The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program designed to help businesses build, market, and sell their AWS-based solutions. Becoming an AWS Partner can unlock new opportunities, increase credibility, and provide access to exclusive resources. If you’re looking to join the APN, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Why Become an AWS Partner?
AWS offers a wide range of benefits for its partners, including:
- Business Growth: Gain access to a global network of AWS customers and partners.
- Technical Support: Utilize AWS training, certifications, and best practices.
- Marketing & Sales Support: Access co-marketing opportunities and AWS Marketplace exposure.
- Exclusive Tools & Funding: Leverage AWS credits, partner funding, and go-to-market resources.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an AWS Partner
Step 1: Sign Up for the AWS Partner Network (APN)
To start, visit the AWS Partner Network website and create an AWS Partner account. Registration is free and gives you access to the APN Partner Central, where you’ll find resources, training, and program details.
Step 2: Choose the Right AWS Partner Path
AWS offers different partnership paths, so selecting the right one for your business is essential:
- Software Partners: For companies that build software solutions on AWS.
- Services Partners: Ideal for system integrators, consultants, and MSPs who provide AWS-related services.
- Training Partners: Organizations that provide AWS training and certification.
- Distribution Partners: Distributors that help AWS Partners scale their solutions.
Step 3: Meet the Program Requirements
Each AWS Partner path has unique requirements, such as:
- AWS Certifications: Some programs require certified AWS professionals on your team.
- Customer References: Proof of successful AWS projects may be needed.
- Business Performance Metrics: AWS may require certain revenue or project thresholds.
Step 4: Apply for AWS Partner Tier Advancement
AWS Partners can progress through tiers (Select, Advanced, and Premier) by meeting additional criteria. Higher tiers unlock more benefits, including increased marketing support, funding opportunities, and AWS collaboration.
Step 5: Leverage AWS Partner Benefits
Once you’re an AWS Partner, you can take advantage of:
- AWS Training & Certification: Strengthen your team’s technical expertise.
- Go-to-Market Programs: Enhance visibility through AWS-sponsored initiatives.
- AWS Marketplace Listing: Showcase your solutions to millions of AWS customers.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an AWS Partner can significantly boost your business by increasing visibility, credibility, and access to valuable resources. Whether you’re a startup, enterprise, or service provider, the AWS Partner Network offers a wealth of opportunities to help you grow and scale in the cloud industry.
Ready to get started? Visit the AWS Partner Network today and take the first step toward becoming an AWS Partner.
FAQs
What is the "AWS Partner Profitability Framework," and why does it matter?
Introduced to help partners move beyond simple resale, this framework focuses on four distinct pillars of revenue:
Build: Creating intellectual property (IP) or software that runs on AWS.
Market: Leveraging AWS co-branding and MDF to generate leads.
Sell: Engaging in "Co-selling" with AWS field sellers, which has been shown to result in 51% higher revenue growth for partners.
Deliver: Providing high-margin professional and managed services (MSP) that solve complex customer problems.
What is the difference between the AWS Services Path and the AWS Software Path?
When starting your partnership, you must choose a specific "Path" tailored to your business model. The Services Path is designed for firms that provide consulting, professional, managed, or resale services (like MSPs and digital agencies). The Software Path is for companies that have developed a software solution that runs on or is integrated with AWS (SaaS providers).
What is the "Foundational Technical Review" (FTR), and is it mandatory?
If you are on the Software Path (building SaaS), the FTR is non-negotiable. It is a technical audit where an AWS Partner Solutions Architect reviews your architecture against the "Well-Architected Framework." Passing the FTR is what officially moves your software from "Registered" to "Validated," allowing you to list on the AWS Marketplace and gain the "AWS Qualified Software" badge.
How does the "Partner Growth Incentive" (PGI) work for reselling?
The PGI is a new quarterly cash payment introduced in 2026 to reward partners for the growth of their entire AWS portfolio. Unlike previous models that only reward specific subsets of growth, the PGI looks at your overarching resale business. If your total portfolio grows quarter-over-quarter, AWS pays a growth incentive directly in cash, making your revenue forecasting much more stable.
Is there a way to integrate my CRM with AWS Partner Central?
Yes, AWS recently launched a comprehensive set of Partner Central APIs available through the AWS Management Console. This allows you to:
Automate Co-selling: Sync your sales pipeline (like Salesforce or HubSpot) directly with the APN Customer Engagements (ACE) tool.
Streamline Operations: Manage deal registrations and specialization validations without manual data entry.
Real-time Insights: Access "Marketplace Insights" and "Partner Analytics" directly within your own business intelligence tools.
