If your solution is suitable for B2C- or B2B eCommerce and your strategy is to reach enterprise customers, a Salesforce ISV (Independent Software Vendor) partnership may be a viable option for your business.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud (formerly Demandware) is the world’s #1 Enterprise Cloud Commerce solution for growing brands. Brands like Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, Columbia, Boohoo, Hugo Boss, and Lacoste, and hundreds of other leading global brands trust Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Salesforce ISV Partnership is for third-party application providers who provide value-added tools and applications for B2C commerce. Major Salesforce ISV partners are Adyen, PayPal, Narvar, ShipStation, Syte, and Avalara.
What is a LINK Cartridge?
LINK Cartridge is a container for packaging and deploying program code and data, it’s structured in folders and subfolders for maximum efficiency. All Salesforce Commerce Cloud stores need at least one cartridge, but typically multiple cartridges to integrate business with external applications, such as payment providers, Localization, Product Discovery, and Tax software.
LINK Cartridge makes it much easier to integrate with Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Brands and Consulting partners that work with Salesforce Commerce Cloud typically prefer third-party applications that have LINK Cartridge available.
Salesforce B2C Commerce LINK Technology Marketplace includes over 400 commerce technology providers
The number is not large if we compare it to Magento or Shopify Application providers. Salesforce wants to ensure the quality of every Technology Partner, and that’s why the number is significantly smaller than the two other major platforms. But all leading Commerce Application providers have joined the program, and if you’re not joined yet, this is how it happens:
Step 1: Apply for membership in the LINK Technology Partnership
Apply for the Link Technology Partner Program Membership at https://partnersignup.salesforce.com/ and you have to accept the Salesforce Partner Program Agreement.
Step 2: Join the Link Technology Program
After reading and accepting the terms of the LINK Technology Partner Agreement, you sign the associated order form for program fees. The LINK Technology Partner team will help you to determine the partnership tiers and eligibility, process the partnership agreement, and create a roadmap for success with Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Step 3: Integrate your Application with Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Hire a Certified Salesforce B2C Commerce Developer like a Digital Commerce Advisor who will integrate your Application with Salesforce Commerce Cloud and request validation of the integration in accordance with Salesforce B2C Commerce certification standards.
High-level expectations for building integrations with Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
- Build a production-quality integration in accordance with Salesforce Commerce Cloud certification guidelines and Commerce Cloud development best practices.
- Write high-quality documentation regarding functionality and other relevant aspects of the integration.
- Maintain and support the integration, typically including, but not limited to updating the integration a minimum of once per year.
- Designate a technical resource to respond to feedback from Salesforce and make adjustments during the certification process.
Step 4: Submit the LINK Cartridge for Certification
Submitting the LINK Cartridge for certification must have been done by a Certified Salesforce B2C Commerce Developer or Salesforce B2C Commerce Consulting Partner like Digital Commerce Advisor.
Step 5: Go-to-Market
Once Salesforce has accepted LINK Cartridge, you’re able to start promoting newly launched integrated solutions for Salesforce Commerce Cloud Merchants.
How to get started with LINK Cartridge?
At Digital Commerce Advisor we’re ready to consult you and help you to become a Salesforce Technology partner and integrate your Application with Salesforce Commerce Cloud. To talk with a Salesforce Commerce Cloud Specialist, you can schedule a call with our experienced team member.