The IDC MarketScape recently recognized Microsoft’s commercial marketplace as a Leader in its Worldwide Cloud and Applications-Centric Marketplaces 2023 Vendor Assessment. Cloud marketplaces are becoming crucial in B2B commerce due to expanding cloud budgets and increasing infrastructure complexity.
Organizations are looking to maximize their cloud investments, and marketplaces like Microsoft’s offer a way to do so by providing validated, click-to-deploy solutions compatible with Microsoft applications. Customers can also benefit from discounts on Azure infrastructure through marketplace purchases, with 100% of eligible purchases counting towards their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC).
The marketplace also offers enhanced private offer functionality, allowing customers to negotiate pricing, customize terms and conditions, and trial proof-of-concepts. Multiparty private offers enable channel partners to procure solutions on behalf of customers, maintaining channel relationships while enjoying marketplace benefits. Microsoft continues to invest in its marketplace, with innovations like an AI-discovery tool to help customers find solutions instantly.
Cloud marketplaces are expected to play a significant role in future B2B commerce, offering a balance between agility and control as cloud budgets grow and demands for innovation increase.
