Microsoft ISV Success Program: Accelerate Your App Development with AI Benefits

Enhance Your Development Process and Deliver Faster with ISV Success

This document outlines the benefits and resources available through Microsoft's ISV Success program, designed to empower Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in their journey of building and deploying innovative solutions.

Key Benefits and Offerings:

Accelerated Development and Delivery: Leverage exclusive advantages for software companies, including AI services, consulting, and developer tools to speed up the creation and publication of your applications.
AI-Powered Solutions: Gain access to AI benefits and cash incentives to help you build and deliver differentiated solutions for your customers. This includes support for creating intelligent apps protected by industry-leading data privacy and security.
Exclusive Partner Advantages: Access cloud credits, developer tools, and specialized resources to enhance your development lifecycle.

Program Tiers and Benefits:

The ISV Success program offers tiered benefits to cater to different stages of a partner's growth and engagement:

Core Package: Available to all participating partners upon joining ISV Success, this package provides foundational resources for publishing an application in the commercial marketplace.
Advanced Package: For partners demonstrating strong performance and a commitment to transacting through the marketplace, this tier offers enhanced benefits. Eligibility may be linked to the "Certified Software Designation" status.
Advanced Package (with specific CSDs): Partners with specific Certified Software Designations (CSDs) in Azure, Security, or Industry AI receive access to this package upon registration.

Detailed Breakdown of Benefits:

1. AI Resources:

AI Technology Consultations: Receive tailored guidance for your AI development scenarios, whether you're using pre-built AI services, extending Copilot, or building your own AI model or custom Copilot.
Access to Developer Sandbox for Microsoft 365 Copilot: Build and test agents that extend business applications, with guidance on setup, licensing, and customization.
Azure AI Foundry and OpenAI: Access cutting-edge models like Phi-4 and GPT-4.5, created by Microsoft, Meta, Hugging Face, and others.
Limited Access Azure AI Capabilities: Gain exclusive access to limited-access features for Azure AI Services, including cognitive resources and speech recognition APIs.
GitHub Copilot Access via Azure Credits: Utilize Azure credits to accelerate code development with GitHub Copilot.
Microsoft AI Certification Vouchers: Obtain vouchers for certifications in the latest Azure AI capabilities.

2. Developer Tools:

Azure Sponsorship Credits: Receive up to $50,000 in credits for solution development and access to the latest AI models.
Dynamics 365 Sandbox: Includes Dynamics 365 Sales, Field Service, and Customer Service with 25 user licenses.
GitHub Enterprise Cloud: Offers 24/7 support and 20 user licenses.
Visual Studio Enterprise: Provides 24/7 support, 25 user licenses, and access to Azure DevOps.
Microsoft 365 E5 Developer: Includes 24/7 support, 25 user licenses.
GitHub Copilot: Receive credits to build your GitHub Copilot solutions.

3. Consulting and Support:

Technical 1:1 Consultations: Get personalized support from experts, including 3 consultation hours (Core package), 50 hours (Advanced package), or 50 hours (Advanced package).
Community Support: Engage with other partners and Microsoft experts in marketplace discussions.
Azure Support: Access to Azure Support Plan with 24/7 availability and response times within 1 hour.

4. Benefit Packages (Annual Value):

Core Package: Valued at $126,000 in the first year, with a $1,500 annual fee for subsequent years.
Advanced Package: Valued at $122,000 for subsequent years, with a $1,500 annual fee. This package is for partners with strong performance and marketplace transaction intent.
Advanced Package (with CSDs): Valued at up to $151,000 in the first year, with a $4,000 annual fee for subsequent years. This is for partners with "Certified Software Designation" status.

How to Enroll:

Complete the Application: Fill out the application form quickly and easily.
Join Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program: If not already a member, you will be onboarded to this program upon qualification.
Access Benefits: Log in to Partner Center to access your benefits and track your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How does ISV Success support AI application development? ISV Success provides resources for building AI-driven apps with Azure OpenAI, access to Azure Cognitive Services, and training sessions on AI. Copilot developers also benefit from additional support, including events, expert consultations, and product advantages.
Who is eligible for ISV Success benefits, and for how long? Software development companies building B2B applications in the Microsoft Cloud and intending to publish them in the commercial marketplace are eligible for 12 months of free benefits with no renewal obligation. After 12 months, participants can opt for extended packages with annual fees ($1,500 for Core, $4,000 for Advanced).
Can ISV Success benefits be combined with other programs? Yes, ISV Success benefits can complement other Microsoft programs like Microsoft for Startups. While Azure Sponsorships cannot be stacked, you can switch between subscriptions.
What are the criteria for additional ISV Success benefits? For renewal, partners must continue developing B2B apps, meet publishing requirements, and maintain their status in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. The annual renewal fee for the Core package is $1,500. For the Advanced package, invitation is based on performance criteria and marketplace transaction readiness.
How does ISV Success improve app sales in the Marketplace? Through Marketplace Rewards, ISVs receive sales and marketing support, including listing optimization, social media promotion, and Azure Sponsorship for demos, to significantly boost marketplace revenue.
How does ISV Success support Azure IP Co-selling requirements? ISV Success facilitates the publishing of transactable offers in the commercial marketplace, which is crucial for accessing co-selling benefits like technical guidance and marketplace visibility to drive revenue. On-demand resources, work hours, and the Marketplace Community are also available for support.
Does ISV Success support professional services? ISV Success supports professional services only when they are attached to a transactable app owned by the same software company. Publishing a professional service alone does not qualify for registration or renewal. For Marketplace Rewards, Professional Services are not counted towards the MBS tier for sales and marketing benefits.

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This program is designed to foster innovation and accelerate time-to-market for software companies leveraging Microsoft's cloud and AI technologies.