How do I get my App tested?

So, continuing from the last post. It has to be the most frequently asked question. Depending on how you look at it, this could be a good thing because there are lots of Partners wanting to work more closely with us, or a bad thing because we have not properly communicated the process. Either way, if more ISV's are looking to make the most of the Partnership then that can only be a good thing. I dont think I can resolve this issue in one blog but may as well make a start and would be interested to get some feedback.

Essentially, Empower is an on-boarding programme for ISV's looking to become Certified. Therefore the end goal is to get an app tested and then get 3 customer references.

There is also a rumour that testing costs tens of thousands of dollars - a subject we covered in a recent post - it actually costs only $800. The testing is done by an independent 3rd party - in this case by Veritest.com.

It is actually two tests in one - the app needs to pass two components of the following

1. Windows Server

2. SQL Server

3. .NET (consumes xml)

4. Managed Code (written in .NET

5. Client

The whole process takes around 3-4 weeks. This is from the time of opening an account and paying upfront to receiving the confirmation that you have passed. It is then a really fast process of getting your references uploaded into the Partner Portal and paying the upgrade fee.

If you wanted to go down that route then the whole process should take less than a month. If anyone has any further questions either leave a comment or email me at ukemp@microsoft.com.

Posted by: Rob Morley