AWS launches dedicated VMware and public sector partner programmes
AWS launches dedicated public sector programmes as it prepares to open UK datacentres
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched dedicated partner programmes for its public sector and VMware solutions at its re:Invent conference in Las Vegas.
Just before VMworld this year, AWS and VMware announced a partnership that will see VMware's private cloud solutions hosted on AWS' public cloud.
The new ‘VMware Cloud on AWS Partner Programme' will launch in 2017 and aims to help AWS partners migrate customers to the solution.
Alongside this AWS announced the ‘AWS Public Sector Partner Programme', as it looks to capitalise on opportunities in government and education.
AWS is set to launch its first UK datacentre next year which will give UK public sector bodies the opportunity to meet certain data sovereignty requirements in the public cloud, which AWS partner Cloudreach claims will threaten the business model of UK hosting providers.
Microsoft recently opened its own UK datacentres, with Google set to follow suit.
"There's never been a better time to be an APN [Amazon Partner Network] partner, said Dorothy Copeland, general manager of global partner programmes at AWS.
"Customers are turning to the AWS Cloud to address an increasingly broad set of needs across their organisations, which translates to business opportunities for the APN partners that help them achieve their goals.
"This is why we continue to invest in programmes that help APN partners differentiate based on the specialised value they provide to customers.
Services giant KCOM has been announced as one of the first AWS partners on Public Sector Programme and KCOM central government director, Tony Cox, called on the public sector to take advantage of AWS' public cloud offering.
"The time has come for public sector organisations to re-imagine and re-architect their IT and communications infrastructures to become more customer-centric, agile and efficient," he said.
"KCOM helps these organisations through ‘best in class' consultancy, architecture, delivery and management experience across applications, communications and networks.
"Our cooperation with AWS has massive potential, and we look forward to working together to create an environment in which digital innovation in the public sector can thrive."
Snowmobile
For any potential partners or clients concerned about how to transfer masses of data from a datacentre to one of AWS' Public cloud solutions, AWS revealed an extravagant solution at re:Invent.
The AWS Snowmobile (Pictured) is an "Exabyte-scale data transfer service" that, according to AWS, can be used to transfer up to 100PB (one million gigabytes) of data in "a matter of weeks".
The 45-foot long shipping container will be transported by AWS personnel under security escort where it will be attached directly to a client's datacentre.