Understanding AWS Marketplace: A New Way to Buy Software

Many procurement teams often ask, “Is AWS reselling software now?” The short answer is no—AWS Marketplace is not a software reseller but a marketplace provider. AWS Marketplace connects buyers with software vendors, channel partners, and service providers, offering a centralized platform for streamlined purchases. Here’s a quick analogy to explain how it works: think of AWS Marketplace like a farmers market. AWS provides the platform, but each software vendor sells their products directly to customers, similar to how farmers sell their goods at market stalls.

In AWS Marketplace:

• AWS is the marketplace provider, handling billing consolidation and spend analytics, but not pricing or contract terms.
• Software vendors or resellers are the sellers who set prices, terms, and offer negotiation through AWS Marketplace private offers.
• Buyers are AWS customers, benefiting from a centralized platform but engaging directly with vendors for purchasing software.

AWS Marketplace is a free service for AWS customers, making it easier to discover, buy, and manage software while AWS ensures smooth marketplace operations. Read more in this article from the AWS Public Sector Blog.

Still curious? Contact us to learn more about how contracts and procurement work in AWS Marketplace!