Software is an invaluable tool for businesses. It guarantees that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Software vendors offer numerous solutions, from virtual machines and hybrid cloud environments. While some software developers focus solely on developing customized applications, others prefer developing stand-alone programs they can market as products or services. This article explains what an independent software vendor is and why companies might want to work with one.
What is an independent software vendor?
Also known as a software publisher, an independent software vendor (ISV) is a company that offers software products to the general public or to niche markets.
ISVs offer products for a wide range of intents and purposes, such as solutions for the general public and products specific to B2B software companies. This includes customer solutions for real estate brokers, healthcare professionals, retailers, energy exploration businesses, etc.
While ISVs typically keep the rights to the products they offer to end users, accomplished software manufacturers can become business partners with companies from any industry to develop custom software. This can drive a business’s digital transformation by delivering highly efficient software ecosystems that are tailor-made to drive productivity.
What is the difference between ISV and SaaS?
The main difference between ISVs and Saas (Software as a Service) is that ISVs provide software solutions. In contrast, SaaS offers channels, such as cloud marketplaces, which are used to deliver software products.
Both ISVs and SaaS offer means of acquiring software. Nonetheless, SaaS usually works under a subscription model that allows users to access cloud solutions for a monthly or yearly fee. An ISV may choose to implement cloud computing to deliver its services.
The advantages of SaaS for an ISV include the following:
- Lower costs: ISVs can leverage SaaS strategies to deliver their solutions to customers quickly. Not only does this offer a more appealing customer experience, but it also means that a considerable amount of money and time can be saved.
- Improved customer retention: The SaaS model allows ISVs to easily deliver product changes and upgrades. This hassle-free process translates into increased customer satisfaction, as users always have the most efficient version of the software available.
- Great accessibility: Another benefit of SaaS over traditional, on-premise software services is that it is not limited to a specific area. Since it is a cloud-based model, a SaaS solution allows users to access it anywhere on the planet as long as they have an internet connection. Users can access their software from their computers and mobile devices, depending on the solution.
How do you know if a company is an ISV?
Independent software vendors are software producers that are not owned by a hardware manufacturer. ISV products may run on cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services or on operating system platforms such as Windows, Android, and iOS.
While ISVs are the primary vendors of their products, they may partner up with hardware providers, using their joint strengths to search for new revenue opportunities. Likewise, an ISV can leverage custom software development to create solutions purpose-built for business users.
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Why is choosing the right ISV critical?
As an Acumatica VAR, it’s your responsibility to present, deliver and support a complete Acumatica ERP solution for your customers. In short, their complex data integration challenges become yours. If 90% of B2B transmission is done thanks to EDI, what are you doing to help them integrate that data into their ERP?
EDI integrations require specific knowledge about EDI standards, data structure, communication protocols, and more. Therefore, VARs often rely on ISVs like Vantree Systems to handle that part of the implementation. However, bringing a third party into the ERP implementation process can be risky. If you choose the wrong ISV partner, you can expect tension between internal and external parties, putting you and your company’s reputation at risk.
At Vantree, the best B2B integration partner can manage the implementation on your behalf with the same or better responsiveness, transparency, and trust that you would have within your own organization. Our experience has allowed us to develop a unique team-based approach where we assign key service agents to your customer for rapid onboarding and support. When the customer needs help, they know who to go to and how to reach them, and they can count on them to answer and deliver expert advice time after time.
See our ISV Spotlight Video for Acumatica
We Want to Partner With You For Life!
Vantree is looking to establish long-term partnerships with Acumatica VARs to build competitive solution stacks, including Vantree’s EDI connector. We aim to help partners win deals against competing ERPs and provide the highest level of experience during the implementation process for both the partner and the customer.
For more information about our partnership programs and how we can help you and your customers, email partnerships@vantree.com or visit our Acumatica page and ask to speak to an expert!
Thank you,
Content Team
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