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Last Updated on September 26, 2021 by Rajeev Bagra
Given the promising outlook of cloud computing, start building expertise around cloud computing technologies by choosing one or more of the leading brands: Amazon Web Service (AWS), Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Digital Ocean, Alibaba Cloud. All of them have special packages for startups with liberal credits to learn, try new ideas. IBM and particularly Splunk are tilted more towards data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning exclusively.
1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
If AWS, follow the course roadmap prescribed as part of AWS certifications while joining as AWS Partner. As a Registered AWS Partner (free tier), you will learn about cloud technologies while nurturing your skills as a consultant/developer. We are a Registered Consulting Partner.
For India, a great way to avail of free credit from AWS (5000$) and DigitalOcean (1000$) is to signup for the StartupIndia program and gain DPIIT (also called DIPP) recognition.
Point taken that DIPP recognition has its own criterion of being incorporated as a private limited company or registered as a partnership firm or a limited liability partnership. This might not be suitable for newbies or those who prefer to be freelancers in true spirit. Now, Any startup (not just registered with StartupIndia or DIPP recognized) can apply for the AWS Activate Founders program and subject to meeting their conditions be granted 1350$ AWS credit (1,000 USD in AWS credits, valid for two years, and $350 USD in AWS Developer Support credits valid for one year). One can apply for both, (possibility to avail $100,000 in AWS Activate credits).
2. WP Engine
Simultaneously, consider partnering with technology companies like WPEngine for developing state-of-the-art websites powered by WordPress (WP Engine is an AWS Partner Network (APN) Advanced Technology Partner with the AWS Digital Customer Experience Competency). We are a WPEngine Agency Partner. For agencies and end-users, it perhaps makes more sense to opt for such hosting solutions that take care of most back end technology stuff. Agencies stay focused on creating content as part of generating a great client experience; clients stay focused on their core work which is not maintaining servers like AWS. WP Engine’s technology improves site speed, while providing the intelligence to make it even faster. Tools like Local + WP Engine Connect make WP Engine relevant for hard-core developers too.
3. Microsoft
Now, coming to Microsoft, it appears that they are not as liberal as AWS when it comes to providing credit to startups. Nevertheless, Microsoft has a unique set of features, and there are ways by which startups can associate with Microsoft for free.
While the best way perhaps should be by registering under Microsoft for Startups, but this has its own criteria which might not be fulfilled by all.
The second way then is to sign up under Microsoft Partner Networks. One can start for free albeit paid subscriptions (Microsoft Action Pack) will help leverage the program to its full.
4. IBM
In addition to free forever lite plan by IBM, there is Startup with IBM program. 
We applied for the Builder Plan and initially got approved. Unfortunately, within days, the same was revoked for not meeting the criteria. They did not cite the exact reason.
Hi Rajeev, welcome to Startup with IBM!
Congratulations, you have been accepted into the Startup with IBM program.
Your account number is confirmed and as follow:
To complete your registration and to begin your partnership journey with IBM, follow these simple steps:
| 1. Access your $1,000 monthly credit on IBM Cloud |
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| 2. Get started building with the platform |
| 3. Sell with IBM |
Once you’ve built your solution, expand your audience! Get in front of 25 million customers, partners, and developers, and access leading buyers and sellers around the globe through IBM Marketplace. Refer to IBM Partners for more information. |
| Reference your resources |
|
Regards,
The Startup with IBM Team
Refer to our Cloud Service Agreement and the Startup with IBM Addendum for additional offer details.
The bad news is that within few days, this credit was reversed on the ground of not meeting the criteria. Although the exact reason was not given, still I understand it was because we were not aligned with their list of accelerators/incubators. While applying, the form for the IBM startup credit is still submitted even if you ignore this field by just selecting one random option from the list of accelerators/incubators (unfair thing to do).
5. Oracle
Oracle is providing a free trial and credit (expire after 730 days) to all new signups.
Oracle Cloud too has a free, forever tier.
Oracle has inherent expertise in database technology that is part and parcel of any hosting experience.
Right now, they are also selectively offering free migration, something not available with AWS, Microsoft Azure or IBM.
For startups and developers, a better way to initiate a relationship with Oracle Cloud is to signup for Oracle for Startups program.
For easy access to links, pasting the content of the email below:
Welcome to Oracle for Startups! I’ll be acting as your primary point of contact during this part of the program – I’m here to help, so please reach out to me directly if you have any questions. As a starting point, please create a profile for your company in our Startup Portal here:
https://oraclestartupbeat.com/StartupPortal/?root=register
Through the Startup Portal, you can do the following:
- Request for migration support
- Request additional cloud credits
- Level up for access to marketing and customers
- Request a meeting with an Oracle mentor
- Access videos, success stories and technical documentation
Additionally, here are a few resources you might find helpful as you start to build on Oracle Cloud:
It is a privilege to have you in the Oracle for Startups family. Please consider joining us for an upcoming event or ask-me-anything session and let me know how I can help you with any questions.
Best,
Kenan Kitchen
Oracle for Startups – North America
Email: Kenan.kitchen@oracle.com
Unlike IBM, AWS, and Microsoft Partner in particular that needs registration fees or subscriptions (Action Pack) to get the best of its cloud offerings to startups/partners, Oracle in my experience is more liberal to any joining startup without discrimination.
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