L18. AWS Marketplace and the AWS Partner Network
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AWS Marketplace and the AWS Partner Network extend AWS capabilities through third-party solutions. The Cloud Practitioner exam tests what Marketplace is, how it integrates with billing, and the AWS Partner Network structure.
AWS Marketplace
AWS Marketplace is a digital catalog of thousands of software listings from independent software vendors (ISVs) that you can find, test, buy, and deploy directly to AWS. Categories of products:
- Security and compliance tools (firewalls, SIEM, vulnerability scanners)
- Machine learning models and datasets
- DevOps tools and CI/CD platforms
- Business intelligence and analytics
- Databases and infrastructure software
- Products deploy directly into your AWS account
- Charges appear on your AWS bill (consolidated billing)
- Many products offer free trials before committing
- Flexible pricing: hourly, monthly, annual, or BYOL (bring your own license)
AWS Partner Network (APN)
The AWS Partner Network is a global community of thousands of companies that build solutions and provide services using AWS. Two main partner types: Technology Partners: companies that provide software or hardware products that run on or integrate with AWS. Products often listed in AWS Marketplace. Services Partners (Consulting Partners): companies that provide professional, managed, and value-added resale services. Includes major consulting firms, MSPs, and regional IT service providers. Partner tiers:
- Select → Advanced → Premier (for Technology Partners)
- Partners earn tier status based on AWS certification requirements, customer references, and revenue
AWS Well-Architected Partner Program
Partners can be AWS Well-Architected Partners authorized to conduct Well-Architected reviews for customers.
AWS Activate (for Startups)
AWS Activate provides startups with credits, training, and support to build on AWS.
AWS IQ
AWS IQ is a marketplace for finding and working with AWS Certified freelancers and consultants for on-demand project work.
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| AWS Marketplace | Buy third-party software billed through AWS |
| APN Technology Partners | Software/hardware products on AWS |
| APN Consulting Partners | Professional and managed services |
| AWS IQ | Freelance AWS experts for project work |
| AWS Activate | Credits and support for startups |
- ✓AWS Marketplace is a catalog of third-party software that deploys to your AWS account and is billed through AWS
- ✓Marketplace supports flexible pricing: hourly, monthly, annual, and BYOL
- ✓APN Technology Partners provide software/hardware products; APN Consulting Partners provide implementation services
- ✓APN partner tiers: Select, Advanced, Premier based on certifications, customer references, and revenue
- ✓AWS IQ connects customers with AWS Certified freelancers for project work; AWS Activate provides startup credits
1. A company wants to deploy a third-party firewall solution in their AWS environment and have the charges appear on their existing AWS bill. Which service enables this?
2. A startup needs AWS credits, technical training, and go-to-market support to build their product on AWS. Which AWS program is designed for this?
Recommended: Pluralsight
Complement these lessons with Pluralsight: structured CLF-C02 learning paths, AWS hands-on labs, and realistic practice questions for exam day.