What is an ISV?

An ISV (Independent Software Vendor) makes and sells software products that run on one or more computer hardware or operating system (OS) platforms.

Certifications from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) ensure your most critical applications will run reliably on your chosen hardware, providing optimal performance and a high-quality user experience.

What are ISV Certifications?

Some ISVs test computer hardware to ensure:

  • Software and hardware compatibility
  • Stable and reliable operation
  • Highest level of support can be provided
  • Optimal system performance for a quality user experience
Differences in ISV certifications:
  • Some ISVs only certify graphics cards
  • Other ISVs certify complete system configurations including processor, graphics, and operating system
  • Note that some ISVs do not certify hardware
Microsoft ISV Certification

Microsoft has a Silver and a Gold Independent Software Vendor competency that they offer for ISVs. Microsoft bases their certification and the requirements on customer needs. To earn the silver competency, you will have to demonstrate that your application or solution can pass one of seven Microsoft application tests. Such tests include Microsoft’s Windows 10/11 Platform Ready test or Microsoft’s Windows 10/11 Logo test.

Microsoft’s gold competency is similar to the silver, but will show your clients that the application or software passed ‘rigorous’ testing, based on Microsoft’s standards. The application must pass one of four tests. Instead of providing three references, they must provide five and participate in the CSAT (customer satisfaction) index. With both competencies, there are membership fees involved, in addition to revenue requirements that must be met with the gold standard.

What other software titles are included in ISV?

There are too many titles to choose from. The popular titles are AutoCAD, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Vectorworks, and Siemens Solid Edge. The primary software manufactures are Adobe, Altair, ANSYS, Autodesk, AVEVA, Bentley, Dassault Systemes, Esri, Nemetschek Company, PTC, Schlumberger, Siemens, and Vectorworks.

How can I get additional information?

Contact one of our professionals, and we will be happy to provide you additional information on the exact equipment to work with the software you currently own. If you also need the software licensing, we can also assist.