So, how do you choose the right AWS reseller or partner for your business?
This article breaks down the differences between each tier and explains why Elite Cloud, as an AWS Advanced Partner, is the ideal choice for most businesses looking to optimize costs and performance.
AWS Partner Tier Breakdown
AWS Partner tiers are primarily classified based on technical expertise, number of certified professionals, service scope, and proven customer success stories. Below is a comparison of the three levels:
| Partner Tier | Features & Services | Best Suited For |
| AWS Select Tier Partner | Basic AWS technical support and foundational cloud services | Businesses new to AWS with simple requirements |
| AWS Advanced Tier Partner | Comprehensive and professional AWS support, including cloud architecture design, cost optimization, migration management, and dedicated consulting services | SMBs needing deeper technical support, cost optimization, and business scalability |
| AWS Premier Tier Partner | Highest-level professional services with global-scale success stories and advanced technical expertise | Large enterprises or organizations with highly complex cloud requirements |
Companies should choose their AWS partner tier based on size, cloud maturity, and business needs—not just the highest level available.
AWS Partner Knowledge Requirements
| Item | AWS Select Tier Partner | AWS Advanced Tier Partner | AWS Premier Tier Partner |
| Certified Personnel | 4 certified staff (2 technical, 2 business) | 8 certified staff (4 technical, 4 business) | 20 certified staff (10 technical, 10 business) |
| Number of AWS Foundational Certifications | 2 with AWS Technical certs. | 4 foundational | 10 foundational |
| Number of AWS Technical Certifications | 2 with AWS Technical certs. | 6 technical (at least 3 professional-level or specialty). | 25 technical (at least 10 professional-level or specialty). |
Choose the Right AWS Partner Tier Based on Your Business Needs
It’s easy to assume that a Premier Partner is always the best option. But in reality, for most companies, an Advanced Partner strikes the right balance between expertise, cost efficiency, and personalized service.
While the gap between Select and Advanced partners is quite significant, the difference between Advanced and Premieris less about technical ability and more about global scale. Premier partners often invest heavily in maintaining certifications and global presence, which can make them less flexible or cost-effective for individual businesses. In contrast, Advanced Partners can dedicate more focus to their clients—offering faster, more customized, and more cost-efficient support.
When it comes to choosing an AWS Partner, higher tier doesn’t always mean better. What really matters is whether the partner fits your needs and delivers the right service experience.
The Elite Cloud Advantage as an AWS Advanced Partner
As an AWS Advanced Partner, Elite Cloud brings these key advantages to businesses:
- Reduce AWS Costs: With Elite Cloud’s AWS reseller services, businesses can avoid overseas tax burdens and achieve direct cloud cost savings.
- End-to-End AWS Solutions – From provisioning and architecture design to cost optimization, migration, and daily monitoring.
- 24/7 Expert Support – A team of AWS-certified engineers ready to solve technical issues, recommend best practices, and deliver high-performance solutions.
- Dedicated Account Management – Continuous optimization and hands-on account management to ensure your AWS resources are always running at peak efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Which AWS Partner Tier Should You Choose?
- Just getting started with AWS? → Select Partner is enough.
- Need stronger cost optimization, migration, and technical expertise? → Go with an Advanced Partner.
- Running a global enterprise with highly complex cloud needs? → Premier Partner is for you.
Elite Cloud, as an AWS Advanced Partner, delivers enterprise-grade AWS solutions that help you cut costs, boost cloud efficiency, and maximize the value of your AWS investment. Ready to optimize your cloud? Reach out to Elite Cloud today for a free AWS enterprise consultation! 🚀
