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 companies. Now that “millions” of devs have signed up (in response to 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 Expertise Increase.
Past consultations and on-line programs, the Google Developer Program premium membership consists of $500 in annual Google Cloud credit, a certification voucher, and “bonus” Google Cloud credit for devs who cross 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 growth 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 gives 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 gives premium assist packages, however they’re extra centered on architectural steering and technical help.
Curiously, for purchasers within the European Financial Area, the U.Okay., and Switzerland, the Google Developer Program premium membership is “restricted to business or professional use,” in response to the positive print. That implies that it’s not allowed for private use in these international locations; 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 reasonably rapidly. However I’ve to think about that some devs can be disheartened to see new options gated behind a paid tier, provided that Google gave no indication it deliberate to cost for future enhancements to the unique program.
“In the coming months, the Google Developer Program will unlock new tools and resources to help you on your development journey such as additional training resources and more ways to connect with the community,” Google wrote in a weblog put up in June. “To access these benefits, you’ll just need to sign up 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 provided comparable advantages on the similar $299-per-year value. Notably, Cloud Innovators Plus didn’t bundle in Google Cloud Expertise Increase, which Google estimates is a $299-per-year worth by itself.
“[T]his new offering is the next evolution of our commitment to streamlining the developer experience,” Google wrote in a put up on Monday, “and presents the continued investment in the Google Developer Program as the hub of benefits and resources across Google’s many developer products and 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.
