In June, Google introduced the Google Developer Program, a free program to offer devs entry to sources designed to assist them construct functions utilizing Google providers. Now that “thousands and thousands” of devs have signed up (in accordance with Google), the corporate is introducing a second, paid tier to commercialize this system.
On Monday, Google launched the Google Developer Program premium membership, a $299-per-year improve from the usual Google Developer Program. It provides a number of advantages, together with one-on-one consultations with Google Cloud consultants and entry to e-learning packages in Google’s on-demand coaching program, Google Cloud Abilities Increase.
Past consultations and on-line programs, the Google Developer Program premium membership contains $500 in annual Google Cloud credit, a certification voucher, and “bonus” Google Cloud credit for devs who move an annual Google Cloud certification. That’s along with all of the sources in the usual, free Google Developer Program, together with AI-powered documentation and coding instruments, first dibs on new merchandise, and workspaces in Google’s IDX app development platform.
The brand new providing stands out as a result of neither of Google’s main cloud rivals, Amazon Net Providers (AWS) or Azure, have a person dev plan fairly prefer it. Microsoft affords paid alternate options to its free Microsoft 365 Developer Program, the corporate’s tough equal to the Google Developer Program, however they’re geared primarily towards enterprise customers. AWS supplies premium assist packages, however they’re extra targeted on architectural steerage and technical help.
Curiously, for patrons within the European Financial Area, the U.Okay., and Switzerland, the Google Developer Program premium membership is “restricted to enterprise or skilled use,” in accordance with the high quality print. That implies that it’s not allowed for private use in these nations; we’ve reached out to Google for clarification.
Assuming one takes benefit of all the advantages, the Google Developer Program premium membership might pay for itself somewhat rapidly. However I’ve to think about that some devs might be disheartened to see new options gated behind a paid tier, on condition that Google gave no indication it deliberate to cost for future enhancements to the unique program.
“Within the coming months, the Google Developer Program will unlock new instruments and sources that will help you in your growth journey reminiscent of further coaching sources and extra methods to attach with the neighborhood,” Google wrote in a blog post in June. “To entry these advantages, you’ll simply want to enroll to the Google Developer Program.”
Google’s pitching the Google Developer Program premium membership as a revamping of its now-defunct Cloud Innovators Plus program, which supplied comparable advantages on the similar $299-per-year value. Notably, Cloud Innovators Plus didn’t bundle in Google Cloud Abilities Increase, which Google estimates is a $299-per-year worth by itself.
“[T]his new providing is the following evolution of our dedication to streamlining the developer expertise,” Google wrote in a put up on Monday, “and presents the continued funding within the Google Developer Program because the hub of advantages and sources throughout Google’s many developer services.”
Devs might grumble — however they’re additionally voting for Google with their wallets, it appears. Within the firm’s most up-to-date fiscal quarter (Q3 2024), Google’s cloud enterprise, which incorporates infrastructure in addition to software program subscriptions, grew 35% year-over-year to $11.35 billion. Its development outpaced Amazon and Microsoft’s cloud divisions, each of that are considerably bigger by market share.
