Should ISVs work with Microsoft?

I've started my company. I've started developing a new (top notch) product. I got pre-seed/seed, Series A/B/C funding. Cloud vendors are throwing credits at me to develop my super-duper product on their platform so I can start developing and I don't need to think about costs.

Are you familiar with the narrative?

And then - there is Microsoft. And guess what. Microsoft is not throwing credits as other vendors. And is (was) not as se*y as other Cloud Vendors. But hey, you still get some credits (that grow with your maturity). And besides that you also get a complete collaboration & productivity & AI suite (yes Microsoft is giving you that) that can not only help you build your solution, but empowers you to use integrated platform that supports majority of your work processes.

But hey - we knew that. But there are 2 things that makes Microsoft stand out.

First there's the AI.         

As you know Microsoft invested into Open AI, which is hosted on Azure. Azure offers a robust suite of AI capabilities that Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) can leverage to enhance their solutions. These include pre-built AI services like Azure Cognitive Services for vision, speech, language, and decision-making, as well as Azure Machine Learning for building, training, and deploying custom machine learning models.

The benefits are substantial: ISVs can accelerate development timelines, improve solution accuracy and efficiency, and deliver more personalized and intelligent user experiences. Additionally, Azure’s scalable infrastructure ensures that these AI solutions can grow with the business, providing flexibility and reliability. Being our partner unlocks the access to environment to try and start infusing high end technology into your product.

And then there is Co-selling that opens a door to the biggest logos.        

Besides the AI which is super relevant Microsoft has programs where Start UPs get access to global network of Experts (me also being part of it) that can help them evolve also on the marketing and business side. I've had a lot of sessions with the founders that are exceling in their development (building a great product) but have not enough hands-on experiences with the sales, marketing or Geo Expansion. In some cases founders thanked me - that I saved them 1-2 years of 'trying' with product penetration. And they are not aware that with close collaboration, they are able to grow their partnership and get an access to our account team of the biggest global customers that Microsoft is working closely with.

I got your attention, right? What's next?

Choose one of the 2 paths:

• you're a startup and have B2B solution - you can join Founders HUB program
• you're a mature ISV and would like to grow faster with Microsoft - join ISV success program

you can find more information how to join the programs here.

I look forward to your feedback, questions and to share your experience. And if you have any questions feel free to reach out!