As a cloud management platform, we understand that it’s tough to get started on the cloud. There are so many options, and confusing pricing structures can make the whole process seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are lots of great programs dedicated to giving startups access to the resources they need to be successful. (Yes, even free cloud credits!) Before locking yourself into a relationship with a cloud vendor, check out these seven discounted startup programs. Applying can give you a great chance to play around with that cloud’s processes and pricing structure without spending more than your budget can handle.
AWS Activate
The credits and perks you’re offered from AWS Activate depend on which package is the right fit for your startup. The Portfolio package includes $15K in AWS credits over 2 years. The Portfolio Plus package gives you access to $100K in credits over 1 year. (AWS business support and training are some of the other perks of Activate.) The Portfolio and Portfolio Plus packages are available to startups that are associated with an approved accelerator, incubator, or VC Fund.
If your startup doesn’t qualify for AWS Activate but you’d still like to get hands-on experience with AWS, you’re in luck. AWS also offers a free tier, which gives new uses free access to over 60 of their tools for 12 months. It’s a great way to learn and experiment with AWS — just be careful to stay within monthly limits!
Create@Alibaba Cloud
Create@AlibabaCloud offers qualifying startups $2K to 50K in credits. You maybe eligible if your startup is a) registered outside of China, b) been in business less than 5 years, c) has less than $500k in annual revenue. And, bonus, you get priority if you’re not on Alibaba Cloud yet.
Google Cloud for Startups
Google Cloud offers new users $300 in credits for a year at https://cloud.google.com/free/, but you may also be interested in their three Google Cloud for Startups programs. You may qualify if you’ve raised no more than a Series A and are less than five years old, getting $3K to $100K in credits for the year.
Hatch by DigitalOcean
Build and scale your startup using the Hatch program and receive 12-month access to the DigitalOcean cloud with up to $100K in credits. Hatch also includes technical support and mentoring, along with a host of other tools.
Hatch program isn’t for you? DigitalOcean is also currently offering a $100 credit over a 60 day free trial period. There’s no affiliation with an incubator or accelerator required for this one, but it’s for new users only.
Microsoft for Startups
There are two options here. The first program is available to all startups, and includes $200 in Azure credits over 30 days. The second program is available to startups who meet their qualification criteria (company should be less than 5 years old, offers technical solutions, less than $10M in annual revenue, under $20M of funding, and associated with an accelerator or incubator), and includes up to $120K of free Azure cloud services over 2 years.
Oracle Global Startup Ecosystem
Oracle’s startup program bills itself as an “acceleration program,” so the application requirements are a little different from some of the other programs. Affiliation with VC firms, incubators, or accelerators isn’t required, but they’re interested in funding companies focused on “transformational technology.” If this describes your company, Oracle Global Startup Ecosystem could be a great opportunity to access free cloud credits, mentorship, training, and support.
Startup with IBM
IBM offers two tiers of support to startups. The Builder program includes $1000 a month in cloud credits over the course of a year, and doesn’t require affiliation with an incubator or accelerator. The Premium program supports companies involved with an approved accelerator or incubator that are focused on developing “innovative technologies.” If you qualify for the Premium program, your startup could receive $10K a month for a full year.
Before You Apply
There are lots of great opportunities out there for startups looking to get started on the cloud. Keep in mind, though, that most of the programs on this list are only available to new users, and some require your startup to be affiliated with an approved accelerator or incubator to qualify. Please check with the individual vendors to verify program details and eligibility before applying.
Once you’ve gotten started on one of these discounted startup programs, you’ll have the tools you need to start experimenting with the cloud. Sunshower.io can be an important part of that plan, too. When you’re just starting out on the cloud, the learning curve can seem pretty steep. Sunshower.io has the right tools to help you easily and intuitively manage the entire lifecycle of your cloud infrastructure. Our drag-and-drop deployments and unbeatable optimization algorithms are all designed for simplicity and ease of use. Whether you want to deploy software on the cloud, track workloads, or view all the spiffy new infrastructure you’ve built, you can master the cloud with Sunshower.io. From cloud resource management to cloud cost optimization, we’re here to help your company succeed by demystifying cloud computing so you can focus on what matters — your business.
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