Title
AWS re:Invent 2023 - Considerations for using an AWS Enterprise Discount Program (ENT231)
Summary
- The session, sponsored by CloudKeeper, focused on the AWS Enterprise Discount Program (EDP) and how to maximize its benefits.
- The speaker has 16 years of industry experience, is a certified AWS professional architect, and a FinOps certified practitioner.
- CloudKeeper is a technology services company with 15 years in business, part of the AWS partner network, and manages AWS costs for over 300 customers globally.
- EDP is for customers committing to a minimum annual AWS spend, with discounts based on commitment value and tenure.
- Commitments are calculated on net invoice amounts after discounts and credits, and ISV purchases on AWS Marketplace can offset up to 25% of the EDP commitment.
- There is no termination for convenience during the EDP tenure; it's a hard commit.
- Customers should ensure they are running a cost-efficient setup before committing and consider other discount programs to bundle with EDP.
- Shortfalls in commitment result in chargebacks, but there are strategies to mitigate this, such as upfront purchases and exploring AWS Marketplace options.
- CloudKeeper's EDP Plus offering provides additional benefits, including a lower commitment threshold, reservation management, and partner-led enterprise support.
- The session concluded with an overview of CloudKeeper's services and customer references.
Insights
- The AWS Enterprise Discount Program requires a significant commitment, starting at a minimum of $1 million annually, which may vary by geography and customer segment.
- EDP discounts are influenced by the annual commitment amount and the contract tenure, with longer and higher commitments yielding greater discounts.
- Customers must carefully plan and monitor their AWS spend to avoid shortfall fees, which can be substantial if commitments are not met.
- CloudKeeper offers a service called EDP Plus, which provides additional benefits over the standard AWS EDP, such as lower commitments and specialized support.
- The speaker emphasized the importance of cost optimization before entering an EDP and the role of partners in helping customers navigate the complexities of AWS billing and discount structures.
- The talk highlighted the strategic use of AWS Marketplace purchases and the consolidation of accounts under a single seller of record to maximize EDP benefits.
- The session provided insights into how AWS partners like CloudKeeper can add value through their expertise in FinOps, cost optimization, and navigating AWS's discount programs.