For years, vendors determined what features and products customers would use. But the way we shape work, projects and business processes is undergoing a fundamental change. In particular, the transition to integrated solutions, offered via the Microsoft Appstore, has profound implications for all parties involved: customers, software partners and Microsoft itself.

In the past, you got a fixed product, but today you benefit from a dynamic ecosystem that can scale and evolve as your business needs change.

Customer’s choice 

In the past, your choice was limited to a standard product or a custom solution from a developer. However, the Microsoft Appstore now offers a new level of freedom of choice and flexibility. Customers have access to a wide range of apps, allowing them to select solutions that closely match their specific business needs. These apps are strictly checked and approved by Microsoft, which inspires confidence in the security of both data and business processes.

In addition, the ability to choose apps that together form an efficient workflow gives users the opportunity to manage their systems independently from a central platform, which simplifies management and reduces the need for extensive technical knowledge.

The partner changes too 

In the past, software partners developed customer requests into their specific industry solutions, such as HB Real Estate. However, we now use the flexibility of the Microsoft Appstore to add additional functionalities from third parties. This allows us to offer customers mature solutions quickly.

A good example of this is our experience with a large fashion company, where we were able to choose from a range of apps that perfectly matched the needs of designers and other creative employees who did not want to delve into complex administrative systems. They were given access to user-friendly interfaces that only offer the essential functions. However, it is still our job as software partners to guide customers in choosing the right solutions.

The role of Microsoft

As the administrator of the Appstore, Microsoft has control over which apps are allowed and how they are presented, which has significantly increased their influence on the software market. By offering a robust and reliable app store, Microsoft creates an ecosystem in which both users and developers can flourish, which undoubtedly strengthens their position in the technology market.

Summary

Today, customers can be the architects of their own systems, thanks in part to the possibilities offered by cloud solutions in the Microsoft Appstore. Software partners continue to play a crucial role by using their expertise for advice and guidance, especially in the field of advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning, as well as regulatory issues in the field of security and compliance.

Combined power 

EQ-Group and HB Software have joined forces to form the New Business Software Group. We both support companies in their digitalisation journey with the power of Microsoft technology. By joining forces, the short lines and flexibility you are used to are retained, while our offering is now even richer and more extensive. We combine specialised industry expertise with a comprehensive technical offering. All under one roof.