The Windows Azure Marketplace why would I want to use that? There are several reasons why you may want to use this Marketplace. If the core value of my business was the data I capture an API or an application in which I want to setup a subscription based offering why wouldn’t I want a Marketplace. Look at it this way, you most likely have a smart phone, whether it be a Windows Phone/iPhone/Android/… you have a Marketplace to purchase applications you use every day. I think it is great to have the same options available to a broader audience.
The Windows Azure Marketplace has a couple options for exposing your core business to the world whether it be Data or Applications. I want to look at each option separately.
First let’s look at the Data side of the Marketplace. If I was a company whose core business was the data I capture/create, and I want to expose said data to anyone who wants to consume it. A marketplace for potentially consumers is a lot easier to trust and navigate to make sure you’re getting what you want. I still see lots of companies that still distribute their data via CD/DVD without anyway to offer real-time or daily updates. Having a way to expose your data globally without having to build the API to manage subscriptions and distribution of the data is a win/win to me. As a Content Provider you own the data/store the data/choose the price/specify the terms of use, the Marketplace just acts as your broker. All you have to do is meet the Marketplace Data Publishing SLA.
Now let’s look at the Application side of the Marketplace. If I was a company wanting to offer SaaS or Cloud based solutions, I would be very interest in another way to market and build a client base. Also your application offerings don’t solely have to be available via the Marketplace, it just adds another option for your clients to find and subscribe to them. All you have to do is meet the Marketplace Application Publishing SLA.
What’s not to like about another way to generate revenue off your core business. I invite you to take a look at the Windows Azure Marketplace.
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