PPlatformAppStores

Microsoft AppSource

Cloud

Microsoft Corporation · Cloud & infra marketplaces

Best for: SaaS and business-app ISVs targeting Microsoft 365, Dynamics, and Power Platform customers.

Overview

Microsoft AppSource distributes business-focused apps, add-ins, and consulting offers across Dynamics 365, Power BI, Power Apps, and Azure. It shares certification infrastructure with the commercial Azure Marketplace, giving ISVs a route into Microsoft's enterprise customer base with transactable billing through Azure invoices.

How to build & ship

  1. 1Enroll as a commercial marketplace publisher in Microsoft Partner Center and set up payout/tax profiles
  2. 2Register your app in Microsoft Entra ID and, for transactable SaaS, integrate the SaaS Fulfillment (v2) API from a backend service
  3. 3Build a landing page and webhook to handle subscription activation, updates, and cancellation; add Metering Service calls for usage billing
  4. 4Create the offer in Partner Center with AppSource-focused listing content (business-app value, lead management, trial/CTA)
  5. 5Submit the offer for Microsoft certification, then publish once it passes validation

Key APIs & SDKs

Microsoft Partner Center (commercial marketplace)
SaaS Fulfillment API v2 (Subscription + Operations)
Marketplace Metering Service API
Microsoft Entra ID (app registration / OAuth service-to-service)
Marketplace landing page + webhook integration

Integration types

Embedded app
Connector
Workflow action

Authentication & security

  • Primary auth: OAuth 2.0
  • Also supports: API key
  • Security review: Required
  • Microsoft certification covering security, compliance, and technical validation.
  • Microsoft runs multi-level certification (publisher eligibility, listing quality, technical/package validation); typically about 2-4 weeks on a clean first submission, live within roughly an hour after certification.
  • Microsoft Graph and Dataverse throttling limits apply per tenant.
Auth docs Store policies

Monetization

Usage-based
Paid app
Listing fee
Onboarding
Partner Center registration fee
Commission
20% marketplace service fee on transactable offers
Merchant of Record
Microsoft acts as MoR for transactable offers

Pros & cons for builders

Pros

  • Purpose-built for business-application discovery aimed at Microsoft 365/Dynamics/Power Platform buyers
  • Built-in lead management and trial/CTA flows for line-of-business apps
  • Shares Partner Center tooling and transactable APIs with Azure Marketplace
  • Strong for co-sell with Microsoft field teams

Cons

  • Certification can be slow and iterative for first-time publishers
  • Transactable SaaS requires non-trivial fulfillment/metering backend work
  • Best suited to business apps rather than raw infrastructure offerings

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my app approved on Microsoft AppSource?

Microsoft runs multi-level certification (publisher eligibility, listing quality, technical/package validation); typically about 2-4 weeks on a clean first submission, live within roughly an hour after certification.

What authentication does Microsoft AppSource use?

Microsoft AppSource apps primarily authenticate with OAuth 2.0, also supporting API key.

How is Microsoft AppSource monetized?

Microsoft AppSource supports Usage-based, Paid app, Listing fee. Typical commission: 20% marketplace service fee on transactable offers. Onboarding fee: Partner Center registration fee.

Is a security review required to list on Microsoft AppSource?

Yes, Microsoft AppSource requires a formal security or listing review before apps go live. Microsoft certification covering security, compliance, and technical validation.