Case Study

Key Objectives

Seamless Collaboration in Microsoft Teams

• Autopilot enables its customers to consolidate approval processes into MS Teams for efficient collaboration.
• The solution enables request submission and approval directly within MS Teams meetings.
• Autopilot needed monetize this capabilities through the MS Teams app marketplace and use MS Teams broad reach to generate sale leads.

Expansion via Azure Marketplace

• Transition Autopilots sales pipeline from organic growth to leveraging Azure Marketplace for broader exposure and lead generation.
• Utilize the Azure Marketplace as a commercial and contracting engine to shortcut lengthy enterprise sales cycles.
• Build client trust through Microsoft’s co-branding and enable direct procurement.

Overcoming Integration Challenges

• Streamline the complex process of integrating with Microsoft marketplace and billing systems.
• Develop a three-step onboarding process for partners.
• Let Stactize and the expert team handle the integration into Microsoft’s commercial marketplace infrastructure.

Implementation and Approach

Integration with Microsoft Teams and Azure Marketplace

Autopilot recognized the potential of Microsoft Teams as a hub for collaboration and customer engagement. By integrating their customer’s approval processes into MS Teams, Autopilot enabled its users to submit and approve requests directly within MS Teams meetings, eliminating the need for switching between platforms. This seamless integration not only improved efficiency but also enhanced user experience of its customers.

Autopilot leveraged the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace platform to take advantage of MS Teams’ widespread adoption to generate leads for the solution. They even went as far as hosting their demos within MS Teams, making it easier for potential clients to explore its offerings without leaving their preferred collaboration tool.

Leveraging Azure Marketplace

To expand its market reach, Autopilot shifted its go to market and sales focus from an organic growth strategy to a B2B marketplace strategy through the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. This move provided broader exposure to Microsoft’s vast customer base and positioned Autopilot as a trusted solution within the ecosystem.

Azure Marketplace served as both a commercial engine and a contracting platform, allowing clients to procure Autopilot’s services directly through Microsoft. This integration simplified the procurement process for clients and built trust through Microsoft’s co-branding. Autopilot also ensured marketplace enablement to maximize opportunities within Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Overcoming Integration Challenges

Integrating with Microsoft’s commercial marketplace infrastructure presented significant challenges, including technical complexity and lengthy onboarding processes. To address these, Autopilot partnered with Stactize, which provided a streamlined approach to integration.

Stactize developed a three-step process for partner onboarding, marketplace enablement, and technical integration. This structured approach reduced friction and accelerated Autopilot’s integration timeline. Furthermore, Stactize’s expertise in navigating Microsoft’s ecosystem ensured that Autopilot could focus on its core business while achieving seamless integration.

Key Takeaways