Amazon Web Services has rolled out AWS IQ, a marketplace that allows customers to find and hire AWS-certified contractors and experts for specific cloud services projects. It's somewhat similar to IT project, freelance and contractor marketplaces like WorkMarket (now owned by ADP) and the former OnForce.
Amazon shook up the ecommerce industry years ago by opening its online retail space to third-party sellers. This new marketplace has the potential to create similar disruption within the cloud and IT services industry.
Small businesses that lack in-house IT staff or cloud talent, in particular, could potentially benefit from AWS IQ. But the marketplace could also create competition between gig-economy contractors and more established AWS consulting firms -- such as those on ChannelE2E's Top 100 Public Cloud MSPs list.
What Is AWS IQ?
Essentially, AWS IQ helps guide businesses that want to use Amazon Web Services through the process. Established and aspiring AWS customers can post a project, receive bids from Amazon-certified experts, and hire them through the AWS portal. In turn, Amazon sets up the contracts and provides messaging tools, status updates, and billing capabilities.
Swami Sivasubramanian, vice president AWS, commented on the announcement:
“Many of our customers, especially small businesses and entrepreneurs, tell us that they have projects in mind that could really transform their businesses, but they need additional expertise to help them build these projects faster. At the same time, we have an incredible community of knowledgeable and passionate AWS-Certified experts who offer exactly what these customers need to achieve their business goals. We built AWS IQ to serve as a bridge between our customers and experts, enabling them to get to work on new projects faster and easier, and removing many of the hassles and roadblocks that both groups usually encounter when dealing with project-based work.”
For independent experts and Amazon Partner Network (APN) consulting partners, Amazon says AWS IQ offers a new opportunity to connect directly with customers and grow their business.
Additional insights from Joe Panettieri.
