The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program that helps businesses form a strategic cloud alliance with AWS, offering access to resources, technical expertise, and go-to-market support to accelerate growth. APN partners are categorized into paths based on their expertise and offerings. For SaaS startups and software companies, this means the ability to choose the path that best aligns with their goals, whether that’s building solutions, offering consulting, or leveraging the AWS Marketplace.
Who is it for?
The AWS Partner Network (APN) is designed for:
Whether you're a founder, CTO, or partner manager, the APN offers the resources and support needed to scale your business within the AWS ecosystem.
Partnering with AWS opens new opportunities for scaling your business. Whether you’re a SaaS startup or a mid-market software company, AWS helps accelerate growth and boosts visibility.
To navigate the AWS ecosystem effectively, businesses can choose from five core partner paths: Software Path, Hardware Path, Training Path, Distribution Path, and Services Path. Each path aligns with specific business models and goals, ensuring the optimal fit for your offerings and growth strategy.
This path targets companies building SaaS, cloud-native applications, or solutions integrating with AWS services. It emphasizes AWS Marketplace listings, the ISV Accelerate program for co-sell, and technical validations like Foundational Technical Review (FTR). Ideal for software vendors seeking customer acquisition through the AWS ecosystem.
Designed for manufacturers of servers, storage, networking gear, or AWS-compatible devices. Partners gain access to AWS Outposts validation, Dedicated Hosts programs, and hardware competency badges to reach enterprise buyers.
Focused on education providers offering AWS certifications, courses, or learning content. Partners benefit from co-branded training resources, global learner access, and integration with AWS Skill Builder.
For distributors and resellers aggregating AWS services for indirect sales. Includes support for large-scale deployments, pricing incentives, and channel programs to serve SMBs and enterprises.
This path suits professional services firms delivering migration, managed services, optimization, or strategy. It provides resources on competencies (e.g., the Migration Competency), public-sector focus, and customer-success frameworks.
Becoming an AWS Partner is straightforward but requires dedication and attention to detail. Follow these steps to start your journey:
The first step in the process is to create an AWS account. If you don't have one already, you’ll need to sign up on AWS and register your company’s information.
Once you have an AWS account, the next step is to register with AWS Partner Central. This platform allows you to manage your partnership and access all the resources available to AWS partners.
Provide detailed company information and complete business verification (DUNS/tax ID). There is also an AWS Partner Network (APN) fee of $2,500, but AWS typically provides $3,500 in credits, effectively offsetting the cost. Path selection occurs after initial registration. AWS offers several programs designed to support specific partner types, such as the AWS Partner Programs, which focus on different areas, such as Software Path, Services Path, and others
After registering, decide which partner path is most relevant to your business. AWS offers several programs designed to support specific partner types, such as the AWS Partner Programs, which focus on different areas such as consulting, technology, and managed services.
Finally, read and accept the AWS Partner Network terms and conditions. After this, submit your application for approval. Once approved, you’ll officially be an AWS Partner.
After joining the AWS Partner Network, you will gain access to AWS Partner Central, where you can manage your partnership, track progress, and access various tools and resources to grow your business.
AWS Partner Central provides a central hub for managing your AWS partnership. You can access resources, track your progress, and collaborate with AWS teams to grow your business. It’s a vital tool for staying informed about new opportunities, certifications, and AWS developments.
As you advance within the AWS Partner Network, you can work toward achieving higher partner tiers, such as Advanced and Preferred Partner status. These tiers provide additional benefits, such as enhanced visibility, marketing support, and greater access to AWS resources.
One key step to advancing to higher partner tiers is passing the Foundational Technical Review (FTR). The FTR ensures your solutions meet AWS standards for technical performance, security, and scalability. Passing the FTR boosts your credibility, qualifies you for higher tiers, and unlocks co-sell opportunities, funding, and priority in sales engagements.
By passing the FTR and advancing to higher tiers, you can fully leverage the AWS ecosystem to drive business growth and strengthen your competitive edge in the cloud market.
While becoming an AWS Partner can significantly benefit your business, many new partners make common mistakes. By understanding these pitfalls, you can avoid them and ensure your success in the AWS ecosystem.
The AWS Partner Network is not a one-time registration process. To truly reap the benefits of being an AWS Partner, you must continuously engage with the platform, take part in training, and leverage AWS resources.
Choosing the right path for your business is crucial. If your company provides services, the Consulting Partner Path is a better fit, while technology companies will benefit more from the Technology Partner Path. Understanding which path aligns with your business goals will help you maximize the value of the partnership.
AWS provides comprehensive best practices for building solutions on its platform. Ignoring these best practices can result in inefficient or costly solutions. Always stay up to date on the latest guidelines and resources to ensure your solutions are optimized.
AWS certifications and validations are key to building trust with your customers. Delaying this step can hinder your progress in becoming a trusted AWS Partner. Ensure your team consistently works toward earning relevant certifications.
AWS provides a wide range of resources to help partners grow, including training, tools, and technical support. Failing to utilize these resources can limit your growth. Take full advantage of the support AWS offers.
Skematic accelerates your journey to becoming a preferred partner with AWS by providing a clear, automated roadmap tailored for startups and cloud-native businesses. Whether you're just beginning or looking to scale, Partnership Skematic helps you unlock the full potential of your AWS collaboration, streamlining every step of the process. Here's how
Operational readiness for AWS partner growth: Skematic simplifies your AWS readiness by automating the assessment process. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your AWS partnership, Skematic helps you meet AWS requirements quickly and efficiently, making it easier to become an AWS partner. Our platform takes the guesswork out of the process, allowing you to focus on building and expanding your business with confidence.
Governance and visibility at scale: Once you're aligned with AWS, Skematic provides real-time tracking of your progress and milestones, ensuring your team stays aligned throughout each phase of the AWS partnership. With comprehensive visibility, you’ll always know where you stand and what needs attention, enabling you to scale your efforts efficiently and effectively.
Kickstart your journey to becoming an AWS Partner with Skematic’s AI-powered platform. Say goodbye to manual processes, fragmented resources, and missed milestones.
Start today and fast-track your AWS partnership with Skematic’s free readiness assessment.
To become an AWS partner, companies must meet several requirements, including creating an AWS account, registering with AWS Partner Central, and selecting the appropriate partner path (Consulting or Technology). Partners must also demonstrate technical readiness and align with AWS best practices to access exclusive benefits.
AWS Consulting Partners offer professional services, including migration, implementation, and strategy, to help customers integrate and optimize AWS technologies. Technology Partners, on the other hand, provide software solutions built to run on or integrate with AWS, helping businesses enhance or extend AWS capabilities through innovative products.
Becoming an AWS partner through the AWS Partner Network (APN) can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the path chosen and the readiness of your company’s offerings. Becoming an AWS partner requires meeting technical and program requirements, and Skematic’s AI-driven partnership tools accelerate the process.
To become a preferred partner with AWS, companies must demonstrate exceptional performance in delivering AWS-based solutions and meet higher partner-tier criteria. This includes achieving a high level of customer success, passing the Foundational Technical Review (FTR), and participating in AWS advanced programs. Skematic’s platform helps streamline the process by providing a tailored roadmap for becoming a preferred AWS partner.
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