Negotiating AWS Enterprise Agreement
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most popular cloud service providers in the world. With the cloud becoming an increasingly important part of enterprise IT infrastructure, more and more organizations are looking to adopt AWS for their needs. However, negotiating an AWS Enterprise Agreement can be a daunting task. In this article, we will provide an overview of what an AWS Enterprise Agreement is, key considerations when negotiating a deal, and tips for successful negotiation.
What is an AWS Enterprise Agreement?
An AWS Enterprise Agreement is a contract between AWS and a large enterprise customer. It is designed for organizations that want to purchase AWS services at scale and require additional features and support not available through the standard AWS Management Console. The agreement is tailored for each customer and can include different pricing options, technical support, training, and access to additional AWS services.
Key Considerations
When negotiating an AWS Enterprise Agreement, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Understanding your needs: Before beginning negotiations, you should have a clear idea of what your organization needs from AWS. What are your IT requirements? What AWS services do you need? What level of support do you require? Having a clear understanding of your needs will make it easier to negotiate a deal that meets your requirements.
2. Negotiating pricing: Pricing is one of the most important factors to consider when negotiating an AWS Enterprise Agreement. AWS pricing can be complex, with multiple pricing models, discounts, and options available. It is important to work with AWS to determine the best pricing model for your organization, based on your usage patterns and requirements.
3. Defining service levels: AWS offers different service levels based on the level of support and response times required. When negotiating an agreement, it is important to define the service levels that your organization requires, such as response time for critical issues and availability of technical support.
4. Understanding your legal obligations: An AWS Enterprise Agreement is a legal document, and it is important to understand your legal obligations and any potential risks associated with the agreement. You should work with your legal team to review the agreement carefully and ensure that all terms are acceptable.
Tips for Successful Negotiation
Here are some tips for successful negotiation of an AWS Enterprise Agreement:
1. Be prepared: Before beginning negotiations, make sure you have a clear understanding of your needs and requirements. This will make it easier to negotiate a deal that meets your needs.
2. Use data to support your position: When negotiating pricing or service levels, use data to support your position. For example, if you know your organization has a certain usage pattern, provide this data to AWS to negotiate a better price.
3. Be flexible: Negotiation is a two-way process, so be prepared to be flexible. Consider various pricing models and service levels and be open to compromise to find a mutually beneficial agreement.
4. Build a relationship: Building a good relationship with your AWS account manager can help you negotiate a better deal. Regular communication and a collaborative approach can help build trust and lead to better outcomes.
In conclusion, negotiating an AWS Enterprise Agreement can be a complex and challenging process, but with careful planning and preparation, it is possible to achieve a deal that meets your organization`s needs and requirements. By understanding your needs, negotiating pricing and service levels, and building a good relationship with AWS, you can negotiate a successful, mutually beneficial agreement.
