Partnering with Microsoft

Microsoft provides so many resources that it can be daunting to navigate all the options. This page attempts to summarize the most important ones.

Empower for ISVs

The most relevant resource for MicroISVs is the Empower program. The Empower program provides start-up ISVs with access to nearly $30,000 worth of Microsoft software, MSDN, and technical support for less than $400 in the US.

There are some key restrictions:

You can't already be a Certified Partner or Gold Certified Partner. Empower is intended to be an onramp to get you there.
You have to commit to building a product utilizing Microsoft technologies.
You can be in the program a maximum of 2 years - and you don't get to rejoin later. Again, the point is to help you grow into a Certified Partner.

First read an overview of Empower, and then find more detail on Empower with a link to join.

Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP)

Modified from ABC’s for Software Vendors who want to partner with Microsoft by Warren Wilbee

There are many benefits for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who wish to partner with Microsoft. They fall into 3 main categories:

Technical Enablement
Marketing Support
Software License Grants

In order to provide a consistent means to deliver benefits to all our partners, Microsoft has established the Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP). The vast suite of offerings represented by the MSPP is designed to benefit both the technical and business areas of any ISV, large or small.

The levels in the Microsoft Partner Program (MSPP) are Registered, Certified, and Gold Certified (Empower is a special 1- to 2-year program to help Registered Partner ISVs become Certified Partners). There is no cost to become a Registered Partner.

Becoming a partner gives you access to a wide array of valuable resources. Here are some of the most important:

US Partner Resource Desk: This hotline is a wonderful resource for general inquiries (800) 426-9400 x 81797
Innovate-On Microsoft Technologies: This site provides guidance for differentiating your products utilizing emerging Microsoft technologies
ISV Advisory Service page: Advisory service hours are one of the benefits of participation in the Microsoft Partner Program.
The MSDN Event Site: This site will lead ISVs to great developer events in their area.
Virtual Labs: This site contains links to a number of virtual labs that ISVs can utilize.
ISV Developer Training: This site points ISVs to training opportunities designed specifically for ISVs
Microsoft Learning Consultants: This site provides companies and individuals with customized learning plans to develop competency in just about any Microsoft technology.

Industry Solutions

Microsoft works with - in fact, depends on - partners to deliver vertical solutions to specific industries. When building software or exploring a partnering opportunity with Microsoft, it's useful to consider whether you want to build a horizontal product that serves a general need or a vertical product that serves a specific industry.

Note about the original author: Patrick Foley is an ISV Architect Evangelist for Microsoft.