Is your organization positioned for co-sell success with Microsoft?
Standing up a co-sell motion takes more than Marketplace listing and a compelling product. It requires thoughtful alignment across technical, operational, and commercial functions. In his latest blog, Mike Marzano shares practical guidance based on real-world experience leading Contentsquare’s co-sell and Marketplace strategy—driving over $40M in revenue through Microsoft’s ecosystem. Key insights include: How to assess your organization's readiness across engineering, finance, sales, and legal The importance of executive sponsorship and cross-functional coordination Technical considerations for integrating with Microsoft’s stack and optimizing for Azure If you're involved in building, delivering, or scaling software solutions, this is a valuable framework for ensuring co-sell can be a driver—not a drag—on your GTM efforts. 📅 Don’t miss the opportunity to hear more from Mike on June 18, where he’ll share additional learnings and answer live questions. 🔗 Read the full post Learn more about the June 18th sessionMarketplace Community - Upcoming AI Events
**Updated 6/3/2025** ISV Success is now supporting a series of AI-focused events to help partners maximize the AI opportunity when building and publishing solutions to the commercial marketplace. These events are open to all partners on marketplace – participation in ISV Success is not required to attend. Stay updated on the latest offerings by subscribing to this post, where we will be regularly updating our list of upcoming events and sharing links to recent events. Full instructions on how to subscribe are posted at the bottom of this post. Check out our upcoming AI events below and comment with any of your questions! _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ISV AI Envisioning Day Trainings We are excited to announce the launch of two new ISV AI Envisioning Day training courses introducing tools and frameworks to leverage in building AI applications that drive innovation and business value. Microsoft ISV AI Envisioning Day: Identify and Prioritize Use Cases for AI Solutions This session guides you through the process of identifying and prioritizing business use cases for AI solutions. You will learn how to structure each use case to assess its viability, differentiate its value, and explore learning opportunities. Practical advice and actionable steps will be provided to help you kickstart your AI projects and accelerate time-to-market. Microsoft ISV AI Envisioning Day: Get the Framework to Develop AI Solutions In this envisioning session, you will learn how to effectively plan, build, and deploy your AI solution. You will be empowered with tools and frameworks to guide you through the technical and business considerations to evaluate when determining the best approach to use in building your AI application. Whether you’re just beginning to identify and prioritize AI use cases or are ready to begin planning, building, and deploying solutions, you’ll learn the steps to make AI a reality in your organization. Both ISV AI Envisioning Day training courses will run monthly in multiple time zones and are delivered in English. Check back for upcoming session dates and times. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ISV Security Series The ISV Security Series is designed to empower ISVs to not only defend against current threats but also anticipate and prepare for future challenges. Whether you are just starting your security journey or looking to enhance your existing strategies, this series provides the insights and resources you need to succeed. Join us in creating a safer digital ecosystem – one that fosters innovation without compromise. Register for the upcoming session at aka.ms/asiaisvsecurity June 2025 Safeguard Data Security & Privacy in AI-Driven Applications Explores how to implement robust data security and privacy measures tailored to AI applications, from handling user data responsibly to meeting regulatory requirements and mitigating risks. July 2025 Build Secure AI & Copilot Experiences with Microsoft's Framework Learn how to create secure and reliable AI and Copilot experiences using Microsoft’s robust security framework & AI ready infrastructure. August 2025 Zero Trust for ISVs: Importance and Implementation Strategies This session breaks down why Zero Trust matters and provides practical steps to implement its core principles, including least privilege access, tenant isolation, and continuous verification. September 2025 Security Essentials for Marketplace Publishing This session equips ISVs with the knowledge to meet Azure Marketplace security requirements, safeguard customer data, and ensure compliance with platform standards. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Copilot Developer Camp Join us for the Copilot Developer Camp—an immersive workshop designed for professional developers eager to expand their skills with Copilot for Microsoft 365 or create custom copilots. This free, one-day workshop, held right after the AI tour, aims to equip developers, ISVs, and tech enthusiasts with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to enhance and extend Copilot’s capabilities for Microsoft 365. This is an in-person workshop offered in multiple locations. It is aimed at Developers, ISV partners, product centric companies, and enterprise developers. You will walk away with an understanding of the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot and its extensibility AI models. See the different methods to develop Copilot agents utilizing Microsoft 365 Copilot's AI and orchestration on how to create a custom engine agent using Azure AI Studio and Teams AI library. How to develop a Declarative agent that includes a Build custom action for your agent via API plugins. Check here for upcoming dates and locations: Copilot Developer Camp Registration _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities Microsoft Copilot Studio and building custom agents. Agents are AI-powered productivity tools designed to enhance everyday tasks by leveraging large language models (LLMs). Are you a developer interested in exploring advanced aspects of using Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Copilot Studio, and building custom agents using professional coding techniques? Join our on-demand workshop to learn how to leverage pro-code capabilities and build intelligent agents that assist users across various domains. Workshop Agenda Day 1: Extend Microsoft 365 Copilot with declarative agents Build custom engine agents with Teams AI library and Microsoft 365 Agents SDK Day 2: Develop your own agents in Azure AI Foundry Day 3: Build your own agents with Semantic Kernel for a fully controlled end-to-end AI experience Secure and govern copilots Call to Action Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and build powerful agents with pro-code capabilities. Register now for this on-demand session and take the next step in your development journey! For more training opportunities, visit us at the Partner Skilling Hub. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Azure AI Foundry Council & AI Visionaries The Azure AI Foundry Council & AI Visionaries is excited to deliver new AI webinars to enhance your learning and help you navigate the future of AI. Check back for June sessions coming soon. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Day: AI Fundamentals Join us for Azure AI Fundamentals, a free virtual training designed to build your technical expertise in AI and machine learning on Microsoft Azure. This course will dive into core AI concepts and foundational workloads, offering hands-on insights into Azure AI services that power intelligent applications. You'll explore machine learning models, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP) capabilities such as sentiment analysis, language detection, and key phrase extraction. With guidance from Microsoft experts, you’ll gain the skills needed to analyze and automate workflows, develop AI-driven solutions, and ensure responsible AI use across applications. Use the link below to see the full list of upcoming sessions available for registration. Multiple dates and time zones are available, and new sessions are added frequently. Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Day: AI Fundamentals _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Subscribe to this post If you're not a member of the Tech Community already, create an account at techcommunity.microsoft.com Select "subscribe" from the 3-dot dropdown in the upper-right corner of this post. Under "Notification Settings," select "Notify me of Any edits & comments on knowledge bases articles I subscribe to," then select to receive updates to this post either immediately, daily, or weekly (I recommend weekly). Manage your subscription settings so that you can receive email updates on new events. Manage these settings by selecting your profile icon in the top right corner of the community, selecting "My Settings," and selecting "Subscriptions & Notifications." You can also subscribe to the entire marketplace community which will provide you with regular updates on all marketplace discussion topics happening in this forum. To do this, click "subscribe" in the upper right corner of the marketplace community homepage.New Co-sell Coaching episode with Contentsquare on June 18
Announcing the next episode in Co-sell Coaching, featuring Mike Marzano, Head of Global Cloud Alliances at Contentsquare. Join us on June 18th for this new marketplace community event series, where Microsoft partners walk their peers through best practices on how to co-sell effectively through the marketplace, and host a live Q&A along with Microsoft co-sell subject-matter experts. Join us and learn how to: ▪️Master the Microsoft partner mindset: learn how to align with Microsoft’s priorities, articulate your unique value, and effectively work with Microsoft sellers. ▪️Get co-sell ready: discover how to prepare your organization for co-sell success through enablement, executive alignment, and cross-functional collaboration. ▪️Drive deals with precision: explore strategies for identifying, prioritizing, and planning co-sell opportunities with a focus on data hygiene, measurable outcomes, and continuous improvement. RSVP hereNew Co-sell Coaching episode with Silverfort on May 14
Announcing the next episode in Co-sell Coaching, featuring JonathanNativ, Director of Strategic Alliances at Silverfort. Join us on May 14th for this new marketplace community event series, where Microsoft partners walk their peers through best practices on how to co-sell effectively through the marketplace, and host a live Q&A along with Microsoft co-sell subject-matter experts. In the third event in this series, Jonathan will cover how Silverfort: ▪️Went from $0 to over $10M in Marketplace Billed Sales (MBS) in just 2 years ▪️Used the marketplace to close deals faster and with less friction ▪️Closed a recent marketplace deal with a large UK oil and gas company Each Co-sell Coaching event features a live Q&A with Microsoft partners and Microsoft subject-matter experts. RSVP here.Join us in Seattle for a software company + marketplace social, the week of Microsoft Build!
Join us for an evening of networking, entertainment, and celebration! The Azure Software Development Company and Marketplace teams are hosting an exclusive partner reception near the heart of downtown Seattle on Monday, May 19 at THE SHOP. We’ll have the backdrop of a world-class car collection, exquisite food, and drinks as well as immersive experiences including an adrenaline-pumping race car simulator and interactive tours. This event takes place the week of Microsoft Build. Transportation (shuttle buses) will be provided from the Seattle Convention Center to THE SHOP. RSVP today: Software Development Company Happy Hour at Microsoft Build Note: Given capacity limitations we can offer each company up to 3 individuals to attend. After completing the RSVP form, save the event details to your calendar!5/20: The power of distribution to accelerate SMB marketplace sales and partnerships
The Microsoft SMB and SMC segments, where thousands of customers make purchases utilizing Cloud Solution Provider licensing, represent a tremendous opportunity for software development companies in the Microsoft commercial marketplace. The most efficient and impactful way to tap into this opportunity is to work with an authorized Cloud Solution Provider Distributor like TD SYNNEX Alliances, Marketing, Product Management, Sales, and Executive roles - join us on May 20th to learn more about: ▪️How to engage with and benefit from a Distributor relationship with TD SYNNEX ▪️How customers in SMB and SMC make marketplace purchases through the marketplace ▪️How you can use ISV-CSP private offers to capture a larger share of these purchases ▪️How to scale with TD SYNNEX to reach thousands of Microsoft CSP resellers who can sell and support your solutions. Hear from TD SYNNEX experts, Charlie Barnett, Ed.D and Tracy Holtz in a dynamic fireside chat moderated by Bri Berry as they delve into key strategies for navigating the hyperscaler marketplace. Learn how TD SYNNEX differentiates itself, addresses software development companies’ challenges, and provides the framework for scalable growth. Register here.4/30 Customer office hours Q&A: A preview into new marketplace functionality
One more marketplace office hour to share! Join us on April 30th for this session focused on new marketplace functionality. (Note - while this session is geared towards customers, partners are also welcome to attend.) My marketplace teammates will walk through some new marketplace functionality that helps further streamline financial operations to helps organization be more efficient. Get a deep dive into private offers with new enhancements in flexible billing and more that help safeguard organizations from shadow IT, while fueling innovation. This session will also feature opportunity for live Q&A. Register here.4/25 Channel partner office hours: enhanced features, tips for EOY deals, and what's coming in FY26
Channel partners - join us on April 24 for our next office hours session focused on new marketplace assets. We will provide updates on the marketplace roadmap, including some insights on upcoming features to support your enterprise deals, like flexible billing. We will also discuss strategies for your end of year deals - remember, because of invoicing the marketplace year ends on May 31! Close the year strong and get insight on what you can expect in FY26. During this session, you will learn about: ▪️Insights on the roadmap with a deeper dive on enhancements to flexible billing. ▪️How to close the year by getting your deals to land in May. ▪️Our look forward to FY26 with Marketplace Rewards and new marketplace features. This session will also feature a live Q&A. Register here.Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities
We recently hosted the exciting new training session, “Build and extend your own agents using pro-code capabilities”, This event offered invaluable insights and hands-on experiences designed to elevate your skills and knowledge in developing and extending Microsoft 365 Copilot and custom engine agents. Event highlights: Day 1 dove into extending Microsoft 365 Copilot with declarative agents and custom engine agents, exploring the Copilot Stack, building agents using natural language coding, and adding skills with plugins. Using natural language, you are empowered to use your tool of choice to create a declarative agent app package with Teams Toolkit, Copilot Studio Agent Builder, Copilot Studio, or SharePoint. Learners experienced the ease and speed of building agents with the Copilot Studio Agent Builder in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Day 2 covered developing AI agents with Azure AI Foundry, understanding the Azure AI Foundry SDK, deploying models, implementing Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and learning about fine-tuning and synthetic data generation. Day 3 focused on building multi agents with Semantic Kernel or AutoGen, securing and governing copilots and agents with Microsoft Security, and implementing Responsible AI. Semantic Kernel is lightweight, open-source, production-ready, orchestration middleware that lets you easily add AI to your apps, with AI safety at the center. Missed the Event? No Worries. Sign up today for the on-demand session here. Plus, don't miss out on our full calendar of upcoming events, including Azure OpenAI, Build and Modernize AI Apps on Azure, and many more. Follow this link for more details.Join us at Microsoft AI Tour in Atlanta
AffableBPM is a Microsoft AI-powered operational platform that automates business processes for healthcare compliance. It includes pre-built workflows for contract, compliance, inventory, and incident management. Business users can configure over 100 back-office workflows with no code. This reduces costs, improves efficiency, and mitigates risks—delivering a measurable return on investment. We’re excited to join the Microsoft AI Tour in Atlanta to: Deepen our understanding of Microsoft’s latest AI capabilities to drive operational efficiencies in healthcare and reduce patient costs Explore integrations with complementary solutions that enhance our non-clinical healthcare workflows Connect with fellow innovators and Microsoft experts to learn from their experiences Discover emerging tools that can elevate our solutions with responsible, scalable AI As an ISV Success Partner, Microsoft has been instrumental in helping us modernize and secure our platform. We’re looking forward to staying ahead of the curve, learning directly from product teams, and bringing those insights back to our customers. Join us in Atlanta! #MicrosoftAITour #MicrosoftPartner #ISVSuccess #HealthcareInnovation #AffableBPM #AIInHealthcare #AutomationForGood #PartnerCommunity
