In Search of Improvements, CRM MVP Notes Standing Issues with Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace Experience

The overall goal of the Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace has never been too hard to understand when it comes to ISV solutions:  to accelerate the way customers find, try, and ultimately purchase add-on solutions for their Dynamics CRM or ERP system. 

But two years into its life, some aspects of the site are still causing frustration among Dynamics professionals.  Microsoft MVP Neil Benson of Customery examined some of the key product research features of the Marketplace in a recent blog post  and the issues that persist in slowing down discovery of the right solution.  (Ed: this blog post has since been taken down, and Neil says an updated post is in the works) It's a methodical and constructive assessment of a tool that Benson has high hopes for but sees as not yet fulfilling its potential.

Chief among Benson's complaints is the scattered quality of search results - the sensitivity of search terms ("e-mail" vs "email" for example), the way in which geographic territories filter results, the categorization, and the transparency of the ratings. 

For its part, Microsoft continues to promote the value the site offers to Dynamics ISVs and VARs, like in a new case study that outlines the success that Ask Distribution has had in using the Marketplace as a primary source of new leads, outstripping more traditional approaches like SEO and Google ads.

The main reason Ask Distribution CEO Gideon Ellis feels the Marketplace works for his company is the specific nature of the site.  "When people come to the marketplace, they are already looking for a solution or service for ...