How Customers Use Enterprise Cloud Marketplaces To Respond to New Business Conditions | 2 spglobal.com Introduction Cloud computing has transformed the way organizations manage and deploy business applications. However, the conversion has also created challenges. One of the largest of these is responding to new business conditions promptly. The business climate is constantly changing, and organizations must keep their processes current to remain competitive. Another challenge is protecting the institution’s existing investment in technology. Many organizations invested heavily in their legacy applications over the years and cannot afford to abandon them, so they must find ways to integrate new applications into existing systems without compromising security or disrupting operations. Identifying secure and valuable apps is another challenge facing many organizations. Thousands of cloud-based applications are available, and it can be overwhelming for businesses to determine which are secure, reliable and useful for their industry-specific needs. Finally, identifying certified partners is crucial when deploying applications in the cloud. Organizations must choose partners that can demonstrate a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. Cloud computing addresses these new challenges through the use of an enterprise cloud marketplace, also sometimes called an app marketplace. An app marketplace is an online platform that allows users to discover, try and purchase various software applications. These marketplaces provide users with a wide range of solutions they can quickly and easily access and start using. In addition to apps, these marketplaces offer access to experts who can provide support and consultation services. Examples of marketplaces are AppExchange by Salesforce, which offers apps and services for businesses to extend their Salesforce experience; Azure Marketplace by Microsoft, which offers various cloud-based apps; and Google Play, which provides a wide range of Android apps for mobile devices. With the help of enterprise cloud marketplace platforms, users can find and install the apps they need without having to search the web or visit multiple websites. This saves customers time and effort in searching for and evaluating options. Additionally, it connects them with vetted experts and consultants who can provide support and guidance in implementing and using specific applications. Our data shows that while most respondents get at least some value from these marketplaces, digital transformation leaders report better results than digital transformation laggards. This finding suggests that customers that are further along in their digital transformation journey will most likely derive value from these marketplaces. In addition, our survey results reflect significant collaboration and communication between partners and customers on enterprise cloud marketplaces. Partners provide customers with technical support, training and consulting services, but they also recommend which apps to buy. Customers provide partners with feedback and suggestions for improving their applications.