February 7, 2022

Drive sales and Go-to-Market in our new Azure Program

The Azure Partner Builder’s Program (APBP) was created to help ISVs navigate the challenges when building, migrating, or modernizing applications by providing a guided experience via curated content, resources, and exclusive opportunities. It gives you the tools you need to build innovative applications on Azure, migrate existing applications, and bring your solutions to market. Sign up today!

You’ve built your solution—now take it to market

In part one of this two-part series, we talked about why more and more partners are deciding to build on Azure. Now let’s explore the benefits after you build your application and are ready to take it to market.

Reach millions of customers in the Microsoft commercial marketplace

By listing your application or service in the Microsoft commercial marketplace, companies can find, try, buy, and deploy your solution. The commercial marketplace contains two storefronts: Microsoft AppSource, designed for software as a service (SaaS) business solutions, and Azure Marketplace, designed for solutions that are built on Azure.

More than just a storefront, the commercial marketplace is your path to co-selling with Microsoft. And now we’ve reduced the marketplace transaction fee to 3 percent, so you can keep more of your margin to reinvest in your business.

Enroll in the commercial marketplace program in Partner Center.

Extend your reach by connecting with Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners

More than just a storefront, publishing your solution in the commercial marketplace gives you access to Microsoft’s network of over 90K Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partners worldwide. By configuring your solution to sell through the CSP program, you can scale your reach and license your CSP partners to re-sell your solution.

The new margin flexibility feature allows you to create private offers and extend margin to CSP resellers, incentivizing them to sell your offer and, in turn, helping you drive revenue and scale. Take these steps to get started:

Create a new private offer in Partner Center.
Enter private offer details, including CSP partners you’d like to sell through and margin you’ll pass to the CSP partner.
Submit and save your private offer.

You’ll receive payment from Microsoft for sales of your offer through the CSP, less 3 percent agency fee.

Unlock the benefits of Marketplace Rewards

Once your solution is available through the commercial marketplace, you can activate Marketplace Rewards. The Marketplace Rewards program is designed to help you find customers and scale your business through the marketplace. As your engagement grows, new benefits designed to help you convert customers and close deals will be unlocked.

To maximize your benefit from the program, make sure to list your solution as a “Transact” offer. Transact offers reduce buyer friction and allow you to scale your solution to customers effectively. When you publish a “Transact” solution and activate Marketplace Rewards you’ll be paired with an Engagement Manager that will help you realize the full potential of the program. Learn more about your commercial marketplace benefits.

Take advantage of members-only invitations to Marketplace Office Hours

As part of the Azure Partner Builder’s Program, ISVs receive members-only invitations to monthly technical and marketing office hours with Azure specialists. Learn more about how to successfully publish and market your solution from the experts by attending the Azure Marketing Office Hours.

Next steps

The Azure Partner Builder’s Program provides personalized guidance, invitations to exclusive events, and curated resources for a premium customer experience. To learn more, visit the Azure Hub for ISVs. And if you haven’t already become an APBP member, join today!