Volume Eight - January 2026
Subject – Entering the Microsoft Marketplace
Hi everyone and welcome to Volume 8 of Source Code Conversations.
This episode we’re delighted to welcome Hania Azhar, one of our Senior Cloud Consultants, to discuss about what the Microsoft Marketplace is, why we have taken this step and also the benefits it brings to our customers.
Thanks for giving us your time, let’s get into the conversation.
Guest Introduction
Matt Webb: As tradition goes for our new guests, could you tell our audience a little about yourself and your background?
Hania Azhar: Of course. Hello to everyone listening. I’m Hania, one of Source Code Control’s Senior Cloud Consultants. I’ve spent the last few years helping Microsoft customers plan and optimise their journey to Azure.
More recently, I’ve been leading an exciting initiative, bringing our services directly to the Microsoft Marketplace. It’s a huge step because it helps us reach more customers and make our solutions more accessible. It’s been a great growth experience, and I’m really excited to see how this supports organisations going forward.
What is the Microsoft Marketplace?
Matt: We talk often about our close partnership with Microsoft, but this is the first time we’ve discussed the Marketplace. For anyone unfamiliar, what actually is the Microsoft Marketplace?
Hania: The Microsoft Marketplace is essentially Microsoft’s online store for business solutions. It’s where organisations can discover, buy, and sell apps and services that work with Microsoft products.
Matt: So, an App Store for business services, but tailored by factors like sector, size, or geography?
Hania: Exactly. You shop for what you need, but in a trusted and curated environment.
Why is it Useful for Customers?
Matt: So beyond what you’ve already said, why is the Marketplace helpful for customers?
Hania: Good question. The biggest advantage is that everything is in one trusted place. Customers can easily find solutions that match their goals, whether that’s improving how they use Outlook or Teams, exploring industry‑specific tools, or implementing cloud analytics like AI.
Microsoft vets every listing, so customers don’t need to worry about security or compatibility. Purchases run through their Microsoft account, making billing and procurement much simpler.
And because the solutions integrate directly with Microsoft products, onboarding is usually smooth—teams can see value quickly. Whether you’re a small business or a global enterprise, there’s something for every stage of growth.
Why Source Code Control Joined
Matt: You mentioned earlier this is a new venture for Source Code Control. Why did we decide to go down this route?
Hania: For us, listing on the Microsoft Marketplace is about meeting customers where they already are. Many are already browsing there for trusted providers and services.
Being part of that ecosystem shortens the trust‑building process because Microsoft reviews and approves every listing. Customers instantly know we meet Microsoft’s standards.
And on the practical side, it simplifies procurement and billing. Customers can purchase through their existing Microsoft agreements. So overall, it removes friction and creates a smoother path from discovery to delivery.
Advice for Other Partners
Matt: There might be partners or service providers listening who are thinking about listing their own services. Any advice for them?
Hania: Definitely. It is a journey, but it’s been a worthwhile one for us. We’ve been working with a company called WeTransact, who made the publishing process much simpler. They guided us through the requirements and ensured everything ran smoothly, which saved us a lot of time.
My advice would be to use the Marketplace to boost visibility and credibility, but don’t do it alone if you’re struggling. Working with partners like WeTransact can make the process significantly easier.
Matt: Great tip. And yes for anyone interested in hearing more about our experience with WeTransact, feel free to get in touch after the episode.
Top Three Services on the Marketplace
Matt: To put you on the spot as we wrap up, we currently have around ten services listed. Which three are you most excited about?
Hania: It’s hard to choose, but here are my top three:
- FinOps Assessment
Many organisations have already moved to the cloud, but now they face cost‑management challenges. Our FinOps assessment helps them take control, identifying savings, highlighting security gaps, and recommending cost‑management best practices.
2. AI Risk Assessment
This one feels especially relevant right now. With organisations exploring AI, they want to use it safely and responsibly. This assessment helps them understand risks, governance, and alignment with responsible AI principles.
3. NIS 2 Security Assessment
A customer favourite. It helps organisations assess their alignment with the EU’s NIS2 directive, which focuses on cybersecurity and resilience. It identifies compliance gaps and provides steps to strengthen security posture.
Matt: Great selection. And I like the order because the money saved through FinOps can often be re‑invested in AI initiatives or improving security and compliance. Smart recommendations!
Matt: Well, that brings us to the end of today’s conversation. Hania, thank you for the insights you’ve given a brilliant overview of the Marketplace, why we’ve joined, and some great advice for customers and partners alike.
Looking forward to having you back on a future episode.
Hania: Thanks for having me this was great!
That wraps up our conversation with Hania on Entering the Microsoft Marketplace.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it with your colleagues and follow us on LinkedIn at ‘Cloud Services by Source Code Control’ to know when the next Volume drops. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time on Source Code Conversations.
Hania Azhar
Interviewee
Matt Webb
Interviewer
Zoe Hawkins
Editor