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’re adding Solutions Partner* with certified software** designations.
Attaining this certified software designation for your solution will help position you to meet the growing demand for cloud-based solutions—analyst firm Gartner has forecasted worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services to total USD679 billion in 2024 and exceed USD1 trillion in 2027.1 Set yourself apart from the competition by becoming a Solutions Partner with certified software. Customers need to clearly identify that your solutions have the capabilities and reliability they need. By becoming a Solutions Partner with certified software, you can validate your software solution’s capability in areas of high customer demand, increase your discoverability in the commercial marketplace, connect with more customers, and take advantage of marketing and branding resources designed to help you accelerate your revenue in a rapidly growing market.
Becoming a Solutions Partner with certified software signifies that your solution meets technical criteria for interoperability with the Microsoft Cloud and demonstrates a proven track record of customer success. This distinction helps validate the quality, capability, reliability, and relevance of your software solution and drives a positive customer experience by delivering on the value customers expect from solutions built on the Microsoft Cloud.
Attaining a certified software designation for your solution also unlocks 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.
Details regarding these eligibility requirements can be found in the FY24 Solutions Partner with certified software FAQ.