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3232What Sets Modern B2B Marketplaces Apart: Lessons from the Front Lines
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According to Canalys Chief Analyst Jay McBain, 51% of B2B companies say cloud marketplaces will be an important way to sell to customers in 2025. But as marketplaces mature from simple product catalogs to complex digital ecosystems, the gap between those who scale and those who stall is growing fast.
Source: Canalys & Omdia, based on a global survey of 1,010 respondents (Feb 2025). Slide presented by Jay McBain at Beyond 2025
In our latest LinkedIn Live panel, we explored what sets successful marketplaces apart — with insights from industry veterans Michael Frisby (former Infinigate Cloud, Microsoft, and Cobweb) and Sebastiaan Heukels (ex-CloudBlue, Parallels, and Ingram Micro, now Solution Architect at Devtech).
Here are four key themes shaping the next generation of B2B marketplaces — and why they matter now more than ever.
1. From Product Catalogs to Personalized Solutions
Modern buyers don’t want to browse endless product lists — they want curated solutions that solve real problems. That’s why personalization and bundling are emerging as strategic advantages for cloud marketplaces.
Buyers expect marketplaces to:
Recommend solutions based on need
Offer personalized pricing
Enable multi-party offers that deliver real business outcomes
To meet these expectations, leading marketplaces are evolving rapidly. The chart below shows how hyperscalers, ISVs, and distributors are shifting their feature sets toward personalization, bundled solutions, and AI-driven buyer experiences.
And it’s not just about selling — it’s about reducing friction across the customer journey. AI-powered agents, as discussed in the panel, may soon assist in not just search, but AI assisted procurement, offering tailored product recommendations based on user profiles and past behavior.
This shift is also affecting who engages with marketplaces. While enterprises have led the way, panelists noted a growing uptick in adoption among corporate and upper SMBs — especially those seeking to simplify procurement across business units.
2. Operational Readiness Is the New Differentiator
Closing the sale is only the beginning. In today’s marketplace environment, growth is increasingly determined by what happens after the transaction — how fast you can deliver, how easy it is to onboard, and how well you retain.
How do different marketplace operators compare when it comes to SMB support, automation, and specialization?
The chart below, based on Zinnov’s research, highlights how different types of marketplace operators — from hyperscalers to ISVs — stack up on personalization, onboarding, and operational maturity. ISVs, in particular, are leading the charge in multilingual support and sustainability-focused listings.
Many marketplaces lose customers post-purchase — not due to product value, but because activation is too slow or clunky. As Sebastiaan put it: “If they’re not activating it… that’s a sure way for churn.”
Operational excellence goes far beyond technical integration. It’s a cross-functional mandate, and one that must be business-led — not just owned by IT, according to Michael.
He also called out the importance of data in shaping marketplace strategy:
How are buyers searching?
Which product combinations attract the most attention?
What are customers doing between registration and activation?
In other words, operational readiness means more than efficiency — it means insight, adaptability, and end-to-end experience design.
Here’s what high-performing platforms do differently:
They adapt to vendor readiness. Even when vendors don’t support full automation, leading marketplaces create a seamless customer experience by orchestrating manual steps behind the scenes.
They make operations a competitive advantage. Provisioning and billing aren’t treated as backend chores — they’re optimized as critical moments that shape customer trust and satisfaction.
They align from the inside out. GTM, product, and operations teams share a clear understanding of why the marketplace exists — and what success looks like.
3. Trust Is Built in the Billing Experience
While marketplaces invest heavily in sales and marketing, one of the most overlooked churn triggers sits quietly at the end of the process: billing.
Common issues like delayed invoices, confusing charges, or inconsistent formats can undo months of sales and support work. Worse, they make customers question the entire buying experience.
Frisby emphasized that billing should be treated as a first-class citizen in the customer journey — not a back-office afterthought. Marketplaces that invest in transparent, accurate, and timely invoicing are better equipped to retain customers and scale confidently.
4. Looking Ahead: AI Will Power the Next Wave of Marketplace Growth
While many marketplaces are still solving for onboarding and provisioning, the next horizon is intelligence.
Panelists highlighted the potential of AI not just for search, but for:
AI-assisted procurement based on customer profiles
Predictive bundling based on buying intent
Automated provisioning across vendors
“White glove” orchestration at scale
This isn’t about futuristic hype. It’s about using AI and automation to make personalization scalable, and to build stickier, more intuitive B2B experiences.
Sebastiaan Heukels discussed the potential for AI agents to eventually orchestrate bundles and guide customers from purchase to activation in a seamless, scalable way — though the industry isn’t quite there yet.
The opportunity? Becoming more than a place to buy — becoming a platform to succeed.
Final Thought
B2B marketplaces are entering a new era — one defined by solutions, speed, trust, and intelligence. The leaders of tomorrow aren’t just building platforms. They’re building ecosystems that customers want to stay in.
]]>https://devtechgroup.com/what-sets-modern-b2b-marketplaces-apart-lessons-from-the-front-lines/feed/0The Future of Ecosystems and Partnering in the Tech Industry
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With Microsoft signing up 400 new partners every single day, the pace of change in the tech industry is staggering. Digital marketplaces and co-selling strategies are not just trends—they’re redefining how businesses succeed.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial. In “Ecosystem Talks,” industry experts Jay McBain (Canalys), Max Kuzkin (SoftwareONE), and Tim Tsao (Stripe) discussed the key trends and shifts reshaping the future of partnerships and ecosystems.
Transformative Trends: Digitial Marketplaces and Co-Selling
Jay McBain highlighted the significant trends shaping the digital marketplace landscape. He mentioned that there are 250,000 SaaS companies today, spread across 2,262 categories, giving buyers more choices than ever. This abundance of options is driving a shift towards subscription and consumption models, with marketplaces playing a crucial role in facilitating these transactions.
From a seller’s perspective, this shift is pushing companies to rethink their go-to-market strategies and explore new ways to reach customers, such as co-selling with partners.
Building on this, Tim Tsao shared valuable insights into Stripe’s co-selling strategies, which illustrate how companies are navigating this evolving marketplace landscape. He highlighted two main types of partners that Stripe works with:
The first type is traditional systems integrators, which can range from large firms to smaller regional development shops. These partners focus on gaining access to deals, engaging in pricing discussions, speeding up deal reviews, and securing legal support, rather than seeking direct incentives.
The second type consists of SaaS platform companies, with Stripe partnering with 13,000 such firms, including giants like Shopify and Spotify. These partners often engage in revenue-sharing and broader go-to-market strategies. They face unique challenges such as crossing international borders, managing payment risks, and handling tax considerations.
Strategic Shifts in Partnering Ecosystems
McBain also discussed the evolving role of ecosystems in 2024. Traditional linear distribution models are being replaced by more complex ecosystems where the value of partnerships extends beyond mere transactions.
In the past, partners played a crucial role in the resale process, earning margins for managing transactions. However, with marketplaces now handling transactions for a fraction of the cost, the real value lies in the services partners provide before, during, and after the sale.
Marketplaces like AWS have demonstrated the immense potential of this model, with companies like CrowdStrike, Splunk, Palo Alto Networks and Snowflake generating over a billion dollars in revenue through marketplace transactions.
This shift underscores the importance of ecosystems in driving the economics of partnering, with services multiplying the value of every dollar of software sold.
The Longtail Marketplace and Platform Gravity
Jay McBain offered a compelling perspective on the platform economy, emphasizing the “sense of gravity” that successful platforms create. He explained that platforms like AWS, Microsoft, and Google are not merely convincing partners to join—they’re attracting them due to the overwhelming demand from customers.
McBain underscored the importance of the longtail in marketplaces. He explained that the success of a marketplace hinges on its ability to cater to a wide array of needs, ensuring that all layers of a product stack are available to buyers. This longtail approach is critical, especially as younger buyers expect a seamless and comprehensive marketplace experience. The ability to provide everything from core solutions to niche products in one place is what makes these platforms indispensable, and it’s why only a few marketplaces will dominate the market.
Conclusion
According to IDC, by 2025, 75% of businesses will rely on digital platforms and ecosystems to enter new markets. As Jay McBain pointed out, the longtail marketplace is crucial—only a few will dominate, and those who adapt quickly will thrive.
In this new era, success isn’t just about what you sell; it’s about who you partner with and how you fit into the broader ecosystem.
]]>https://devtechgroup.com/the-future-of-ecosystems-and-partnering-in-the-tech-industry/feed/0Cloud Marketplaces in 2024: Key Trends for Winning
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By the end of 2024, the majority of buyers in the $5 trillion tech and telco industry will be those born after 1982. These are digital-first, digital-only buyers. This is a game-changer for the industry.
As we navigate through this transformative year, it’s becoming increasingly clear that 2024 is pivotal for digital B2B marketplaces.
That’s why we recently hosted an online panel discussion “Ecosystem Talks” with leading industry experts: Jay McBain, Chief Analyst at Canalys; Max Kuzkin, General Manager at SoftwareOne; and Tim Tsao, Head of Stripe Partner Ecosystem, Programs, and Scaled Partners. They shared their views on how businesses can adapt to these rapid changes, highlighted key ecosystem and partnership trends that will significantly impact the tech industry, and covered much more. These are some of the key takeaways.
2024: An Inflection Point for Digital B2B Marketplaces
Jay McBain, Chief Analyst at Canalys, highlighted several factors driving the significant shift towards digital B2B marketplaces. The first factor is that the majority of today’s buyers have grown up with subscription and consumption models. With over 100,000 tech products available, these buyers approach research with the mindset of building their own tailored solutions. They don’t expect a single company to fulfill all their needs; instead, they prioritize integration. As Jay McBain puts it, “They buy in seven layers, they work with seven partners.” This new buyer demographic is fueling the growth of marketplaces, aligning with the broader trend toward a platform economy.
Jay also stated that a lot of software companies are looking to become platforms, with a key part of that execution occurring in a digital marketplace. What’s pointing to it? The staggering fact that over the last five years, marketplaces have been growing at an 86% compounded rate and are expected to continue significantly impacting how businesses and governments purchase technology. This growth is transformative, reflecting the shift towards platform-based companies dominating the S&P 500 and Fortune 500. Looking ahead, marketplaces will play a crucial role in technology procurement for at least the next decade.
Adapting Strategies for Cloud Marketplaces
Max Kuzkin, General Manager at SoftwareOne, emphasized the need for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to adapt their strategies to keep pace with the evolving dynamics of cloud marketplaces. With around 250,000 SaaS companies in the market, the transition to a subscription economy is far from complete. Many vendors are still grappling with the shift from traditional transactional methods to subscription models.
Kuzkin advised software vendors to focus on the bigger picture and avoid overcomplicating their go-to-market strategies. Cloud marketplaces should be seen not just as demand generation tools but as platforms to serve existing demand efficiently. He highlighted the importance of designing user-friendly business scenarios and interfaces, with a focus on practical implementation rather than overly complex API integrations.
The Evolution of Cloud Marketplaces
Tim Tsao shared a compelling story about the early days of cloud marketplaces. Ten years ago, he led the marketing efforts for the IBM Cloud Marketplace. Back then, the landscape was very different. Buyers hadn’t yet developed the expectation that they could complete entire transactions through a marketplace. On the supply side, product teams struggled with the transition from on-premises offerings to digital models. They faced numerous challenges, including pricing considerations and delivery implementation.
Fast forward to today, and the evolution is remarkable. Buyers now expect to browse, discover, and complete transactions entirely through marketplaces. The supply side has matured significantly, with offerings now tailored to fit marketplace models. Platforms have also become more flexible, accommodating billing, subscriptions, and monetization needs.
One of the most incredible developments in this space is the success of AWS Marketplace. AWS achieved a staggering $1 billion in revenue through its marketplace, underscoring the transformative power of this model. This milestone highlights how far cloud marketplaces have come and their significant role in today’s technology procurement landscape.
Conclusion
In 2024, the rapidly evolving digital B2B marketplace, growing at an 86% compounded rate, demands businesses adapt quickly and strategically.
The potential is staggering: by the end of the decade, the number of SaaS companies could hit one million, driven by innovations like generative AI.
To thrive in this dynamic environment, businesses must embrace cloud marketplaces not just as sales channels but as integral parts of their strategy. Focus on integration, leverage the power of ecosystems, and adapt to the subscription economy. The future of commerce is here, and it’s digital, interconnected, and ripe with opportunity.
]]>https://devtechgroup.com/cloud-marketplaces-in-2024-key-trends-for-winning/feed/0Pax8 Selects Devtech as Strategic Integration Partner
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Devtechwill fast-track software vendor integrations into Pax8 Marketplace
Denver, June 4, 2024– Devtech, a leader in digital innovation services for emerging and Fortune 1000 businesses, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Pax8, the leading cloud commerce marketplace. This collaboration will empower software vendors to super-charge their channel go-to-market by seamlessly integrating their digital products into the Pax8 Marketplace.
Leveraging Devtech’s extensive expertise in cloud marketplace enablement, this partnership will deliver comprehensive services for marketplace integrations. By working with Devtech for their Pax8 Marketplace integrations, vendors will ensure their R&D teams stay focused on core product innovation without compromising on go-to-market speed.
“We are thrilled to partner with Pax8 and support their mission to build the technology marketplace of the future,” said Milovan Milic, founder and CEO of Devtech. “Our Ecosystem Enablement services, combined with our extensive experience in the domain of cloud marketplaces and channel integrations, will enable Pax8 to accelerate and expand its vendor product portfolio and provide more opportunities to their partners and end-users to drive wider adoption of 3rd party ISV solutions.”
Scott Chasin, CEO at Pax8, added, “We are excited to partner with Devtech on our marketplace integrations. Devtech’s deep expertise and world-class delivery processes make them an excellent choice to help our vendors integrate into our marketplace quickly and efficiently, greatly improving their go-to-market approach and expanding our offerings to partners.”
About Pax8
Pax8 is the world’s favorite cloud marketplace for IT professionals to buy, sell, and manage best-in-class technology solutions. Pioneering the future of modern business, Pax8 has cloud-enabled enterprises through its channel partners and processes one million monthly transactions. Pax8’s award-winning technology enables managed service providers (MSPs) to accelerate growth, increase efficiency, and reduce risk so their businesses can thrive. The innovative company has ranked in the Inc. 5000 for six years in a row. Join the revolution at pax8.com.
Devtech is a global digital innovation services company that helps emerging and Fortune 1000 businesses transform, scale, and disrupt their industries through next-generation digital and cloud technologies. The company combines deep cloud domain knowledge with expertise in software product engineering, user experience, and creative design—to deliver end-to-end solutions that drive desired business outcomes. More information about the company can be found at https://devtechgroup.com.
]]>Why the 2020s Are the Decade of Platforms and Ecosystems
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The 2020s are shaping up to be a pivotal era, marked by the expanding influence of platforms and ecosystems, alongside significant shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and business strategies. This transformation is largely propelled by the emergence of new ways in which we engage with technology and each other. In an Accenture survey, 76% of CEOs agree that current business models will be unrecognizable in the next five years — with ecosystems as the main change agent. Below, we delve into the key factors driving this evolution and the impact that platforms and ecosystems are having on the business landscape.
Evolving Consumer Behavior
The Pandemic’s Accelerating Effect
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation at an unprecedented pace. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, famously noted that we’ve witnessed “seven years of transformation in seven months.” This rapid change has been evident in various sectors, from education with the shift towards online learning to healthcare’s embrace of telemedicine, which, despite existing for over two decades, only saw widespread adoption in the face of the pandemic. Such shifts underscore a broader change in our buying behaviors and how we access services.
The Digital-First Shift: How Millennials and Gen Z Are Reshaping Engagement and Buying Behaviors
The preferences and behaviors of millennials significantly influence current trends, with insights from Jay McBain revealing that 75% of millennials prefer digital-first or digital-only interactions. This movement towards digital-first interactions highlights the changing expectations businesses need to accommodate.
Furthermore, the emergence of Gen Z into the workforce and consumer base presents additional challenges. Projected to constitute about 25% of the workforce by 2025, Gen Z brings unique preferences and buying behaviors that depart from previous generations. Rob Rae, observing as the proud father of four Gen Z individuals, points out their approach to interactions, purchases, and views on cybersecurity, highlighting a significant paradigm shift. This generation’s reluctance to engage in traditional forms of interaction, exemplified by their aversion to even answering a doorbell in person, underscores a broader trend towards selective, digital-first human interactions.
The Shift from Push to Pull
Traditionally, marketing strategies heavily relied on pushing information to consumers. However, the landscape is now shifting towards a pull model, where consumers seek out trusted sources and solutions that meet their specific needs. Vince highlights the transition from traditional seller-driven interactions to a partnership-based approach, where consumers increasingly rely on trusted sources, such as reviews or recommendations from peers, to make technology decisions.
The Impact of Ecosystems
Strategic Partnerships and Revenue Growth
Ecosystems are not just changing consumer behavior; they’re revolutionizing how businesses operate and grow. Julian Martin underscores the critical role of strategic partnerships in aligning product development with market needs, presenting striking metrics from Mimecast’s own journey: Win rates are soaring by 50% when teaming with alliance partners, a significant upsell increase of 38%, and a remarkable reduction in churn ranging from 60% to 80%, varying by the size of the customer base. These statistics vividly demonstrate the importance of ecosystems in enhancing a company’s performance and customer retention.
Longevity Through Channels
The importance of channels in extending customer relationships and contract longevity cannot be overstated. Rob Rae points out that direct purchases typically result in a 3-year SaaS contract lifespan, whereas sales through managed service providers can extend it to an average of 15 years. This significant difference underscores the value of having a robust channel program as a cornerstone of business scalability and growth.
The Partnership Mindset in SaaS Organizations
Vince Menzione underscores the necessity of adopting a partnership mindset within SaaS organizations, marking a departure from traditional sales-centric approaches. Emphasizing new revenue opportunities, market access, and cost efficiencies, the partnership model requires an alignment of the entire C-Suite to ensure success. The transition to valuing partnerships over direct sales represents a crucial paradigm shift necessary for thriving in the current digital landscape. In closing:
In closing: the 2020s are unequivocally the decade of platforms and ecosystems. This era is defined by a significant transformation in consumer expectations, the strategic importance of partnerships, and the profound impact of ecosystems on business models. As we navigate these changes, embracing the shift towards more interconnected and collaborative approaches will be vital for long-term success and growth.
]]>https://devtechgroup.com/why-the-2020s-are-the-decade-of-platforms-and-ecosystems/feed/080% of B2B Partnerships Fail – How to Succeed?
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In the first episode of Devtech’s #EcosystemTalks panel series, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting Rob Ray, CVP of Community and Ecosystems at Pax8, Julian Martin, VP of Ecosystem and Alliances at Mimecast, and Vince Menzione, CEO at Ultimate Partner.
One of the topics discussed was around the reasons most B2B alliances fail, offering insightful viewpoints and experiences worth reflecting on.
Deconstructing Partnership Failures
Gartner predicts that 80% of B2B sales interactions will occur in digital channels by 2025. Tech alliances stand at the core of many initiatives these days, often hailed as the cornerstone for mutual growth and market share expansion. However, a significant number of these partnerships do not achieve meaningful results.
KPIs to Measure Success
Julian Martin reflected on this issue, underscoring the critical importance of having key KPIs defined on how you are going to measure success (such as lead generation, number of co-sell opportunities, pipeline value generation, revenue won, etc.) and actively measuring them, making sure reasons for success are well understood.
Understanding the Customer’s Needs
Apart from the KPIs and metrics, Julian highlights the importance of understanding the customer’s perspective and what the customer wants, as no single solution will do everything.
The Right Organizational Focus
And, without a doubt, where channel initiatives sit inside the organization matters as well. At Mimecast, alliances and ecosystem initiatives had many different homes over the years: they were in “Strategy”, in “Product”, in “Product Marketing”, and more recently directly under CMO. This has been the turning point, as the world of marketing ecosystem for Mimecast was about lead generation, teaming up and co-selling together.
True Cost of Doing Business
Rob Ray shared insights around how often Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have a lack of understanding when it comes to cost of doing business in the channel, which ultimately hurts the viability of partnership and success. It’s about looking at the complete service delivery cost from an operational point of view, and ensuring you’re charging enough to offset your cost of partnering.
The Four Dysfunctions
Vince Menzione identified “the four dysfunctions” contributing to partnership failures: scarcity mindset, lack of executive commitment, insufficient proactive engagement, and a deficit of trust. These obstacles are critical to address for successful, long-term partnerships.
1. Scarcity Mindset
Organizations that believe in a scarcity don’t understand and embrace partnerships, and often times they would build walls around their IP thinking that’s how they will remain competitive. When Microsoft decided to focus on making partnerships a priority, and applied a more open, growth mindset, their stock went from $30 to $429 over a 10 year period.
2. Lack of Executive Commitment
Not investing to the right level of resources and dollar investments, and lacking executive commitment, often translates directly into these organizations not seeing the value in partnerships.
3. Insufficient Proactive Engagement
Often times, businesses are not aggressive enough in pursuing their channel strategy. This is especially true in working with hyperscalers, where organizations expect a role of “partner manager” to do the job for them, and they are not proactive and aggressive enough in their engagement.
4. Deficit of Trust
We talk about trust as being the foundation, the oxygen in the room. Without trust in the relationship, there is no relationship. It’s a transaction. To be successful, you have to get to a level of trust when you lock arms with another organization.
In closing: whether you are a B2B software vendor pursuing channel go-to-market motion actively, or if you are only just considering it, there are heaps of things to consider to ensure you are successful in these partnership and truly see revenue growth from them. Same applies if you are building and running your own marketplace; whether you are a Cloud Service Provider, distributors or an MSP, focusing on the right things will help set you up for success in the world of ecosystems.
]]>https://devtechgroup.com/80-of-b2b-partnerships-fail-how-to-succeed/feed/0Devtech Appoints James Mould, a Former VP and Business Unit Head at EPAM Systems, as the New VP of Sales for Europe
https://devtechgroup.com/devtech-appoints-james-mould-a-former-vp-and-business-unit-head-at-epam-systems-as-the-new-vp-of-sales-for-europe/
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James to Lead and Grow Devtech’s European Sales Organization
LONDON – February 26, 2024 – Devtech, a leader in digital innovation services, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Mould as the new VP of Sales for Europe, effective immediately. James will be responsible for driving revenue generation and pipeline growth and developing strategic sales plans tailored to the European region, aligning them with Devtech’s global strategy.
James brings over 25 years of experience in business development and sales leadership across diverse industries, having most recently served as VP and Business Unit Head at EPAM Systems. He has also successfully pioneered EPAMs strategic expansion of the Telecoms and Media Portfolio business by developing multi-million and multi-year relationships with renowned brands.
“I am delighted to step into the role of VP of Sales for Europe at Devtech, a pioneering company driving digital innovation globally,” said James Mould. ” I am excited to join forces with the talented team at Devtech, and to leverage their Cloud expertise and digital engineering capabilities alongside my expertise and passion to propel our revenue growth and exceed client expectations.”
Devtech is dedicated to elevating its growth trajectory and solidifying its position as a top-tier leader in delivering end-to-end innovation services.
“We are thrilled to have James join Devtech,” said Milovan Milic, founder and CEO of Devtech. “His depth of expertise in business development, sales leadership, and success in driving complex solutions across diverse verticals aligns with Devtech’s commitment to innovation and growth. We are confident that James will be instrumental in shaping our European sales strategy, advancing Devtech’s position as a leader in digital innovation services.”
About Devtech
Devtech provides digital innovation services that help Fortune 1000 and emerging companies transform, scale, and disrupt. We partner with our clients to envision and develop next-gen digital and cloud solutions that drive impactful business outcomes.
More information about the company can be found at https://devtechgroup.com.
]]>https://devtechgroup.com/devtech-appoints-james-mould-a-former-vp-and-business-unit-head-at-epam-systems-as-the-new-vp-of-sales-for-europe/feed/0The ROI of Ecosystem Integration: Cost, Time, and Revenue Impact
https://devtechgroup.com/the-roi-of-ecosystem-integration-cost-time-and-revenue-impact/
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In the swiftly changing digital landscape, businesses must pivot and adapt to maintain their relevance. Central to this adaptation is the role of ecosystems, which are key drivers of standout performance. According to PwC top companies are 1.6 times more likely than their peers to use ecosystems for competitive advantages, like reaching new markets, gaining unique customer insights, and accessing complementary skills.
That’s why it’s imperative to consider ecosystem integration as a key component of revenue growth strategy. Let’s delve into understanding the Return on Investment (ROI) of ecosystem integration concerning cost, time, and revenue.
1. Why Ecosystem Integration is Vital
In today’s fast-paced business environment, having a stellar product is just the starting point. The real challenge lies in ensuring its visibility and relevance across multiple channels and ecosystems. A HubSpot survey showed that 76% of business leaders believe ecosystems will be the main disruptor to current business models. By integrating into the right ecosystems, businesses can accelerate their revenue growth, enhance customer stickiness, and achieve superior lifetime customer value.
Leveraging the ecosystem edge: Top-performing companies tend to be 1.7 times quicker to market, 1.2 times more flexible and agile, and 2.3 times more inclined towards strong innovation.
Consider Mimecast’s journey, a cybersecurity ISV specializing in cloud-based email management. They had a vision: to supercharge their ecosystem strategy, leveraging the robust partner network they’d cultivated over time. By diving deep into various ecosystems and complementary solutions, Mimecast saw an opportunity to automate service ordering via APIs, enhancing value for their end-users. But here’s the catch – while they were keenly aware of the pressing need for a laser-focused ecosystem strategy, they grappled with limited insights into third-party cloud platforms and ecosystems. Additionally, striking a balance between their core R&D roadmap and the need for go-to-market acceleration proved challenging.
Through a strategic technology partnership with Devtech, Mimecast not only navigated these challenges but also reaped impressive results. Thanks to API integrations, they celebrated a 7% surge in average order value and a whopping 75% reduction in down-sell and churn. Plus, they tapped into a dozen new ecosystems, driving revenue upward.
2. Understanding the Costs
Diversifying sales channels and venturing into multiple ecosystems might initially seem like a daunting financial leap. But, with the right strategy, these expenses transform from mere overheads to calculated investments. Remember, the game isn’t about omnipresence; it’s about marking a significant presence where your audience resides. Dive into the world of ecosystem costs: from the foundational infrastructure elements influenced by TCO (total cost of ownership) to the innovation-centric research and development expenses that can be optimally shared among partners. While the maze of integration might appear complex, enlisting third-party specialists can simplify and economize the process. Constant upkeep, though persistent, is an avenue many choose to outsource for efficiency. Marketing endeavors need a shared approach, especially as traditional methods evolve. And, an essential note: never sidestep regulatory compliance—overlooking it can quickly turn from oversight to obstacle.
3. Time: The Hidden Variable
Navigating an ecosystem strategy without a clear plan is like taking a shot in the dark hoping to hit a target. Understanding the intricacies of the ecosystems you’re aiming for is essential before immersing yourself. Skipping market research might lead to errors that could negatively impact your ROI over time.
Powered by Ecosystems: Leading businesses are about 1.3 times more inclined than their counterparts to maintain a well-defined ecosystem strategy. Furthermore, they’re approximately 2.3 times more likely to derive over 60% of their earnings from ecosystems, with ambitions to amplify this trajectory.
Given the complexities of the ecosystem landscape, it’s imperative to allocate sufficient time for comprehensive research before solidifying any ecosystem strategy. This proactive approach not only aids in averting potential pitfalls but also ensures a smoother integration into new ecosystems.
Time-to-market is crucial. While diving into new ecosystems, one might feel overwhelmed by the perceived time consumption. But think of the time saved when tapping into ready-made audiences. Prioritize ecosystems based on your product’s compatibility and potential for growth.
4. Revenue Potential: The Ultimate Goal
With integration comes the promise of increased revenue, and the data doesn’t lie. The best companies are 2.3. times more likely to earn over 60% of their income from ecosystems, and they’re gearing up to amplify this number.
Jay McBain, a top analyst at Canalys, has said that we’re entering the “Ecosystem Era”. The market is shifting, and we need to change how we work quickly. Nowadays, with tech company values dropping and company boards looking to cut costs, there’s a bigger push for partnerships to bring in money. This is why teams need to show clearly how they’re making a difference.
Take, for example, the Japanese construction company Komatsu. They’ve masterminded an ecosystem that brings construction sites into the digital age using open platforms, apps, and IoT gadgets. This connects clients with various service and software solution providers. Through this, Komatsu has revolutionized how they deliver value to their clientele.
Partnerships play a pivotal role in boosting a company’s bottom line. In fact, the income generated through these alliances often forms a significant chunk of a company’s total earnings. What’s more, this kind of income is cost-effective, meaning it often requires less investment in terms of time, effort, and resources. Recognizing this, revenue optimization experts are now focusing more on enhancing partnership operations. Their aim? To streamline the process and make revenue from partnerships even more impactful and efficient.
Conclusion: The Integrated Future
Projected estimations show that numerous sectors are evolving into expansive ecosystems, aiming to fuel a $60 trillion economy by 2025.
Admittedly, this shift poses challenges for leadership teams accustomed to traditional competitive boundaries. Yet, swift adaptation is crucial. As ecosystems increasingly define superior performance, companies with a head start are positioned for further success. To capitalize on this, businesses must refine their ecosystem strategy, hone essential skills, and scout opportunities with a visionary perspective – before someone else seizes the chance.
As we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, one thing is clear: isolated systems are a relic of the past. The future belongs to integrated, interconnected platforms that offer seamless user experiences and drive collaborative growth.
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]]>https://devtechgroup.com/the-roi-of-ecosystem-integration-cost-time-and-revenue-impact/feed/0Devtech Appoints Nikola Ilijin, a former Microsoft Senior HR Manager, to Lead its People & Culture Organization
https://devtechgroup.com/devtech-appoints-nikola-ilijin-a-former-microsoft-senior-hr-manager-to-lead-its-people-culture-organization/
https://devtechgroup.com/devtech-appoints-nikola-ilijin-a-former-microsoft-senior-hr-manager-to-lead-its-people-culture-organization/#respondMon, 16 Oct 2023 13:33:08 +0000https://devtechgroup.com/?p=19842The post Devtech Appoints Nikola Ilijin, a former Microsoft Senior HR Manager, to Lead its People & Culture Organization appeared first on Devtech.
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Nikola to Steer Global Talent Strategy at Devtech
LONDON – October 16, 2023 – Devtech, a leader in digital innovation services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nikola Ilijin as an interim Vice President of People & Culture, effective immediately. Nikola will be responsible for global people strategy covering organizational culture, talent acquisition, talent development and performance management, people experience, rewards strategy, and people operations.
Nikola brings over 15 years of experience in the HR field, having most recently served as Country HR Manager at Microsoft across 9 CEE countries. He has also led Diversity and Inclusion programs in the region.
“I am thrilled to join this amazing team and to contribute to business growth through talent strategy,” said Nikola Ilijin. “Being people-centric is pivotal in today’s business landscape. I’m eager to build upon the foundation that the team has established over the years as we eye further global expansion.”
Devtech has been building up its People and Culture function to bolster the company’s sustainable growth trajectory.
“To empower every innovative technology company in the world to do what they do best even better, it’s imperative for Devtech to continually invest in its people, attracting and retaining the top-tier talent as we continue to grow and scale globally,” said Milovan Milic, founder and CEO of Devtech. “People & Culture is one of the key organizational pillars at Devtech. It’s critical to our long-term success, and I’m excited to welcome Nikola to our team and onto our journey.”
About Devtech
Devtech provides digital innovation services that help Fortune 1000 and emerging companies transform, scale, and disrupt. We partner with our clients to envision and develop next-gen digital and cloud solutions that drive impactful business outcomes.
]]>https://devtechgroup.com/devtech-appoints-nikola-ilijin-a-former-microsoft-senior-hr-manager-to-lead-its-people-culture-organization/feed/0Legacy Platform in Real Life: Dissecting a Surprising LinkedIn Upgrade Experience
https://devtechgroup.com/legacy-platform-in-real-life-dissecting-a-surprising-linkedin-upgrade-experience/
https://devtechgroup.com/legacy-platform-in-real-life-dissecting-a-surprising-linkedin-upgrade-experience/#respondMon, 28 Aug 2023 13:47:40 +0000https://devtechgroup.com/?p=19652By Milovan Milic, CEO of Devtech Our recent experience upgrading to LinkedIn Sales Navigator Advanced Plus reminds me that no matter how successful a company is, end users can still feel like we are in the 1990s instead of 2023—surprising in an...
Our recent experience upgrading to LinkedIn Sales Navigator Advanced Plus reminds me that no matter how successful a company is, end users can still feel like we are in the 1990s instead of 2023—surprising in an era when a seamless UX should be table stakes. Companies that modernize their systems and platforms to create a unified user experience will win in the experience economy. Industry studies consistently show that a well-designed user experience can significantly increase conversion rates, enhance customer loyalty, and drive revenue growth.
The LinkedIn upgrade experience was surprising, particularly given the innovation that the company typically displays. LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman recently said, “Try to predict where it’s going in this volatility and skate to where the puck is going, not where it is.” I could not agree more.
What we thought would be a quick upgrade process required many ongoing touchpoints — over a whopping 19 days!
We initially engaged with a project manager regarding the license upgrade, and we found it surprising that there was no self-service portal. This is essential for digital-first companies. Hubspot indicates that 67% of customers prefer self-service over speaking to a support agent. Additionally, 90% of customers prioritize having an “immediate” response to a customer service question.
The upgrade process was laborious, with simple steps such as confirming the license count and the cost of upgrading taking significant back and forth. Promises of license delivery indicated “soon,” which left the user wondering, “when”? After a licensing delay, a flurry of emails again. We went 19 days without CRM integration and spent considerable time on repetitive and often unnecessary touchpoints. This resulted in considerable lost time and productivity.
On day 19, we finally received the licenses—and are now benefiting from LinkedIn’s incredible capabilities. But what a journey! These challenges are far too familiar and reflect the critical importance of modernizing systems and platforms across the enterprise. Innovation in UX is not just about technology; it’s about forging meaningful connections and growing together.
In our work with emerging companies and Fortune 500 organizations, we see shared challenges with modernization efforts, including:
Disparate systems need to come together with proper backend integration. The right integration strategy can help businesses connect disparate systems and ensure they communicate with each other seamlessly.
“Under the hood” legacy, clunky systems with limited process automation capabilities often prevent a seamless UX. Legacy applications form the backbone of many enterprises, yet they hold companies back from leveraging new digital technologies. These technologies are crucial to create modern experiences for customers and partners. IT teams need a way to rapidly connect legacy systems to modern applications while minimizing disruption to these systems.
Self-service portal capabilities allow users to independently manage their experiences, e.g., run purchasing processes, navigate upgrades, or buy new licenses. This eliminates the need for tasks such as manually signing DocuSign or communicating with a salesperson. This service, in turn, enables highly effective time-to-revenue for companies. This convenience also increases customer satisfaction and loyalty, which can lead to higher retention rates and increased revenue.
We applaud LinkedIn Chief Product Officer (CPO) Tomer Cohen and the rest of the LinkedIn team for continued innovation that benefits its 900 million (and growing) users worldwide. Yet LinkedIn, like most of today’s companies, can benefit from accelerating critical modernization of next-generation platforms to deliver an exceptional, seamlessly integrated UX that will only leave us wanting more. The key is an end-to-end digital innovation strategy that puts the user in the center. As a leader, are you willing to let outdated experiences hold back your potential?”