Amazon Web Services beefs up channel programme

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has stepped up the support it provides for partners selling its hosted offering devising a set of competencies and rewards for those that work closely with the firm.

The web hosting firm is using its re:Invent 2013 event in Las Vegas to spell out just how it will go forward with the channel and improve life for its existing 8,000 global partners as well as those that might want to sign up.

AWS has introduced competencies for partners that have expertise with Microsoft Exchange, Oracle and SAP and can help migrate and manage those solutions on the AWS cloud.

The wraps have also been taken off an advanced channel programme that provides greater technical support and content, market development funding and a pilot programme that will start to pass on leads to selected consulting partners.

The firm is also looking to increase the number of applications that are offered in its Marketplace, which is open to ISVs looking to add some value to the core AWS service.

“The growth of the AWS Partner Network and AWS Marketplace continues to accelerate as customers actively seek partners with the products and expertise to help them take advantage of the AWS cloud,” said Terry Wise, director, worldwide partner ecosystem at AWS.

“Our partners are critical to helping customers run their applications on AWS, and we will continue to invest in delivering the programs, tools and training to help our partners grow their cloud businesses, differentiate their offerings, and drive success for our joint customers," he added.