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Amazon Unveils “Buy with AWS” Button for Cloud Software Vendors

Amazon is expanding its cloud business by introducing a new feature called the “Buy with AWS” button, aimed at streamlining the purchasing process for cloud software vendors and their customers. This feature, announced at Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) Reinvent conference in Las Vegas, allows software vendors to embed a payment option on their websites that enables customers with AWS accounts to buy services directly, taking advantage of pre-agreed discounts.

AWS, the leading cloud provider, brings in over $100 billion in annual revenue, and many software vendors, including Databricks, Wiz, and Workday, host their products on AWS. Now, these vendors can simplify the transaction process, providing a more seamless buying experience for users who are already part of the AWS ecosystem.

Matt Yanchyshyn, AWS’ vice president of marketplace and partner services, emphasized that the new button is designed to increase both customer and partner loyalty, ultimately improving sales conversion rates. The integration is simple for software companies, with the only requirement being that they sell through the AWS Marketplace, where Amazon has recently reduced fees to 3% or lower in some cases.

On the consumer side, the introduction of the “Buy with AWS” button mirrors Amazon’s successful “Buy with Prime” program, which allows retailers to integrate Amazon’s fulfillment network into their own websites. However, the AWS button offers a key difference—there are no fees for software vendors to embed it on their sites. This arrangement results in more revenue for Amazon, as the purchases are tied to services running on AWS.

“Buy with Prime is a separate initiative, but we work closely with that team,” said Yanchyshyn, highlighting the distinction between the two programs. “Buy with AWS is focused on a different use case.”

For cloud software vendors like Databricks, the new feature promises to simplify the purchasing process and increase AWS usage. David Meyer, senior vice president of product management at Databricks, noted that “Buy with AWS” will likely lead to a higher share of revenue from AWS deployments, as it simplifies the buying process.

Workday, which provides finance and human resources software, plans to implement the button for its Adaptive Planning product, acquired in 2018. The company hopes that the button will expedite procurement and make it easier for customers to adopt their software through the AWS Marketplace.

“If this works well, we may expand its use to more products,” said Matthew Brandt, Workday’s senior vice president of global partners. He also mentioned that buyers who are familiar with AWS may be more inclined to choose Workday as a provider.

Industry analysts, such as Ed Anderson from Gartner, believe that the “Buy with AWS” button could prompt other cloud providers to introduce similar features for third-party websites, a move that could further simplify cloud software transactions and increase cloud providers’ market share.

 

Amazon Reportedly Developing Smart Eyeglasses for Drivers to Speed Up Deliveries

Amazon is reportedly working on a new technology aimed at streamlining the final leg of its delivery process. The company is developing smart eyeglasses designed to assist delivery drivers in navigating to, around, and within buildings. According to sources familiar with the project, the smart glasses would provide drivers with real-time, turn-by-turn navigation via a small embedded screen, offering directions along their route and at each delivery stop. This innovation could significantly improve the efficiency of deliveries, particularly in complex or congested environments.

The glasses are intended to guide drivers in ways that go beyond basic road navigation. They would offer specific instructions such as which way to turn off elevators or how to maneuver around obstacles like gates or even aggressive dogs. By providing more precise guidance in these situations, Amazon aims to reduce the time spent at each stop, potentially shaving off valuable seconds that add up over the course of a busy delivery route.

If successful, the smart eyeglasses could represent a major leap forward in delivery logistics, enhancing the speed and accuracy of Amazon’s already impressive delivery network. The project, still in development, could give drivers an edge by eliminating some of the uncertainty and inefficiency of navigating unfamiliar buildings and environments. This would be especially helpful in dense urban areas or large residential complexes, where finding a customer’s doorstep can be challenging.

Although the project remains under wraps and is not yet publicly announced, the sources suggest that Amazon’s focus is squarely on improving the last mile of delivery. As the e-commerce giant continues to explore innovative ways to reduce delivery times, this technology could become a critical component of its operations, potentially setting a new standard for efficiency in the logistics industry.

CCI Withdraws Flipkart Antitrust Report Following Xiaomi’s Objection

CCI Recalls Flipkart Antitrust Report Over Xiaomi Complaint
India’s Competition Commission of India (CCI) has retracted its investigation report on Walmart-owned Flipkart over alleged breaches of competition law. This marks the second instance of such a withdrawal by the antitrust regulator, following a similar action involving Apple in August. The move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the CCI in balancing transparency with confidentiality in its probes.

Xiaomi’s Objection Over Confidentiality Breach
The recall follows a complaint by Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi, which argued that the report contained sensitive commercial information that should have been redacted. In September, Reuters revealed that the report had found Flipkart, certain affiliated sellers, and smartphone makers in violation of competition laws. Xiaomi claimed the document exposed business secrets, prompting the CCI to reassess its handling of confidential material.

Recipients Ordered to Destroy Report Copies
As per an internal CCI document dated October 1, the regulator has instructed all recipients of the Flipkart antitrust report to destroy their copies and provide an undertaking confirming compliance. This directive aims to prevent further distribution of the sensitive information while safeguarding the integrity of future investigations.

Implications for Antitrust Oversight in India
The recall underscores the growing complexity of antitrust enforcement in India, especially in cases involving global tech giants and their local operations. While the CCI seeks to hold firms accountable for anti-competitive practices, the need to protect proprietary data remains a critical concern. As high-profile cases like this unfold, the regulator may face increasing pressure to refine its protocols for handling and sharing investigation reports.