Introducing the new Databricks Partner Program and Well-Architected Framework for ISVs and Data Providers

2026-02-10 · Source: Databricks · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science & Analytics, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

Databricks has introduced a unified Partner Tiering Program and a Partner Well-Architected Framework (PWAF) to enhance its ecosystem for ISV and Data Provider partners. The new tiering program rewards partners based on their combined impact across three architectures: Connected Products, Delta Sharing, and Built-Ons, measuring metrics like joint customers and Databricks consumption. Connected Products integrate with customer platforms for data analysis, while Delta Sharing enables zero-copy data sharing across any platform. Built-Ons are solutions built directly on Databricks, often utilizing Agent Bricks, Lakebase, and Databricks Apps. The PWAF provides AI-ready, prescriptive guidance for building secure, scalable, and measurable integrations, including instrumentation requirements for tier placement. Databricks aims to offer customers any tool, model, dataset, or agent needed by fostering a broader partner network.

Key takeaway

For AI Product Managers or Software Engineers developing solutions on Databricks, understanding the new Partner Tiering Program and the Partner Well-Architected Framework (PWAF) is crucial. Aligning your product development with the three partner architectures (Connected Products, Delta Sharing, Built-Ons) and adhering to PWAF guidelines will directly influence your tier placement and access to GTM benefits. Leverage the PWAF and the Firefly Analytics example to build compliant, high-impact integrations and maximize your partnership rewards.

Key insights

Databricks unifies partner programs and provides AI-ready architectural guidance to foster a robust data and AI ecosystem.

Principles

• Reward partners for combined impact across multiple architectures.
• Provide prescriptive, AI-ready technical guidance for integrations.

Method

The Partner Tiering Program measures joint customers, Databricks consumption, commitment, strategic services adoption, and GTM readiness across Connected Products, Delta Sharing, and Built-Ons architectures.

In practice

• Build solutions using Lakebase, Genie, or Agent Bricks for "extra" credit.
• Utilize PWAF guidance with AI-assisted IDEs for well-architected integrations.

Topics

• Databricks Partner Program
• Partner Well-Architected Framework
• Delta Sharing
• Built-On Architectures
• AI-Ready Integrations

Best for: Software Engineer, AI Engineer, AI Product Manager

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Databricks.