What is SuiteCloud Developer Network (SDN)?

The SuiteCloud Developer Network (SDN) is NetSuite's exclusive program for independent software vendors who build certified applications – called SuiteApps – that extend the NetSuite platform. When evaluating NetSuite solutions, seeing that a vendor is an SDN member signals they've made significant investments in the platform and have Oracle NetSuite's backing.

SDN membership is how third-party developers like Zone & Co get the tools, support and certifications needed to build enterprise-grade SuiteApps that integrate seamlessly with NetSuite.

What SDN membership means for NetSuite customers

When a solution provider is part of SDN, it brings several advantages for businesses using their SuiteApps:

Rigorous testing standards

SDN members must test their applications before every NetSuite release – that's twice yearly. This four-week testing cycle ensures SuiteApps, especially Native SuiteApps, remain compatible when NetSuite updates. 

Direct NetSuite collaboration

SDN partners work directly with NetSuite's product team on roadmap planning. This means SDN-built solutions align with NetSuite's future direction rather than working against it. Partners get early access to new features and architectural guidance from NetSuite's technical teams.

Quality assurance through exclusivity

NetSuite curates SDN membership carefully. Not every developer who applies gets accepted. This exclusivity maintains quality standards across the ecosystem – when choosing an SDN partner's solution, businesses can trust it meets NetSuite's development best practices.

How to identify SDN partners

Several indicators reveal whether a NetSuite solution comes from an SDN partner:

Built for NetSuite certification 

Only SDN members can achieve BFN certification for their SuiteApps. Look for the BFN badge (Native, Integrated, or Hybrid) on any solution being evaluated.

SuiteApp.com listing 

SDN partners list their solutions on NetSuite's official marketplace. If a vendor claims SDN membership and BFN certification but isn't on SuiteApp.com, ask why – they might be in the approval process or facing other issues.

Publisher ID in solutions

Technical teams will notice that SDN solutions include a unique publisher ID in their code structure. This ID is only issued to verified SDN members and ensures proper attribution and support channels.

Why SDN status matters when choosing solutions

SDN partners like Zone & Co have invested in proper development environments, undergone NetSuite's vetting process and committed to ongoing compatibility testing.

Non-SDN solutions might work today but lack the infrastructure to ensure they'll work tomorrow. SDN partners must maintain their solutions through every NetSuite update or lose their certification and marketplace presence.

The bottom line? When evaluating NetSuite solutions, SDN membership indicates a vendor has made the necessary investments to deliver enterprise-grade, future-proof solutions that enhance NetSuite’s out-of-the-box capabilities.