Journey to AppExchange and Beyond: Part 1
From concept to listing, becoming an AppExchange partner and launching an app on the fastest-growing enterprise cloud marketplace is an exciting time for ISVs (also known as independent software vendors). Keep reading to learn more about each step in the journey, and how to access the resources that will help you be successful.
What is AppExchange?
AppExchange is the leading enterprise cloud marketplace, where you’ll find over 4,000 solutions to help extend Salesforce into any department or industry. There are also more than 80,000 customer reviews, and over 1,000 listings for consultants, who bring deep expertise to drive business transformation. And with seven million installs to date, you’ll be in good company when you list your product on the AppExchange.
ISVs contribute to the Salesforce Ecosystem in a huge and impactful way by accelerating the success of our customers. You can build powerful solutions with the Salesforce Platform, technology, and tools.
What is the AppExchange Partner Program?
Whether you’re an individual developer, startup, or established company, becoming an AppExchange partner puts you into a highly lucrative market of savvy, app-driven Salesforce customers. You don’t have to be a veteran Salesforce user to become an AppExchange partner. All you need is an idea — the AppExchange team can help you bridge the gap between idea and selling on the number one enterprise marketplace.
The Journey to the AppExchange
Below are the steps to becoming an AppExchange partner. We recommend you dive into more details of each step, plus check out the AppExchange OnBoarding guide and this Trailhead module.
- Join the Partner Community
- Build your solution
- Prepare solution documentation
- Sign the Salesforce partnership agreement
- Pass Security Review
- Publish your AppExchange listing
More questions? Every week, we host AppExchange partner office hours. Office hours give you the opportunity to learn from and chat with Salesforce experts about topics like technology and marketing. Check out the office hours schedule in the Partner Community.
The Partner Community is, first and foremost, a virtual meeting place — a community where AppExchange partners and Salesforce employee experts gather to share knowledge. It’s also a great resource for training, support, and managing your AppExchange partnership.
What are the steps to build an AppExchange solution?
Customer success should be your top priority while building and delivering your product.
AppExchange product lifecycle is the recommended way to work towards planning, building and delivering your product. That is not the end for your product; you will continue with these steps while delivering more product features as per customer demand.
The recommended stages of the AppExchange product lifecycle are Plan, Build, Distribute, Market, Sell, and Support.
Are there any resources that can help with development and delivery of ISV product?
Product Development Outsourcers (PDOs) offer expertise in building ISV apps, as well as other valuable services like training, marketing, and selling your app. PDOs can design and build your entire app, or just take on specific features, like integrations, for example, or even just augment your own development team. Talk to your PAM when you are planning your app.
Summary
AppExchange partners have access to many tools and resources to plan, build, sell, and support their app—but your journey doesn’t end once you publish your new, amazing app on the AppExchange. Check out part two of this series to see some of the tools and resources you can use to license, support, and upgrade your app.
Remember: if you still have questions, take advantage of our free partner office hours — it’s a great way to get advice and to interact with our program staff.
