When do custom connectors require Microsoft to certify the connector?

Custom connectors require Microsoft to certify the connector when they are made public. This certification ensures that the connector meets specific standards for security, performance, and reliability before being shared with users outside the organization. By certifying a public custom connector, Microsoft ensures that it can be trusted and will function correctly within the broader Microsoft Power Platform ecosystem.

This measure is particularly important for public connectors, as they may be used by a wide audience across different applications and services. Certification provides users with confidence that the connector behaves as expected and doesn't pose any security risks. Publicly available connectors undergo a thorough review process, which includes checks for compliance with Microsoft’s guidelines and best practices.

In contrast, custom connectors that are used privately do not require this level of scrutiny as they are only utilized within a specific organization. Therefore, while they may still be created and deployed, they do not need the certification that accompanies public connectors.