what is an isv

An Independent Software Vendor (ISV), also known as a software publisher, is an organization or individual that specializes in making and selling software designed for mass or niche markets. ISVs develop, market, and sell software solutions that run on one or more computer hardware or operating system platforms. ISV-built software applications can run on some or all backend platforms, like Windows, Linux, or Apple, and range from basic utility applications to enterprise-class business solutions, including CRM and other automation tools. ISVs come in all shapes and sizes, from student startups to established solution providers. Examples of software products developed by ISVs include software for real estate brokers, scheduling for healthcare personnel, barcode scanning, stock maintenance, gambling, retailing, energy exploration, vehicle fleet management, and child care management software. ISVs collaborate with computer hardware producers, operating systems, and cloud platforms to distribute their software solutions in specific markets. Companies that make the platforms, such as Microsoft, AWS, Cisco, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, are examples of ISV partners.