlock benefits. Performance-Based Benefits Marketplace Rewards are tiered based on billed sales, with each level unlocking specific benefits designed to amplify brand visibility and accelerate demand generation. For example, reaching $100K in billed sales qualifies a partner for press release support featuring a Microsoft quote and $10,000 in Azure Sponsorship which can be used to sell future marketplace offers. At $500K, partners can participate in a Marketplace Rewards testimonial. A $1M threshold unlocks the opportunity to publish a partner or customer success story. At $8M, partners gain access to Microsoft seller webinars and Azure sponsorships of $200,000. These benefits are designed to reward high-performing partners and provide strategic marketing and sales support aligned with Microsoft’s go-to-market initiatives. Azure Sponsorships Azure sponsorships offer free Azure usage to customers, helping partners and resellers accelerate deal closure and adoption. These sponsorships are available for EA and PAYG subscriptions only and are not applicable to CSP or MCA agreements. The duration of the sponsorship depends on deal size. Deals under $100K qualify for a 90-day sponsorship, while deals of $100K or more are eligible for 180 days. For deals under three years, the sponsorship amount must not exceed 3% of the Total Contract Value (TCV). To take advantage of this benefit, submit requests using the Azure Sponsorship Submission Form. Co-Sell Enablement Partners and channel sellers who meet co-sell criteria gain access to Microsoft’s global sales force. This includes opportunities to participate in internal webinars and receive direct seller engagement. To qualify, offers must be transactable and correctly tagged in Partner Center. Documentation should clearly articulate the value proposition and include compelling customer success stories. By aligning with Microsoft’s co-sell strategy, partners can significantly expand their reach and accelerate pipeline development. Getting Started To activate Marketplace Rewards and Azure sponsorships, software companies must publish a transactable offer in Microsoft marketplace and channel partners must first enroll in Multiparty Private Offers. Monitoring performance in Partner Center is critical to understanding eligibility and tracking progress. For onboarding support, channel partners are encouraged to contact channelready@microsoft.com. Microsoft’s FY26 Marketplace Rewards program presents a strategic opportunity for software development companies and channel sellers to grow their business, increase visibility, and deepen engagement with Microsoft. By aligning go-to-market strategies with marketplace performance goals, partners can unlock resources that accelerate success. To explore the full program details and hear directly from Microsoft experts, watch the Marketplace Rewards for FY26 – Office Hours Recording
Maximizing success in the Microsoft Marketplace: FY26 strategies for software development companies
Staying competitive in today’s software marketplace requires more than just innovative products, it demands strategic alignment with the platforms and programs that drive visibility, sales, and partner support. Microsoft’s Partner Office Hours, held on August 28, 2025, provided software development companies with a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Microsoft Marketplace ecosystem. The session highlighted new investment opportunities, streamlined partner benefits, and actionable guidance for maximizing success through certification, incentives, and collaborative programs. For companies building and selling applications on Microsoft’s platform, these insights are essential for navigating FY26 and beyond. Certified Software Designation: Unlocking the top level of investments from Microsoft Marketplace benefits Microsoft is streamlining access to the top level of investments and benefits partners receive through the Certified Software Designation program. This designation is now the primary pathway for software development companies to access Microsoft incentives, go-to-market support, and differentiation to Microsoft customers and Microsoft sellers. Partners can earn certification in solution areas such as Azure, Business Applications, Modern Work, and Security, as well as in industry AI categories like healthcare, manufacturing, and more. Solutions may be certified in multiple areas, increasing their visibility to customers and Microsoft sellers. Achieving Certified Software Designation enhances discoverability in the Azure Marketplace and unlocks additional benefits, including higher funding tiers, marketing assets, and seller engagement tools. The certification process requires partners to publish a transactable solution, demonstrate customer success, and meet technical requirements for interoperability with Microsoft Cloud. FY26 Partner Incentives: Expanded support for software development companies For fiscal year 2026, Microsoft has significantly increased its investments in partner incentives for the Microsoft Marketplace. The maximum payout for migration and modernization projects has risen from $50,000 to $175,000. New pre-sales incentives are available for architecture and migration planning, and system integrators (SIs) are now eligible for rewards when assisting with customer modernization. Starting January 2026, only certified software partners will be eligible for these incentives, making Certified Software Designation essential for accessing the full range of Microsoft Marketplace support. Marketplace Rewards: Accelerating sales and engagement Marketplace Rewards remain a cornerstone of Microsoft’s partner investment strategy. Any partner with a transactable solution in the Microsoft Marketplace can participate, and those who do typically see seven times more sales than non-participants. High value features include Customer Propensity Scoring, which uses machine learning to help partners prioritize leads most likely to close, and newly expanded Azure Sponsorships. Certified partners can now access up to $1 million in annual Azure sponsorships to help close deals and offset customer costs, with some tiers exclusive to certified partners. Co-Sell benefits: Enhancing collaboration with Microsoft sellers Certified partners can engage in Partner Reported Azure Consumed Revenue (PRACR), incentivizing Microsoft sellers to co-sell partner solutions. This mechanism helps software development companies become involved in more deals and supports sellers in meeting their quotas. From January 2026, only certified partners will be able to report PRACR, making certification essential for maximizing co-sell opportunities in the Microsoft Marketplace. Go-to-market assets: Customizable marketing support for partners Achieving certification unlocks a suite of marketing assets, including a custom video for campaigns, solution battle cards for seller enablement, solution briefs, play cards, badging, logo builder, and certified letters for RFPs. These assets are fully customizable, allowing software development companies to maintain their unique branding while leveraging Microsoft’s marketing resources. Microsoft’s FY26 updates to the Marketplace ecosystem present significant opportunities for software development companies to accelerate growth, improve visibility, and access expanded support. By pursuing Certified Software Designation, engaging with Marketplace Rewards, and leveraging new incentive programs and marketing assets, partners can position themselves for greater success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Staying informed and actively participating in community events like Partner Office Hours will ensure that software companies remain at the forefront of innovation and partnership within the Microsoft ecosystem. To learn more and access the full session recording visit: Certified Software Designations: FY26 Benefits Updates | Microsoft Community HubHow Certified Software Designations accelerates Azure Marketplace success at Stibo Systems
🎉 Proud moment at Stibo Systems! We’ve officially earned the Microsoft Solutions Partner Designation with Certified Software status for our Master Data Management solution across Retail AI, Manufacturing AI, and Financial Services AI. Great to know that Microsoft recognizes the quality, security, and performance of our AI roadmap. The Certified Software badge is highly valuable for sales teams at Stibo Systems, our Alliance Partners and Microsoft sellers for several strategic reasons: --- 🔑 1. Builds Customer Trust The Certified Software designation signals that Stibo Systems solution meets Microsoft’s rigorous standards for security, performance, and interoperability. This credibility helps reduce buyer hesitation and accelerates decision-making. --- 🚀 2. Differentiates in a Crowded Market With many vendors offering similar solutions, the Solutions Partner status sets our offering apart. It shows that Stibo Systems is aligned with Microsoft’s strategic priorities, especially in AI and cloud innovation. --- 💼 3. Opens Co-Selling Opportunities Certified partners are eligible for Microsoft co-sell programs, where Microsoft sales teams actively promote our solution to their customers. This can expand our reach and shorten sales cycles. --- 🌍 4. Increases Visibility Certified solutions are featured in the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace, giving us exposure to a global audience. This can drive inbound leads and support international expansion. Learn more about how Stibo Systems boosts growth, deal size with Marketplace Rewards
Prioritize your pipeline to sell more with less effort
Not all deals are created equally—some more likely to sell through Marketplace, others more likely to catch a sellers' attention. We'll share how to assess and prioritize your pipeline so you can focus on the deals most likely to convert. Learn: How to spot high-impact deals most likely to close via Marketplace. How to filter out distractions and stop wasting time on low-probability opportunities. How to identify what Microsoft sellers actually care about so your deals get noticed. Aug 13 - 10 AM PST | 1 PM EST ➡️ Learn more and register
