AppSource Submission Process - Rishan Solutions

The Microsoft AppSource is an online marketplace where businesses and developers can discover, acquire, and deploy software applications that extend the functionality of Microsoft products such as Dynamics 365, Power Apps, Power BI, Microsoft Teams, and more. For developers, submitting an app to AppSource can be a great way to reach a wide audience, increase the visibility of their solutions, and grow their customer base. However, the submission process can seem daunting at first, especially for new developers or those unfamiliar with Microsoft’s guidelines and requirements.

In this article, we will walk through the entire AppSource submission process, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and best practices to ensure a smooth submission experience and increase the chances of approval.

What is AppSource?

AppSource is Microsoft’s dedicated marketplace where businesses can find apps, add-ins, and extensions that enhance the capabilities of Microsoft products. It is a platform that provides third-party solutions to customers using Microsoft’s tools, including Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Azure, and others.

AppSource is essential for ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) and developers because it provides access to a vast, global customer base. Moreover, it helps organizations integrate apps and services into their Microsoft-based environments seamlessly. It’s not just a marketplace but a crucial ecosystem for promoting solutions, growing a brand, and expanding a product’s user base.

Why Submit to AppSource?

There are several reasons to submit your app to AppSource, including:

Global Reach: AppSource provides exposure to millions of users globally, offering access to potential customers from all industries and business sizes.
Microsoft Validation: Apps listed on AppSource undergo a validation process, giving your solution a stamp of approval from Microsoft, which can increase trust with potential customers.
Integration with Microsoft Products: Many apps listed on AppSource extend the functionality of Microsoft products like Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Power Apps, Power BI, and Teams, making your solution easier for customers to adopt and integrate.
Increased Visibility: Submitting to AppSource helps increase the visibility of your solution through various channels, including Microsoft’s partner ecosystem, events, and promotional opportunities.
Improved Sales Opportunities: Apps listed on AppSource are more likely to be discovered by customers who need them, increasing the likelihood of sales and adoption.

Prerequisites for Submitting to AppSource

Before submitting your app to AppSource, there are several requirements and prerequisites you must meet. These prerequisites help ensure that your app is compatible with Microsoft products and meets the necessary standards for inclusion in the marketplace.

1. Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Membership

To submit an app to AppSource, you must be a member of the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). MPN is a global community of Microsoft partners, and membership provides access to resources, tools, and support for developing and marketing your solutions.

To join MPN:

Visit the Microsoft Partner Network website.
Register as a Microsoft partner and gain access to the MPN portal.

2. Commercial Marketplace Account

In addition to MPN membership, you will need to set up a Commercial Marketplace account in the Partner Center. This account will be used to manage your submissions, track the status of your apps, and handle customer interactions.

3. App Requirements and Guidelines

Microsoft provides detailed guidelines that all submissions must adhere to. These guidelines cover a range of factors, such as:

Functionality: The app must be functional and perform as advertised.
Security: The app must comply with Microsoft’s security guidelines and protect user data.
Usability: The app must have a user-friendly interface that aligns with Microsoft’s design principles.
Compliance: The app must adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR and accessibility standards.
Documentation: The app must include clear documentation, installation instructions, and support resources.

Make sure you review Microsoft’s AppSource validation requirements before submitting your app to ensure compliance.

The Step-by-Step AppSource Submission Process

The AppSource submission process involves several key steps, from preparing your app to submitting it for review. Let’s explore each step in detail.

Step 1: Prepare Your App

Before submitting, you need to ensure that your app is ready for release. Here’s what to do:

1.1. Finalize Your App

Ensure your app is fully developed, tested, and functional. Make sure it meets all of Microsoft’s AppSource guidelines and works seamlessly with the Microsoft products you are targeting (e.g., Dynamics 365, Power BI, etc.).

1.2. Add Required Metadata

Metadata is essential for describing your app and helping users find it on AppSource. You will need to provide:

App Name: Choose a clear and descriptive name that reflects your app’s functionality.
Description: Provide a concise and engaging description of what your app does and how it helps users.
Category: Select the appropriate category for your app (e.g., business, productivity, finance, etc.).
Pricing: Define your app’s pricing model (free, freemium, subscription-based, etc.).
App Icon and Screenshots: Upload a high-quality app icon and several screenshots showcasing your app’s user interface and features.

1.3. App Documentation and Support

You’ll need to include links to your app’s user documentation, installation guides, and support resources. Clear documentation helps users understand how to install, configure, and use your app.

1.4. Testing and Validation

Test your app thoroughly to ensure it functions as expected. Address any known issues and ensure your app complies with Microsoft’s security, performance, and usability requirements.

Step 2: Create Your Listing on Partner Center

Once your app is ready, you will need to create a listing for it on Partner Center. Here’s how to do that:

2.1. Sign in to Partner Center

2.2. Create a New Offer

In Partner Center, click on Create new offer to start the process. This will guide you through creating a listing for your app. You’ll be prompted to provide the following information:

Offer Type: Choose whether your offer is an app, add-in, or extension.
Offer Details: Enter detailed information about your app, including its name, description, and category.
Pricing and Licensing: Specify the pricing model, as well as any licensing information (e.g., subscription, trial period, etc.).

2.3. Upload App Package

Upload the app package, which includes the installation file(s) and other necessary resources. Depending on the type of app you are submitting, this package might include:

An .app file for Power Apps.
An .exe or .msi file for desktop applications.
An .appx or .appxbundle file for UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps.

2.4. Set App Availability

Specify the regions and markets where your app will be available. This can be customized to target specific countries or global markets.

Step 3: Submit for Review

After you have completed the listing in Partner Center, the next step is to submit the app for Microsoft’s review process. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the app and the quality of your submission.

3.1. App Validation

Microsoft will perform an automated and manual review of your app to ensure it meets the AppSource validation criteria. This includes checking for functionality, security, compliance, and usability.

3.2. Testing by Microsoft

During the review process, Microsoft will test your app to ensure it works correctly and integrates properly with the Microsoft ecosystem. If any issues are found, you will be notified and asked to make the necessary changes before resubmitting.

3.3. Approval or Rejection

Once the review is complete, you will receive feedback from Microsoft. If your app passes the review, it will be approved and published on AppSource. If issues are found, Microsoft will provide feedback and request changes. You can then address the issues and resubmit the app.

Step 4: Post-Submission: Managing and Updating Your App

After your app is published, you need to manage and update it regularly to ensure it remains relevant and functional.

4.1. Monitoring Performance

Once your app is live, you can track its performance through Partner Center. Monitor metrics such as downloads, customer reviews, and usage statistics to understand how your app is performing.

4.2. Updating Your App

Regularly update your app to fix bugs, introduce new features, and improve performance. Each time you release an update, you will need to submit it for review again. Always ensure that new versions comply with the latest AppSource guidelines.

4.3. Customer Feedback

Encourage users to leave feedback and reviews on AppSource. Positive reviews can improve your app’s visibility and reputation. Be responsive to customer concerns and use their feedback to improve your app.