Completing the process to be able to sell our zero trust cybersecurity software app on the Microsoft Marketplace?

After receiving a Commercial Marketplace seller account ID, the next steps are:

1. Complete account, tax, and payout setup
   • In Partner Center, ensure the Commercial Marketplace account is fully configured:
     • Confirm legal business name, address, and primary contact are correct.
     • Verify enrollment in the Marketplace / AI Cloud Partner Program.
     • Complete and validate tax forms (for example, W‑9 or W‑8) and banking information.
     • Ensure the payout profile is active with no validation errors.
     • Assign required roles such as Owner/Global Admin, Marketplace Admin, and finance roles so the right team members can work on offers.
2. Decide how to package and transact the zero trust cybersecurity app
   • For a cybersecurity SaaS product, the most common transactable offer type is SaaS (Software as a Service), where the software is hosted in the publisher’s cloud and customers subscribe to the service.
   • If the solution is delivered as an image or infrastructure component, consider:
     • Virtual Machine offer if deploying a virtual appliance into the customer’s Azure subscription.
     • Azure Container offer if delivering a Docker container image as a Kubernetes-based Azure container service.
     • Azure Application (Managed App) if deploying a managed solution into the customer’s subscription while retaining control over underlying resources.
   • Choose the offer type that best matches how customers will consume the zero trust solution.
3. Prepare technical and go‑to‑market assets
   • Before creating the offer, prepare:
     • Architecture diagram showing that the solution is primarily built on Azure or other Microsoft Cloud components.
     • Deployment/provisioning steps (for SaaS signup, VM or container deployment, or managed app provisioning) and validate they work end to end.
     • Clear offer title, value proposition, and description tailored to zero trust cybersecurity outcomes.
     • Logos, screenshots, and optional videos.
     • Supported regions and a statement describing how the solution uses Microsoft Cloud (for example, Azure security services, Microsoft 365 integration).
     • Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, plus any verifiable compliance claims relevant to security.
4. Create the offer in Partner Center
   • Sign in to Partner Center and go to Marketplace offers.
   • Select + New offer and choose the appropriate offer type (for example, SaaS, Virtual Machine, Azure Container, or Azure Application (Managed App)).
   • Configure:
     • Product setup (including whether there are in‑app purchases or associated services).
     • Plans and pricing (subscription tiers, metering, or other models appropriate for the zero trust service).
     • Technical integration details (for example, SaaS fulfillment APIs, deployment templates, or container images) according to the selected offer type.
5. If applicable, align with AI or Microsoft 365/Copilot programs
   • If the zero trust solution includes an AI agent or Microsoft 365/Copilot integration, ensure it follows the Microsoft 365 / Copilot Store submission rules and that the organization is enrolled in the Microsoft 365 and Copilot program before creating those specific offer types.
6. Submit the offer for validation and approval
   • Review all metadata, technical configuration, and legal content.
   • Submit the offer for certification and publishing.
   • During the approval process, changes can be made to the submission, but they cannot be republished until the current review completes.
   • Ensure the solution is stable, functional, free of viruses, and that all descriptions and support materials are accurate and professionally written.
7. Operationalize and grow
   • After approval and publishing, monitor transactions, customer leads, and usage.
   • Use Marketplace go‑to‑market programs and co‑sell opportunities as appropriate to expand reach for the zero trust cybersecurity offering.

References:

• Transacting on Microsoft Marketplace
• Microsoft Marketplace FAQ
• Monetize your app through Microsoft Marketplace
• Microsoft Marketplace step-by-step submission guide
• Publishing modern SharePoint applications on Microsoft AppSource
• Make your solutions available in Microsoft Marketplace and within Office