How to Publish a Product on AWS Marketplace that is a Combination of Self-Controlled SaaS and Deploying Resources on Consumers' AWS Accounts

Hello, The solution you are looking for is called SaaS QuickLaunch. Announcement: https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/whats-new/2023/11/saas-quick-launch-aws-marketplace/ Seller Setup doc: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/marketplace/latest/userguide/saas-product-settings.html#saas-quick-launch Buyer Guide: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/marketplace/latest/buyerguide/saas-quick-launch.html

Currently, AWS Marketplace Quicklaunch only supports CloudFormation.

To publish a product on AWS Marketplace that combines self-controlled SaaS with resources deployed on consumers' AWS accounts, you'll need to follow a specific process that accommodates this hybrid model. Here's a step-by-step approach to achieve this structure:

1. Plan Your Product: Before starting, carefully plan how your product will integrate both the SaaS component and the deployable resources. Consider how the API connection between your AWS resources and the client's resources will be established and secured.

2. Register as an AWS Marketplace Seller: If you haven't already, register as a seller on AWS Marketplace. This involves accessing the AWS Marketplace Management Portal and submitting your tax and banking information.

3. Create Your SaaS Product: Use the AWS Marketplace Management Portal to create your SaaS product listing. This will involve:

   • Generating a SaaS product ID and code
   • Adding product information, deployment details, and public offer details
   • Configuring pricing and dimensions for your SaaS component

4. Integrate AWS Marketplace APIs: Implement the necessary AWS Marketplace APIs to handle customer subscriptions, entitlements, and metering (if applicable) for your SaaS component.

5. Prepare Deployable Resources: Create AWS CloudFormation templates or other automation scripts to deploy the resource-intensive components on the client's AWS account. These should be designed to integrate seamlessly with your SaaS backend.

6. Set Up Customer Onboarding Process: Design a process that guides customers through subscribing to your SaaS product and deploying the necessary resources in their own AWS accounts. This might involve:

   • Creating a custom onboarding page or wizard in your SaaS dashboard
   • Providing clear instructions on how to launch the CloudFormation stack in their account
   • Implementing automated processes to establish the API connection between your resources and the client's resources

7. Test Your Integration: Thoroughly test the entire process, including subscription management, resource deployment, and API connectivity between your account and test customer accounts.

8. Submit for AWS Review: Once you've completed the integration and testing, submit your product for AWS Marketplace review. They will validate your integration and ensure it meets all necessary requirements.

9. Launch Your Product: After receiving approval from AWS, you can make your product publicly available on AWS Marketplace.

Throughout this process, pay special attention to security considerations, especially regarding the API connection between your AWS resources and the client's resources. Ensure that you're following AWS best practices for cross-account access and data protection.

Remember that this hybrid model may require additional explanation to potential customers. Consider creating detailed documentation or guided demos to help customers understand the unique value proposition of your combined SaaS and deployable resource product.

Sources
Creating a SaaS product in AWS Marketplace - AWS Marketplace
Preparing your product for AWS Marketplace - AWS Marketplace
Creating an initial SaaS product page on AWS Marketplace - AWS Marketplace
Getting started with SaaS products on AWS Marketplace - AWS Marketplace