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Databricks partner journey for small firms

Peter_Theil
Visitor

Hello,

We are a team of 5 ( DE/ Architects ) exploring the idea of starting a small consulting company focused on Databricks as a SI partner and wanted to learn from others who have gone through the partnership journey.

I would love to understand how the process works for smaller firms, what the experience has been like, and whether there are any prerequisites to get approved initially, such as certs or other requirements.

Thanks..!

3 REPLIES 3

Louis_Frolio
Databricks Employee
Databricks Employee

Hello @Peter_Theil , the process is somewhat easy.  You can find all the relevant information on our Technology Partner Program Page.  But for convienence, here are the steps you would generally follow:

Letโ€™s walk through this in a clean, practical way. Below is the step-by-step path for a company to become a Databricks partner, along with the most relevant links so you donโ€™t have to hunt anything down.

Step 1: Decide which partner path makes sense

The first decision is choosing the right partnership track. Databricks has several, and picking the right one upfront saves a lot of back-and-forth later.

Technology Partner

This is for companies integrating their product with Databricks. Youโ€™ll apply through the Technology Partner Program page:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners/technology-partner-program

Data Provider (Data Partner)

This is for organizations listing datasets or enabling SaaS data sharing using Delta Sharing. Apply here:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners/data-partner-program

Built on Databricks (ISVs building directly on the platform)

This is for companies building a SaaS or data application natively on Databricks. Apply here:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners/built-on-partner-program

Consulting & System Integrator (C&SI)

This path is for firms delivering services and solutions on Databricks. Youโ€™ll start in the Partner Portal and review the program materials and terms:

https://partners.databricks.com

https://www.databricks.com/partnertcs

If youโ€™re not 100 percent sure which track fits best, start with the general overview page and click โ€œBecome a partnerโ€:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners

Step 2: Apply and accept terms

Once youโ€™ve chosen a path, the next step is formal registration.

Youโ€™ll register for the Databricks Partner Program in your chosen category and accept the click-through partner agreement. This unlocks access to the Partner Portal, which is where onboarding guidance, best practices, and next steps live.

Technology Partner applicants use the โ€œApply nowโ€ flow on the Technology Partner Program page. This path includes access to Partner Connect and a free sandbox environment for integration development.

Data Partner applicants apply through the Data Partner page. This path is centered on Delta Sharing and Databricks Marketplace listings.

Built on Databricks applicants apply through the Built on page and then work closely with Databricks product and engineering teams, as well as go-to-market resources, while building on the platform.

C&SI applicants complete the application directly in the Partner Portal and accept the online Partner Program terms and conditions.

If youโ€™re interested in becoming an Authorized Training Partner, you apply through the Partner Application, select Consulting/SI, and choose Training Partner in the โ€œprograms of interestโ€ dropdown.

Step 3: Validate your solution or capabilities

After applying, the focus shifts from paperwork to readiness and validation.

Technology Partners define their integration, build and validate it with Databricks, create a partner profile or page, and publish supporting technical documentation and assets.

Data Partners activate a Databricks workspace, confirm access and permissions for Delta Sharing and Unity Catalog, complete the Databricks Marketplace onboarding form, and create their marketplace listing.

Built on Databricks partners work with their Databricks account team on architecture guidance, build or migrate their product onto Databricks, and submit validation materials through that account team.

C&SI partners meet enablement expectations through the Databricks Partner Academy, earning badges and certifications to demonstrate delivery readiness for customer engagements.

Step 4: Execute go-to-market and co-sell motions

Once validation is complete, you move into execution.

This is where partners build their marketing and sales foundation, raise awareness with Databricks sellers and customers, and participate in co-marketing and co-sell motions such as MDF, joint content, demos, and win-wires.

For technology integrations in particular, discoverability and activation are driven through Partner Connect, the in-product experience for validated partner solutions:

https://www.databricks.com/partnerconnect

Typical timeline and status

For most ISVs, end-to-end onboarding and validation typically takes one to two quarters. Until validation is complete, the partnership status remains pending.

Helpful links for quick access

Databricks Partners overview:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners

Technology Partner Program:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners/technology-partner-program

Data Partner Program:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners/data-partner-program

Built on Databricks Program:

https://www.databricks.com/company/partners/built-on-partner-program

Partner Connect:

https://www.databricks.com/partnerconnect

Partner Portal (applications and onboarding):

https://partners.databricks.com

Partner Program Terms and Conditions:

https://www.databricks.com/partnertcs

 

Hope this helps. 

Cheers, Louis.

Thanks a lot, Louis. Really appreciate you taking the time to lay this out so clearly. We are looking to pursue the Consulting and Systems Integrator path and will go through the material you shared. Are there any specific groups, forums, or discussions you would recommend joining to connect with others who are on a similar journey?

Louis_Frolio
Databricks Employee
Databricks Employee

If Iโ€™m being completely honest, I havenโ€™t seen any. As you can imagine, partner organizations tend to keep things pretty close to the vest for a variety of reasons. That said, once a new partner is officially enrolled, they are granted access to an external-facing Databricks Slack channel, which is typically where broader information and updates start to flow.

Regards,

Lou

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