AWS Updates Partner Network

Amazon Web Services, (AWS), has rolled out new features for the AWS Marketplace intended to simplify the purchasing and deployment of third-party software. The company also introduced new programs to better support consulting partners, help ISVs expand their AWS SaaS businesses, and promote increased partner competencies in machine learning and networking.

Among the highlights, the “Enterprise Contract for AWS Marketplace,” currently in preview mode, is a standardized contract template between enterprise software buyers and sellers that puts a stake in the ground for challenging terms including liability, dispute resolution, IP protection, warranty, etc.

In addition, a new offering called, “Private Image Build” enables customers to build and run custom Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) that combine their own IT-approved base operating system images with installable software provided by AWS Marketplace sellers. By running third-party software on their own private images, customers can better comply with their organizations’ specific IT policies and internal security requirements, while still using AWS Marketplace features, including consolidated AWS billing, Marketplace pricing and licensing models. This rollout is also in preview mode at the current time.

The AWS Solution Provider Program, which will be available in early 2018, will replace the Channel Reseller Program and offers a new, tiered incentive structure that rewards consulting partners in the areas of migration, MSP, and DevOps.

The new AWS Software as a Service (SaaS) Factory provides enablement content, including reference architectures with best practices for building SaaS solutions on AWS.

The new SaaS Accelerate Program will provide funding for lead generation and customer proof-of-concepts, plus resources for joint sales support. This program is expected to become operational early next year.

The AWS Competency Program identifies partners who have demonstrated technical proficiency and customer success in 17 categories. The company is expanding this program with two new competency areas for Networking and Machine Learning.

Channel Impact^®
These updates will likely strengthen partner relations while also encouraging increased growth and depth of the company’s indirect sales.