The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global community of partners that leverages programs, expertise, and resources to build, market, and sell customer offerings. The APN helps companies build successful AWS-based businesses by providing business, technical, and marketing support.
There are two prim…The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global community of partners that leverages programs, expertise, and resources to build, market, and sell customer offerings. The APN helps companies build successful AWS-based businesses by providing business, technical, and marketing support.
There are two primary types of APN Partners:
1. **APN Technology Partners** - These are companies that provide software solutions that are either hosted on or integrated with the AWS platform. They include Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), SaaS providers, and platform providers who develop tools and technologies that complement AWS services.
2. **APN Consulting Partners** - These are professional services firms that help customers design, architect, build, migrate, and manage their workloads on AWS. They range from small consultancies to large system integrators.
The APN offers tiered membership levels including Select, Advanced, and Premier tiers. Each tier has specific requirements and provides increasing benefits such as training, marketing support, and technical resources.
**Key Benefits of APN:**
- Access to AWS training and certifications
- Technical support and resources
- Marketing development funds
- Go-to-market opportunities
- AWS Partner Solutions Finder listing
- Co-selling opportunities with AWS sales teams
**APN Program Specializations:**
Partners can earn competencies and specializations in specific areas like Machine Learning, Migration, DevOps, or industry verticals such as Healthcare and Financial Services. These designations validate deep technical expertise.
For AWS customers, working with APN Partners provides access to vetted professionals with proven AWS expertise who can assist with cloud adoption, optimization, and management. The AWS Partner Solutions Finder tool helps customers locate qualified partners based on their specific needs, location, and expertise requirements.
Understanding the APN is valuable for the Cloud Practitioner exam as it relates to AWS support options and professional services available to customers.
AWS Partner Network (APN) - Complete Guide
What is the AWS Partner Network (APN)?
The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global community of partners that leverages programs, expertise, and resources to build, market, and sell customer offerings. It is designed to help partners build successful AWS-based businesses by providing business, technical, and marketing support.
Why is the AWS Partner Network Important?
The APN is crucial for several reasons:
• Business Growth: Partners gain access to resources and training that help them grow their cloud practices • Customer Trust: APN partnerships provide validation and credibility when working with customers • Technical Expertise: Partners receive training, certifications, and technical resources • Market Reach: Partners can leverage AWS's global infrastructure and customer base • Co-selling Opportunities: Partners can collaborate with AWS sales teams
Types of APN Partners
There are two main types of partners in the APN:
1. Consulting Partners These are professional services firms that help customers design, architect, build, migrate, and manage their workloads on AWS. Examples include system integrators, strategic consultancies, agencies, and managed service providers.
2. Technology Partners These are companies that provide software solutions that are either hosted on or integrated with AWS. This includes Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), SaaS providers, and platform providers.
APN Partner Tiers
Partners progress through different tiers based on their expertise and customer success:
• Registered: Entry-level tier for new partners • Select: Partners with trained staff and initial customer experience • Advanced: Partners with deep AWS expertise and proven customer success • Premier: Top-tier partners with extensive experience and the highest level of AWS expertise
How the APN Works
1. Registration: Companies join the APN by registering on the AWS Partner Central portal 2. Training: Partners complete required training and certifications 3. Building Experience: Partners demonstrate customer success through case studies and references 4. Tier Advancement: As partners meet requirements, they advance to higher tiers 5. Specializations: Partners can earn competency designations in specific areas like Machine Learning, Security, or Migration
Key APN Programs and Benefits
• AWS Competency Program: Validates technical proficiency and proven customer success in specialized areas • AWS Service Delivery Program: Recognizes partners with experience delivering specific AWS services • AWS Managed Service Provider Program: For partners providing end-to-end AWS solutions • AWS Solution Provider Program: Enables partners to resell AWS services • AWS Partner Funding Programs: Financial incentives to help partners grow their business
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on AWS Partner Network (APN)
Key Points to Remember:
• The APN consists of two partner types: Consulting Partners and Technology Partners • Consulting Partners provide professional services (design, build, migrate, manage) • Technology Partners provide software solutions (ISVs, SaaS) • Partner tiers progress from Registered to Select to Advanced to Premier • The AWS Competency Program validates specialized expertise • Partners access resources through AWS Partner Central
Common Exam Scenarios:
• If a question asks about finding a partner to help migrate to AWS, the answer relates to Consulting Partners • If a question mentions software that integrates with AWS, think Technology Partners • Questions about partner validation or specialization typically reference the AWS Competency Program • When asked how to become an AWS partner, the answer involves joining the AWS Partner Network
What to Focus On:
• Understand the difference between Consulting and Technology Partners • Know that the APN helps both partners and customers • Remember that competencies validate specific technical expertise • The APN is about building a partner ecosystem around AWS services