Amazon Web Services this week released new partner competencies aimed at validating the ability of managed services providers (MSPs) to handle migrations of workloads to the AWS cloud.

The new AWS Migration Competency regime adds to the 12 competencies already available through the AWS Partner Competency Program.

Also recognized, were 32 Amazon Partner Network “launch partners” who have gained some of the new competencies through demonstrated expertise in helping customers migrate to AWS.

“More and more, I hear from customers who want to migrate large-scale workloads to AWS, and seek advice regarding their cloud migration strategy,” said a blog post by Jeff Barr, the official Chief Evangelist for AWS.

“In an effort to make it as easy as we can for you to identify APN partners who’ve demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success in migration, I’m pleased to announce the launch of the AWS Migration Competency,” he wrote.

The new categories include:

AWS’s move is the latest initiative by major cloud service providers aimed at steering partners toward more cloud-focused businesses.

In April, the Microsoft Partner Network announced it would phase out obsolete competency categories during the subsequent 18 months, including those deemed inconsistent with the vendor’s intensifying cloud focus.

As part of that initiative, Microsoft detailed a robust effort to help partners gain certification in newly developed or existing competencies that emphasize cloud-related skills and expertise.

The AWS announcement stressed the rigor of the competency program. Consulting and technology partners must provide at least five customer references attesting to successful AWS migration projects of 10 applications or more.

Migration consulting partners must obtain at least 10 AWS certifications, including two professional-level certifications, while migration delivery partners need a minimum of 30 certifications, including eight at the professional level.

“Workload migration is a key milestone of the customer journey on AWS, and helping customers map out a clear and comprehensive migration strategy is a top priority in which AWS Partner Network (APN) partners can provide enormous support,” said a blog entry published by APN.

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