Independent software vendor facts for kids

An independent software vendor (ISV) is a company that makes and sells computer programs, also known as software. These companies focus on creating software, not on making computer parts like keyboards or screens (which is called computer hardware).

ISVs sell their software to many different people or to special groups of users. This is different from software a company makes just for its own use. It's also different from software made only for one specific customer. Even when you use software from an ISV, the company still owns it.

What is an ISV?

An ISV is like a specialized creator of digital tools. They build computer programs that help people and businesses do many things. Think of them as publishers for software. They develop programs and then offer them for sale to a wide audience.

What Kind of Software Do They Make?

ISVs create many different kinds of software. For example, they make programs for people who sell houses (real estate brokers). They also create tools for hospitals to schedule staff. Other examples include software for scanning barcodes in stores. They also make programs for managing inventory or tracking vehicles. Some ISVs even create software for managing child care centers.

Who Do ISVs Work With?

ISVs make software that runs on different computer systems. These systems can be from companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple, or IBM. These big companies often help ISVs. They have special programs for "business partners." These programs help the ISVs and the platform companies work together. This teamwork helps both sides grow their businesses.

Why Are ISVs Important?

Independent software vendors are a very important part of the technology world. They help spread new technologies and solutions to many users. They often create new and exciting ways for people to use computers. They make sure that there are always new and useful programs available.

Examples of ISVs

Some well-known examples of ISVs include Microsoft, Red Hat, Canonical, Adobe, and Oracle. These companies create many of the software programs you might use every day.

See also

In Spanish: Vendedor independiente de software para niños

• Commercial off-the-shelf
• Software company
• Micro ISV