Course Content
How to Create an APN account
This course is designed for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) looking to join the AWS Partner Network (APN) and leverage AWS programs, benefits, and co-selling opportunities. Participants will receive a step-by-step guide on setting up an APN account, gaining access to AWS resources, and aligning their business with AWS best practices. What You'll Learn: ✅ Overview of the AWS Partner Network (APN) and its benefits for ISVs ✅ How to create an APN account and complete registration ✅ Understanding partner tiers and requirements ✅ Navigating the AWS Partner Central portal ✅ Accessing APN programs, funding, and go-to-market support By the end of this course, ISVs will have a fully set up APN account and a clear roadmap to unlocking AWS partner benefits, accelerating their growth, and driving customer success.
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ACE
The APN Customer Engagements (ACE) program allows you to securely collaborate and co-sell with Amazon Web Services (AWS), drive successful engagements with customers, and grow your business. Participation in ACE provides you with a platform to manage your pipeline of joint opportunities and leads to further drive engagement with AWS and enrich customer relationships.
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Marketplace
AWS Marketplace is a curated digital catalog that customers can use to find, buy, deploy, and manage third-party software, data, and services to build solutions and run their businesses. AWS Marketplace includes thousands of software listings from popular categories such as security, business applications, machine learning, and data products across specific industries, such as healthcare, financial services, and telecommunications. Customers can quickly launch preconfigured software, and choose software solutions in Amazon Machine Images (AMIs), software as a service (SaaS), and other formats. Professional services are also available to help customers configure, deploy, and manage third-party software.
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FTR (Foundational Technical Review)
The Foundational Technical Review ('FTR') for Service Offering assesses an AWS Partner's Service Offering against a specific set of best practices most critical for customer success.
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MDF (Marketing Development Funds)
Marketing Development Funds (MDF) help offset your marketing costs to drive demand generation and build your sales pipeline. Receive cash or AWS Promotional Credits to support your marketing efforts to promote your offerings and solutions on AWS.
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ISV Builder
About Lesson

Welcome to How to Apply for and Use MDF

As an AWS partner, you may be eligible for Marketing Development Funds (MDF)—a powerful funding program designed to help you run campaigns, attend events, create content, and accelerate your joint go-to-market success with AWS.

In this module, we’ll walk you through how to understand, apply for, and maximize the value of MDF through AWS’s funding programs. Whether you’re planning a demand generation campaign, webinar, or event sponsorship, MDF can help fund your efforts and extend your reach.


Why This Topic Matters

MDF is one of the most appreciated growth tools available to AWS partners. Properly leveraging it can:

  • Offset marketing and event costs

  • Accelerate AWS-aligned campaigns

  • Increase visibility and trust with AWS teams

  • Strengthen your case for co-sell and Marketplace promotion

Partners who understand how to use MDF effectively often see stronger collaboration and faster deal acceleration.


What You’ll Learn

By the end of this module, you’ll understand:

  • What activities qualify for AWS MDF

  • The step-by-step process to apply for and submit MDF requests

  • How to structure your campaigns for MDF eligibility

  • Where to find the right forms, tools, and AWS guidance

  • How to report and claim reimbursements after executing an MDF-funded activity


What’s Included

This module includes several essential resources to help you confidently apply for and use MDF:

 Reading Material:

  • AWS Partner Funding Benefits Guide (Pages 21–34 cover MDF) – See Exercise Files

 Links to Key MDF Resources:

 Exercise Files:

  • MDF funding guide excerpts


Key Success Metrics

You’ve successfully completed this module when:

  • You understand what activities qualify for MDF and how to align with AWS goals

  • You’ve identified at least one eligible MDF initiative for your org

  • You’ve submitted an MDF request or prepared one using the available resources

  • You’re ready to report results and secure reimbursement after execution

Exercise Files
2025 AWS Partner Funding Benefits Guide (1).pdf
Size: 1.75 MB

Cost Optimization

Issue: Small AWS deployment with little management oversight and a lack of cloud skills internal to the organization moving from traditional infrastructure to SaaS and cloud based solutions.

 

What we did

  1. AWS Audit
  2. Cost Optimization Review
  3. Ongoing Monitoring

 

Result:

  • Eliminated unused storage volumes and the old application server no longer in use, the charges for AWS resulted in a savings of 51% per month.
  • We’ll continue to monitor AWS billing and finance to ensure maintenance of savings and identify other future changes.

Cost Optimization

Issue: Small AWS deployment with little management oversight and a lack of cloud skills internal to the organization moving from traditional infrastructure to SaaS and cloud based solutions.

 

What we did

  1. AWS Audit
  2. Cost Optimization Review
  3. Ongoing Monitoring

 

Result:

  • Eliminated unused storage volumes and the old application server no longer in use, the charges for AWS resulted in a savings of 51% per month.
  • We’ll continue to monitor AWS billing and finance to ensure maintenance of savings and identify other future changes.