How to Become an AWS Partner
Becoming an AWS Partner is a significant achievement for cloud service providers looking to enhance their credibility, expand their services, and tap into a lucrative ecosystem. As more businesses transition to cloud solutions, aligning with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s most comprehensive cloud platform, can unlock new opportunities for growth.
In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step breakdown on how to become an AWS Partner, covering the necessary requirements, benefits, and strategies to advance through partner tiers. Whether you’re a consultant, systems integrator, or technology reseller, this guide will serve as your roadmap to AWS success.
What is the AWS Partner Network (APN)?
The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program designed for technology and consulting businesses who leverage AWS to build solutions and services for customers. By joining the APN, companies can gain access to exclusive resources and training, helping them develop, market, and sell their AWS-based services.
The APN is structured around partner types and tiers, each with specific benefits and requirements. AWS Partners can choose from two broad categories:
- Consulting Partners: Service providers and system integrators who deliver AWS solutions.
- Technology Partners: Product developers who provide software or hardware solutions that are integrated with AWS.
Benefits of Being an AWS Partner
Being part of the AWS Partner Network can have a transformative effect on your business. Here are some key benefits:
- Business & Technical Guidance: Receive expert advice to build and improve your AWS offerings.
- Marketing & Sales Support: Access to co-marketing opportunities, sales enablement resources, and AWS promotional credits.
- Competency & Specialization Programs: Differentiate yourself through AWS Partner Competencies, which provide targeted benefits for specific industries and technologies.
- Partner Funding: AWS Partners have the opportunity to access various funding programs for Proof of Concepts (POCs), workshops, and marketing activities.
Steps to Becoming an AWS Partner
Step 1: Join the AWS Partner Network (APN)
The first step to becoming an AWS Partner is to join the APN. Registration is free and can be completed on the [AWS Partner Portal](Self Register). During registration, you’ll be required to:
- Register your company: Provide details about your business.
- Create or link an AWS account: If you don’t already have an AWS account, you’ll need to create one.
- Choose a partner path: Select a path based on your business model (e.g., Consulting Partner, Technology Partner).
Step 2: Meet Partner Tier Requirements
After registering, you will need to meet specific requirements to qualify for higher tiers within the APN. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria:
Select | $2,500 annually | 2 AWS Foundational Certifications, 2 Technical Certifications | $15,000 annual AWS billing or 3 opportunities with MRR of $1,500 | 1 public customer reference, 5 customer satisfaction responses |
Advanced | $10,000 annually| Higher number of certifications | $50,000 annual AWS billing or equivalent opportunities | 3 public customer references |
Premier | $40,000 annually| Extensive certifications and proven expertise | $1 million annual AWS billing | Multiple customer references, industry specializations |
To advance through partner tiers, you’ll need to focus on increasing your AWS-related revenue, obtaining customer references, and ensuring your team holds relevant certifications.
Step 3: Obtain AWS Certifications
Certifications play a vital role in progressing within the APN. AWS offers a variety of certification programs to help validate the expertise of your team.
Here are the most common certifications required for becoming an AWS Partner:
- AWS Foundational Certification: Verifies fundamental AWS cloud knowledge.
- AWS Technical Certification: Validates your technical team’s ability to design and implement AWS architectures.
Focusing on certifications will help you not only meet tier requirements but also enhance your credibility and ability to deliver top-tier services to your clients.
Step 4: Generate AWS Revenue and Build Customer References
As part of the APN program, partners are required to demonstrate their ability to drive AWS usage and deliver customer satisfaction. Here’s how:
- Generate Revenue: Depending on your tier, you’ll need to meet specific revenue thresholds. This can be achieved by delivering AWS services or driving AWS product sales.
- Collect Customer References: Public customer references are critical. They validate your success and competence in delivering AWS services.
By focusing on delivering high-quality services and building strong customer relationships, you’ll naturally generate revenue and secure valuable customer testimonials.
Step 5: Complete Required Training
AWS offers specialized training for partners, accessible through the AWS Skill Builder platform. Training modules cover AWS fundamentals, best practices, and emerging technologies, helping partners stay at the cutting edge of cloud solutions.
The more your team learns about AWS products, the more value you can deliver to your clients, and the faster you’ll be able to advance through the partner tiers.
Advancing Through AWS Partner Tiers
As your business grows and your AWS expertise deepens, you can advance through the APN tiers, gaining access to additional benefits. Each tier offers increased support, both in terms of marketing opportunities and financial incentives, which can help you accelerate your growth.
Select Tier Benefits
Once you qualify for the Select Tier, you’ll unlock valuable benefits like:
- $3,500 in AWS credits: Offset the cost of building POCs or experimenting with new AWS services.
- AWS Competency Program Eligibility: Apply for Competency Programs in areas like DevOps, Machine Learning, or Healthcare, enhancing your market credibility.
- Co-Marketing Opportunities: Collaborate with AWS to co-brand marketing materials and campaigns.
Advanced & Premier Tier Benefits
As you continue to scale and meet higher-tier requirements, your benefits will increase. For example:
- AWS Solutions Architect Support: Access to AWS Solution Architects for complex projects and customer engagements.
- Increased Funding: Premier partners are eligible for larger amounts of funding for marketing and project development.
- Industry Specializations: Premier partners can earn specialized badges, further differentiating their offerings in the market.
Best Practices for Becoming an AWS Partner
To ensure a successful partnership with AWS, consider the following best practices:
- Focus on AWS Certifications: Ensure that your team is certified at the foundational, technical, and specialty levels. This will help you meet tier requirements and build trust with clients.
- Build Strong Customer Relationships: Customer references are key to progressing through the APN. Prioritize delivering high-quality services and collecting feedback from clients.
- Leverage AWS Funding Programs: Take advantage of available funding to build POCs, run workshops, and execute marketing campaigns. This can help you demonstrate your value to AWS and your clients.
- Stay Informed: AWS continually releases new services and updates. Regularly attend webinars, read AWS white papers, and participate in APN-exclusive training to stay ahead of industry trends.
How Adiantara Can Help You Become an AWS Partner
Navigating the path to becoming an AWS Partner can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Adiantara specializes in guiding businesses through every step of the AWS Partner journey. From helping you register and meet tier requirements to securing the necessary certifications and generating AWS revenue, Adiantara provides expert support tailored to your unique needs.
We assist with:
- Application Guidance: Ensuring your company is correctly registered and aligned with the right AWS partner path.
- Certification Strategy: Advising on the most critical AWS certifications for your team to achieve, boosting your chances of advancing through the APN tiers.
- Revenue Generation & Customer References: Helping you identify opportunities to generate AWS-related revenue and build strong customer references.
- AWS Funding Programs: Assisting in applying for and maximizing AWS funding for POCs, workshops, and marketing activities, so you can grow your business without incurring significant costs.
With Adiantara by your side, you can confidently navigate the AWS Partner process, unlock the full benefits of the AWS ecosystem, and position your company for sustained growth and success in the cloud services market.
