AWS Launches 3 Partner Programs, Teams With AT&T, Level 3

**Editor’s Note: Click here for a list of recent important channel-program changes you should know.**

Amazon Web Services rolled out a long list of partner recognitions as it announced three new partner programs.

In an effort to help distinguish partners for their specific abilities, the cloud giant unveiled the AWS Service Delivery Program, the APN Public Sector Partner Program, and the VMware Cloud on AWS Partner Program. The company also announced two new AWS competencies for financial services and the Internet of Things. The aforementioned competencies and programs fall under the AWS Partner Network (APN).

AWS also announced the launch of its Partner Solutions Finder, a website for end users to seek out APN partners.

“Customers are turning to the AWS Cloud to address an increasingly broad set of needs across their organizations, which translates to business opportunities for the APN partners that help them achieve their goals,” said Dorothy Copeland, general manager of global partner programs for AWS. “This is why we continue to invest in programs that help APN Partners differentiate based on the specialized value they provide to customers. AWS Competencies and other APN distinctions help customers know that an APN Partner can deliver the right expertise, solution, or technology for the job.”

Amazon made the announcement on Tuesday at its AWS re:Invent conference, and a litany of companies have publicized their involvement since.

AT&T said it has integrated its NetBond cloud connectivity solutions with AWS Direct Connect bundle, in order for SaaS providers Infor and Pegasystems – already part of the AWS Partner Network – to join the AT&T NetBond ecosystem. AT&T said the integration will help AWS SaaS partners more effectively move their customers to the cloud via the AT&T MPLS network.{ad}

“We help businesses get added value out of the cloud and software services they already use through our … network. It’s the foundation for all of our integrated cloud solutions,” said Mo Katibeh, senior vice president of advanced solutions for AT&T Business Solutions. “As a result, the network’s performance and scale provides highly-secure access to key, cloud-based applications from nearly anywhere and at any time.”

AT&T said in October that members of its Partner Exchange can now sell the NetBond solution.

Other AWS-related announcements include Level 3, which provided direct cloud connectivity for the conference. Level 3 serves as an “Advanced Technology Partner” within the APN and is offering a bundle that privately and directly connects Amazon WorkSpaces users to the cloud.

Among other AWS partnerships: