Prepare your SaaS solution for a successful launch on Azure Marketplace with this comprehensive pre-launch checklist covering setup, certifications, and marketing.
Want to publish your SaaS solution on Azure Marketplace? Here’s a quick guide to get started.
By following these steps, you can prepare your SaaS solution for a smooth launch and maximize visibility on Azure Marketplace.
Prepare your system by ensuring proper integration, security measures, and performance testing.
Here’s a quick guide to the integration process:
| Component | Setup Needed |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Connect with Azure Active Directory |
| Billing System | Configure Marketplace APIs for transactions |
| CRM Integration | Set up lead management tools |
| Resource Management | Use Azure Resource Manager templates |
When naming your offer, stick to lowercase letters, numbers, dashes, or underscores. This can't be changed after publishing, so choose wisely.
After integration, focus on meeting security requirements to align with marketplace standards.
Security checks are thorough and include:
Resolve all warnings before clicking "Go live." The certification process will review:
After meeting security requirements, test system performance to handle real-world demand.
Start performance testing early. Azure offers several tools to help:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Azure Load Testing | Simulate high-scale traffic |
| Azure Monitor | Track real-time performance |
| Application Insights | Analyze user behavior |
| Azure Pipelines | Integrate CI/CD workflows |
| Azure Chaos Studio | Test system resilience |
Simulate production scenarios and focus on key metrics like:
Set performance benchmarks and continuously monitor with Azure Monitor and Application Insights to spot and fix bottlenecks.
Once your technical setup is confirmed, the next step is ensuring your offer meets the necessary certification standards. Use this checklist to complete technical, compliance, and business validations.
To be listed on Azure Marketplace, your offer must meet specific requirements:
| Component | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Platform Integration | Your offer must primarily operate on Microsoft Azure. |
| Authentication | Support both Azure AD Single Sign-On (SSO) and Microsoft Account types. |
| API Integration | Implement the SaaS Fulfillment APIs and, if applicable, the metered billing API. |
| Landing Page | Ensure your landing page is functional, accessible, and includes configuration details without requiring installations or downloads. Follow Microsoft's guidelines. |
| Documentation | Provide a privacy policy, terms of use, and support contact information. |
Additionally, all content must comply with Microsoft's Trademark and Brand Guidelines and avoid any inappropriate material.
Your technical and business setup must meet Azure's certification criteria, which involves multiple validation steps to ensure compliance.
1. Security Validation
This step evaluates your security measures, focusing on:
2. Technical and Business Requirements
The certification process also checks:
If your offer doesn't meet the requirements, you'll receive a detailed report outlining the issues. Address these, then resubmit. During the Preview phase, test your purchase flow and lead generation to ensure everything works smoothly.
Set up your Azure Marketplace pricing with a straightforward model and accurate tracking.
Azure Marketplace provides three main pricing models for SaaS solutions:
| Pricing Model | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate | Fixed subscription fee charged regularly | Services with steady usage patterns |
| Per User | Subscription fee based on the number of users | Collaborative tools or team-based solutions |
| Usage-Based | Charges tied to consumption metrics | Services with fluctuating resource usage |
Pick the model that aligns with your service delivery and how customers use your product [1].
Next, focus on configuring pricing specifically for the US market.
When setting up pricing for US listings, follow these guidelines:
Note: Azure credits cannot be applied to software license fees from publishers.
For usage-based pricing, ensure a strong tracking system is in place:
Keep in mind that consumption-based offers are non-refundable once utilized [1].
Your Azure Marketplace presence needs well-thought-out marketing assets to attract customers and boost visibility.
| Asset Type | Specifications | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Logo | PNG format in 48x48, 90x90, and 216x216–350x350 px | Ensures brand recognition across the marketplace |
| Screenshots | 1280x720 px, up to 5 images | Highlights key features visually |
| Product Video | 60–90 seconds | Explains value and functionality concisely |
Title and Description Tips
Once your listing is optimized, tap into Microsoft's sales channels to expand your audience.
Engage with Microsoft's ecosystem through the AI Cloud Partner Program to benefit from:
Pair your technical readiness with a strong market presence by preparing these key assets:
Documentation
Digital Assets
When creating product videos, focus on the customer. Address their challenges and keep the runtime between 60 and 90 seconds [2].
Before launching, ensure your Azure Marketplace listing meets all required standards.
A detailed quality review can help you avoid certification issues and delays. Pay attention to these key areas:
| Validation Type | Key Checks | Common Problems |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | - Malware scanning - Network call monitoring - Package analysis - Functionality testing |
- Failed automated tests - Integration errors - Performance issues |
| Content | - Accurate offer title - Complete descriptions - High-quality images/videos |
- Missing value propositions - Broken links - Low-quality assets |
| Business | - Active Partner Program status - Verified competencies - Support readiness |
- Expired certifications - Incomplete documentation - Missing support channels |
Once the quality review is done, move on to the final pre-launch steps.
Complete these tasks before submitting your listing:
After completing these steps, confirm your operational teams are ready for launch.
Get all departments aligned and prepared:
Finally, review all warnings in the Partner Center and confirm every page displays "Complete" before proceeding with the launch.
Launching successfully on Azure Marketplace requires thorough preparation in areas like technical setup, compliance, pricing, and marketing. These factors are essential for strong market performance and attracting customers.
WeTransact simplifies the Azure Marketplace publishing process with tools, certification learning paths, and advisory services. These resources help publishers meet technical standards and stay compliant.
Here’s a quick overview of the key components:
| Launch Component | Key Success Factors | Impact on Market Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Setup | Validating Azure integration, ensuring security compliance, and conducting load testing | Reduces post-launch issues significantly |
| Compliance | Maintaining up-to-date certifications and following listing rules | Speeds up the approval process |
| Pricing Strategy | Aligning pricing with market trends and setting up usage tracking | Improves revenue opportunities |
| Marketing Assets | Clear value propositions and high-quality content | Boosts visibility and engagement |
These steps, detailed throughout this guide, provide a solid framework for launching on Azure Marketplace. After launch, maintaining success requires ongoing efforts - such as updating support channels, tracking performance metrics, and keeping marketing materials fresh.
