Becoming ACE Eligible

Steps to ACE Eligibility: 

In the AWS Partner Central , a user can follow different partner paths based on their offerings and business model. AWS Partner Paths offer tailored support and resources to accelerate your business's engagement with AWS across various solutions. 

The steps to become ACE eligible differ based on the chosen path, whether it be Software or Services:

💻  Software Path

This is for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) who develop software that runs on or is integrated with AWS. Sellers in this path can offer products like SaaS (Software as a Service), AMIs (Amazon Machine Images), and data products.

🖋️  Services Path

This path is for partners who provide specialized services to help customers plan, design, migrate, manage, and optimize their AWS environments. Services can include consulting, professional, managed, and value-added resale services.

Below are the necessary steps for both paths to help you achieve eligibility and maximize your partnership with AWS.

How to Become ACE Eligible - Software Path

➡️  Step 1: Create an APN account and Accept the ACE Terms and Conditions

First, access the AWS Partner Central website and create an account.

Once you have signed in, go to the ‘Home’ page and scroll down. There will be a prompt asking to review and accept the terms to co-sell with AWS and benefit from the APN programs and benefits. Once you have accepted their terms and conditions, you will begin the ACE Eligibility process.

➡️  Step 2: Add a Solution to APN and Submit an FTR

To become ACE eligible, you must have at least one solution on APN with an approved Foundational Technical Review (FTR).

To start follow this step-by-step guide on Adding Your Solutions to the AWS Partner Central.

Once you have added a solution, you need to submit it to a Foundational Technical Review with AWS. The validation process includes the submission and acceptance of the FTR which can be completed with the help of the Ibexlabs team (contact your Labra Sales Rep for detailed information). The project members will conduct the review and share instructions to guarantee the correct process is followed.

Estimated FTR Acceptance Timeline

The entire verification process is estimated to take approximately ±2 weeks after the FTR is completed, contingent on the availability of the necessary resources from you and AWS.

➡️ Step 3: Share at least 10 sales opportunities

All AWS Partners must submit at least 10 opportunities and get them validated by the AWS team as a required step to become ACE Eligible.

➡️ Step 4: Have an active Partner Solutions Finder (PSF) Listing

        Finally, create an active Partner Solutions Finder Listing within your APN Portal. To do this:

• • Log in to your AWS Partner Central account.
  • Navigate to 'My Company' → 'Company Profile.'
  • Select "Edit" in the 'Company Name & Description' or 'Details' section (refer to Fig. 1).
    
    
    Fig. 1
    
    
  • Update your company information as needed.
  • Click "Save" to confirm your changes (see Fig. 2 below).
    
    
    Fig. 2

➡️  Step 5: Validate status in AWS Partner Paths

You can check whether you are Validated and have the necessary FTR approval in the AWS Partner Central (see Fig. 3 for reference).

1. Sign in to AWS Partner Central with the alliance lead role.
2. Scroll down to the 'AWS Partner Paths' section. If you are ACE eligible, you will have a 'Validated' status, and see at least one solution with an approved FTR.
   
   
   Fig. 3

How to Become ACE Eligible - Services Path

Within the Services Path, there are two different tiers, which vary in requirements. Below you can find the specific requirements for each Servoces Path Tier:

✅  AWS Advanced or Premier Tier Services Partners

• Acceptance of ACE Terms and Conditions - Commitment to provide updates on AWS Customer Engagement referrals (leads and opportunities). Refer to Step 1 in the above section for more.
• Active Partner Solutions Finder Directory (PSF) Listing - Refer to Step 5 in the above section.
  
  

✅  AWS Select Tier Services Partners

• 10 AWS Validated Opportunities - Refer to Step 4 in the above section.
• AWS Partner Program Designation - AWS Competency, AWS Managed Service Provider, AWS ISV Accelerate, AWS Public Sector Program, AWS Service Delivery, Well-Architected Partner Program, AWS Service Ready Program, AWS Global Startup Program.