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ISV Application Readiness and Certification

Effective March 31, 2013, the Windows Server 2008 R2 Logo Program will no longer be accepting submissions. Windows Server 2012 is the preferred platform for current Application Development Competencies and Certified for Windows Server Logo.

 

Application compatibility with Microsoft technologies is crucial to the quality of the experience our mutual customers enjoy.

Microsoft offers many resources including an application compatibility cookbook, free self-test tools, technical specifications for certification and business incentives to help you develop, test, certify and market technically superior applications for Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2.

What do I need to do?

  • Test tools are available to help you give our mutual customers a technically superior experience when deploying applications on Windows Server 2008 R2.
  • Earn a logo and help customers differentiate your technically superior application. All Windows Server software certification testing must be performed on Windows Server 2008 R2 in a Hyper-V environment.

Gain Global Market Exposure for Your Applications

Support Your Customers on Windows Server 2008 R2

Once you have achieved a Logo, Microsoft will automatically publish applications on the Windows Server Catalog and gain worldwide exposure.

ISVs who have earned the Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 Logo can maximize exposure with customers who are seeking Windows Server 2008 R2 compatible server applications, by creating a company profile on the Microsoft Pinpoint Partner Center. The Microsoft Pinpoint Partner Center is a marketplace for Microsoft Partners to include marketable data about their applications, create links directly to their product website, and directly reach dustomers.


Achieve Application Readiness for Windows Server 2008 R2

Develop for Compatibility

If you’ve already tested your applications on Windows Server 2008, you’ll find fewer compatibility issues when testing your applications on Windows Server 2008 R2.

The R2 release includes changes to the kernel and APIs to support virtualization, scalability, performance and networking enhancements. As a result, your application may require a hotfix or a more specific update, particularly if the application has kernel drivers.

Microsoft provides free, downloadable test tools and resources to help you:

  • Empower your build/test teams with more comprehensive test scenarios in a clear, intuitive Software Certification Toolkit.
  • Test your application’s security, stability, compatibility, reliability, and availability in a Windows Server 2008 R2 virtual environment.
  • Improve the user experience by ensuring applications meet the rigorous technical standards of certification before releasing to market.

Compatibility Resources for Developers

Earn the logo and differentiate your technically superior applications

Once your product is compatible, you can get ahead of your competition by earning the “Certified for” or “Works with” software logo. Earning the logo will help you:


Windows Server 2008 R2 Logo Program Overview

The "Certified for" and "Works with" programs require applications to be tested on Windows Server 2008 R2 in a Hyper-V environment

The Windows Server 2008 R2 certification program features the same technical requirements established in the Windows Server 2008 certification program. The Software Certification Toolkit contains features that streamline testing with greater clarity in test cases and faster access to results. Compared to the 2003 certification program, Windows Server 2008 R2 software certification is:

  • More Achievable: Free downloadable test tools guide developers and testers through the requirements and make final certification an open-book test.
  • More Valuable: Logoed applications earn global visibility in the Windows Server Catalog, generating IT market demand for certified applications

Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2

Designed for line-of-business and mission-critical applications, the Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 logo demonstrates that your solution meets Microsoft's highest technical bar for stability, security, reliability, availability, Windows fundamentals, and platform compatibility. Use the Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2 logo throughout your sales channels as a competitive differentiator. In addition, you will earn the Hyper-V designation, which demonstrates that your solution has passed Microsoft's mission-critical standards for a virtualized environment. The prices of the "Certified for" independent testing vary from US$8,000-10,000.

Learn more about preparing to earn the “Certified for Windows Server 2008 R2” Logo.

Works with Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft introduced the new Works with Windows Server 2008 R2 logo to help developers and customers identify solutions that are compatible with the new platform. Comprising a subset of certification test cases, achieving the “Works with” logo is a stepping stone toward achieving the “Certified for” logo.

Learn more about preparing to earn the "Works with Windows Server 2008 R2" logo.

Business Resources for ISVs