Getting Started Guide

Welcome to the Sphere Connect Partner Program -- As a Sphere Connect partner, you'll be equipped with the tools and support needed to successfully develop and distribute applications to any nonprofit organization. 

The following information describes the integration project roadmap.  For additional help, please contact Sphere Connect Partner Support.

1. Review Sphere’s Technology and Integration Resources

• Join the Sphere Connect Developer Community support forum.
• Request a Sphere sandbox account (if needed).
• Review the documentation for our two APIs:
  • 1.0 API Documentation
  • 2.0 API Documentation
• Request Blackbaud training (as needed)
  • Blackbaud Kintera Division Corporate Overview
  • Sphere Platform Overview
  • API Presentation
• Review Sphere Connect Web pages.

2. Create an Integration Plan

• Define the integration- which events will trigger which API calls?
• Specifically map out the relationship between events in your application and the API.
• Submit your integration plan for review.  Blackbaud can often provide helpful suggestions (if needed).
• Assimilate feedback as appropriate and finalize your integration plan.

3. Submit Your Application-Centered Co-Marketing Materials

• Blackbaud gets ready to promote your application as you code it, so the project and the marketing can launch together.  For initial posting within the Connect application directory, Blackbaud will use the company description, contact information and logo found on your Web site unless otherswise notified.  For further promotion of your application, please submit the required marketing materials. 
• Schedule a co-marketing kick-off meeting to review your application listing and gather preliminary information for the co-marketing plan.

4. Implement

• Implement and test your code.
• Get Verified – schedule your verification demonstration.

5. Start Co-marketing

As soon as you have a verified integration, Blackbaud starts promoting your application to our clients.

The first thing we do is let our sales staff know about your application and its value to our clients. Additionally, we tell them to include your application in their thinking as they design comprehensive solutions for our prospects and clients.

Once client success stories are available, the co-marketing opportunities increase.

• Submit and review training materials for Blackbaud sales staff.
• Schedule a co-marketing planning meeting.
• Review co-marketing opportunities.

Please contact Nick Rongione, Director, Connect Application Support, for any additional questions.