Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Scale faster with AWS Specialization Partners (PEX125)

Summary

AWS has over 100,000 partners globally, and the AWS Specialization Program helps differentiate businesses among an elite group of 1,900 partners.
Specialization partners are validated for their technical expertise and customer success in specific areas, providing them with benefits like discoverability, early access to developments, and financial incentives.
AWS Service Ready, Service Delivery Designations, and AWS Competency are some of the programs under the AWS Specialization Program.
Nine new designations were launched before re:Invent 2023, and five additional ones were announced during the event.
A Canalys study revealed that 87% of AWS customers consider specializations in their top three criteria for selecting partners, with 60% stating it as the number one criterion.
AWS is consolidating its specialization programs for simplicity, focusing on technical requirements, and reducing non-technical burdens for partners.
Partners can find specialized partners through the Partner Solution Finder and AWS Marketplace.
The process for partners to apply for a specialization includes joining the APN, adding offerings, preparing with a validation checklist, and submitting an application for review.
Resources provided include the Partner Solutions Finder, the Work with Partners page, and the Canalys study.

The AWS Specialization Program is crucial for partners to stand out in a crowded marketplace and for customers to find partners with proven expertise.
AWS is actively expanding and updating its specialization designations, indicating a commitment to keeping the program relevant and valuable.
The Canalys study underscores the importance of specializations in the partner selection process, highlighting a significant business opportunity for specialized partners.
AWS's efforts to simplify the specialization program and reduce administrative burdens suggest a focus on making the program more accessible and appealing to partners.
The integration of specializations into AWS Marketplace and the Partner Solution Finder enhances the visibility of specialized partners, potentially leading to increased business opportunities.
The emphasis on technical requirements over non-technical ones aligns with customer priorities, ensuring that the specializations remain a reliable indicator of technical proficiency.
The presentation of new resources and tools, such as the Partner Equipped Live series, indicates ongoing support and enablement for specialization partners from AWS.