---
title: "Contact & Preparation"
description: "How to reach the STACKIT ISV Factory, what happens in the Discovery Call, who to bring along, and the mutual criteria both sides qualify each other against."
sidebar:
  label: "Contact & Preparation"
  order: 1
  attrs:
    data-icon: compass
source_url: "https://framework.stackit.cloud/isv/contact-and-preparation/"
source_file: "docs/isv/contact-and-preparation.mdx"
---

The first phase establishes contact and mutual fit. It is deliberately lightweight: one email, one
call, and a shared decision on whether a partnership is worth pursuing before either side invests
engineering or legal time.

## How to Initiate Contact

Getting started with a partnership is simple and streamlined:

{/* prettier-ignore */}
<Steps>
1. Reach out to us via email at `isv-sales@digits.schwarz` to express your interest in discussing a general partnership.
2. Once contacted, a dedicated Partner Manager will reach out to you to schedule a 30-minute Discovery Call.
</Steps>

## What to Expect in the Discovery Call

The goal of this initial call is to discuss a potential partnership, establish a mutual fit, and
align on expectations before moving forward.

**Agenda & Focus Areas:**

- **Intro & Vision**: A brief introduction to Digits and our overall vision.
- **STACKIT Value Proposition**: An overview of the key advantages and capabilities that STACKIT
  provides.
- **Company Presentation**: A short presentation of your company and offering.
- **Fit & Qualification**:
  - Is there direct customer demand?
  - What is your current cloud strategy?
  - What are your specific sovereignty requirements?
- **Expectations**: Alignment on what both sides expect from a joint partnership.

## How to Prepare for the Call

To keep the interaction efficient, please ensure the right stakeholders are involved and prepared.

**Recommended stakeholders from your side:**

- **Business / Product Owner**: To discuss market fit, customer demand, and strategic goals.
- **Technical / Strategy Lead**: To speak to your cloud strategy and sovereignty requirements.

**Preparation checklist:**

- [ ] **Brief Presentation**: Be ready to give a short overview of your company and core product
      offering.
- [ ] **Customer Demand Insights**: Have an overview of any current or potential customer interest.
- [ ] **Cloud & Sovereignty Strategy**: Be prepared to outline your current cloud footprint and
      requirements regarding digital sovereignty.

## Mutual Value & Qualification Criteria

Qualification runs in both directions. The table below states what each side brings and expects from
a potential partnership:

| What Digits / STACKIT can offer you                                                                              | What we expect from partners                                                                             |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Sovereign Cloud Capabilities**: Access to STACKIT's secure, European cloud infrastructure and ecosystem.        | **Company Alignment**: Clear insight into your company background and offering.                             |
| **Strategic Vision**: Collaboration backed by Digits' long-term vision and backing.                               | **Defined Cloud Strategy**: Clear understanding of your cloud roadmap and sovereignty requirements.         |
| **Mutual Growth**: Opportunities to address joint customer demand together.                                       | **Direct Customer Demand**: Existing or potential market demand for a combined solution.                    |

## Phase Completion Criteria

- [ ] Initial contact made by email and a dedicated Partner Manager assigned.
- [ ] Discovery Call completed with named business and technical leads on the ISV side.
- [ ] Mutual fit confirmed against the qualification criteria above.
- [ ] **Milestone achieved**: Qualified opportunity ready to schedule the
      [KickOff](/isv/kickoff-and-strategy-alignment/).

## Support & Contact

For questions before or during the Discovery Call, contact the ISV Factory team directly at
`isv-sales@digits.schwarz`.