Independent software vendor (ISV)
Noun
[in-dee-pen-dint sohft-ware venn-der]
An independent software vendor (ISV) creates, markets, and sells software that runs on one or more computer operating systems (OS) or cloud platforms. In other words, an ISV is a company that distributes its own software. ISVs often distribute their software on marketplaces. Hardware providers, operating systems, and cloud platforms can all offer ISVs on their marketplace, but they'll only accept, or ISV certify, the ones with the best or most relevant software.
Independent software vendors build software for human use, which distinguishes them from original equipment manufacturers (OEM) who normally develop software for backend use. Computer hardware and operating system companies (for example, Microsoft, Apple, and Google) often include ISVs in special partnership programs. This is because the more applications that can run on a platform, the more value it can generate for the platform provider.
When it comes to cloud computing, ISVs often sell their software on a software as a service (SaaS) basis, through platforms like SalesForce AppExchange and Microsoft Azure.
Example: Joino developed its own software, which was ISV certified on Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS sold the software to end users, and Joino enjoyed a healthy profit.
Is PRM Dead? The State of Ecosystems in 2023
Noun
[in-de-rekt sayls]
A marketing method products and services are not directly sold to customers, but rather through partnered organizations, like a reseller, agency, or affiliate marketing partner.
Indirect sales are often used in conjunction with direct sales channels. Utilizing indirect sales can increase scale rapidly for B2B SaaS companies since they tap into the reseller or partner's existing network while also decreasing overhead costs.
Example: Indirect sales mean that there is no direct contact between the software company and the buyer.
Noun
[in-bound re-croot-mint]
Inbound recruitment, formerly referred to as passive recruitment, is the process of attracting new potential partners to your program that arrive as inbound traffic. This means they find your business and program on their own, rather than through you going out and pitching your program to them.
An essential part of inbound recruitment is an excellent landing page for your program, which is where potential new partners will learn about its benefits and see how they can apply. Partners found through inbound recruitment may not be a perfect fit for your program, but they come with an established level of interest. It's important to vet them through an application process to only establish partnerships with the right counterparts.
Example: Luna spent a lot of time refining her partner program landing page so that inbound partners could have a smooth, informative beginning to the recruitment process.
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