Google rebuilt its partner program. Your marketing should follow.
In 2026 Google Cloud replaced Partner Advantage with the Partner Network: new tiers, competencies instead of specializations, and customer wins credited automatically. The mechanics are the ones I've worked for years on AWS: co-sell, marketplace, funding and tier reviews. I bring that playbook to Google Cloud, in English and in French.
New tiers, new rules, fewer published answers.
- Three tiers: Select, Premier and a new Diamond. Every customer win counts toward your tier and your competencies automatically.
- Competencies replace specializations, with an advanced level above them.
- Partners were told they would not automatically keep their old tier.
- Partner Marketing Studio adapts Google campaigns with Gemini. It gives you the assets, not the plan.
- In April 2026 Google set up a USD 750M fund for partners building and deploying AI agents.
- Google Cloud Marketplace now lets a partner run the deal through a reseller-led private offer, with the billing and the customer relationship on your side.
Same four steps, Google's rules.
Your Partner Network plan
Where your wins put you today, the competency worth chasing next, and the proof to get there.
You'll know it worked when your next tier is mapped to the deals that get you there.
Marketplace offers that sell
Your listing, your private offers and the campaign that sends buyers to them.
You'll know it worked when marketplace deals show up in your pipeline.
Co-sell with Google sellers
One message their team can repeat, a session that shows them when to call you, and every opportunity registered properly.
You'll know it worked when Google sellers bring you in.
AI agent launches
If you build agents, a launch plan, a listing and a first case study, ready before you ask for funding.
You'll know it worked when your launch has customers to show.
Events around Google Cloud Next
Meetings booked before you fly, follow-up within 48 hours. Next 2027 runs 13 to 15 April in Las Vegas.
Why a Canadian partner should care.
Google Cloud runs two regions in Canada, Montreal and Toronto, with options to keep data in Canada. That's a story for public sector, health and finance buyers, and in Quebec it has to be told in French.
Google's AI tools adapt campaigns. Quebec buyers still need French written for them.
Start with where you stand.
Two weeks to see your Google Cloud marketing the way Google sees it. You leave with your route, whether we work together or not.