An Exploration of the Benefits of Using Partners vs. Going Direct with AWS

December 4th 2024

Why Should an End Customer Work with a Partner vs. Going Direct with AWS?

The rise of cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) at the forefront of this transformation. AWS’s platform provides unmatched scalability, innovation, and access to cutting-edge tools. But as organizations rush to adopt cloud solutions, they face a key decision: Should they work directly with AWS or leverage the expertise of an AWS partner?

While a direct relationship with AWS might appear more straightforward, the value of working with a partner is undeniable. This blog delves into why end customers should choose the partner route, explores real-world data and case studies, and highlights how CloudScale empowers partners to amplify their impact through AWS enablement services.

Cloud Complexity: The Case for Partner Expertise

Cloud adoption is booming. Gartner predicts global spending on public cloud services will exceed $591.8 billion in 2023, a 20.7% increase from the previous year​ (1). Yet, despite the robust growth, complexity remains a significant barrier. 

The Challenges of Going Direct

• Service Overload: Navigating AWS’s extensive portfolio can overwhelm businesses, leading to poor service selection or misconfiguration.
• Lack of Skills: According to a survey by Flexera, 42% of organizations cite a lack of in-house cloud expertise as a top challenge​. (1)
• Hidden Costs: Without a clear strategy, businesses often overspend on unused or under-optimized resources.
• Time Delays: Inexperience in migration, optimization, or scaling can result in costly delays and reduced productivity.

Partners bridge these gaps by acting as trusted advisors who bring deep technical and industry knowledge to cloud journeys.

Why Work with a Partner?

AWS’s Well-Architected Framework provides best practices for building secure, efficient, and cost-effective applications in the cloud. Partners certified in this framework help customers implement these principles faster and with fewer errors. Here's how partners deliver value across the customer lifecycle:

1. Cost Optimization

AWS operates on a pay-as-you-go model, which can lead to cost inefficiencies if not carefully managed. Partners leverage tools and methodologies to right-size resources and reduce expenses.

• Example: A FinOps Foundation study found that organizations engaging with partners reduce cloud spend by 20-30%​
  (2)

2. Faster Deployment

Partners accelerate migration and deployment by using proven methodologies and pre-built frameworks.

• Stat: Companies working with AWS-certified partners report achieving time-to-value 2.4x faster than those working directly​
  (2)
  .

3. Tailored Solutions

Partners understand that no two businesses are alike. They provide customized cloud architectures aligned with specific business objectives.

4. Scalability and Innovation

Partners design specialised value add cloud environments and solutions that scale seamlessly and leverage advanced AWS advanced solutions  like machine learning (ML), analytics, and IoT.

Misconceptions About Working Directly with AWS

“Going Direct Saves Money”

This assumption often ignores the hidden costs of cloud mismanagement. Without the guidance of a partner, businesses risk overspending on resources or failing to optimize usage.

“We’ll Lose Access to AWS”

Working with a partner doesn’t mean losing touch with AWS. Partners act as a conduit, leveraging AWS tools while tailoring solutions to meet specific customer needs.

“We Know Our Business Best”

While businesses understand their markets, partners bring the cloud expertise needed to implement technical solutions efficiently.

How Partners Add Value Across the Customer Lifecycle

Discovery and Planning

Partners perform cost effective comprehensive assessments to identify pain points, business goals, and cloud-readiness.

• Insight: 40% of cloud migration projects fail due to poor planning and a lack of expertise​.
  (2)

Implementation and Migration

Seamless migration requires precision. Partners handle the heavy lifting, minimizing downtime and disruptions.

Optimization and Support

Partners provide continuous monitoring and optimization, ensuring environments stay cost-efficient and high-performing.

• Insight: Businesses working with partners experience 35% fewer performance issues post-migration.
  
  

The CloudScale Advantage: Empowering AWS Partners

While AWS partners deliver exceptional value to end customers, companies like CloudScale amplify their capabilities by providing specialized enablement services. Here’s how CloudScale drives partner success:

1. AWS Enablement Services

CloudScale equips partners with the tools, training, and expertise needed to become AWS specialists. From certification programs to advanced architectural guidance, CloudScale helps partners stay ahead of the curve.

2. Tailored Partner Support

Every partner is unique, and CloudScale recognizes this. By offering bespoke enablement services, CloudScale ensures partners can address the diverse needs of their clients effectively.

3. Go-to-Market Acceleration

CloudScale enables partners to expand their service offerings, improve customer satisfaction, and accelerate their go-to-market strategies.

Conclusion: A Smarter Path to Cloud Success

Navigating the complexities of cloud computing is no small feat. While AWS provides powerful tools, the guidance of a skilled partner transforms cloud adoption into a seamless, cost-effective journey.

For partners, the ability to deliver maximum value hinges on the resources and support they receive. That’s where CloudScale steps in. By empowering AWS partners with the expertise, tools, and strategies they need, CloudScale ensures that end customers achieve unparalleled success in the cloud.

The choice is clear: Work with a partner, powered by CloudScale, for a smarter, faster, and more effective cloud journey.

References:

(1) AWS Static

(2) Amazon Web Services, Inc.