A compilation of frequently asked questions from the community about the NET+ AWS program to help provide with a seamless user experience.


1. Basics

Q: What is the NET+ AWS program?

A: The NET+ AWS program features both a contract and a community. The program began in 2015 with a partnership with the reseller DLT (now TD Synnex Public Sector). In 2024 a second contract option with Four Points Technology was added. In addition to enjoying the benefits of their respective contract, subscribers are welcomed into an active community of peers from the research and education community who meet regularly to share challenges and best practices, becoming an AWS force multiplier for all who participate.

Q: We are currently subscribed to the NET+ AWS contract through TD Synnex. With the introduction of the contract with Four Points, is our contract ending? Do we need to move?

A: No, the Four Points contract is merely a second option for eligible institutions. There are many benefits common to both contracts. Quite naturally there are also unique benefits to each. Internet2 has compiled both contractual and operational comparisons. They are available by request from netplus@internet2.edu. 

Q: Can we freely switch back and forth between resellers?

A: Switching contracts and resellers is a time-consuming and disruptive process. It requires the review and approval of a new contract as well as the technical and administrative process of transferring all of your AWS accounts, including your master payer from the control of one reseller to the other. We recommend careful consideration of the benefits of a move between contracts/resellers before making the leap.

Q: When does my NET+ AWS contract end? 

A: Contract term is set by the institution when they sign the contract. Unless a termination date is specified the contract auto-renews. Please work with your procurement and legal counsel to confirm your term meets the needs of the institution.

Q: What do I go to the reseller for and what do I go to Internet2 for?

A: 

  • You go to your reseller, Four Points or DLT, for questions concerning the contract, billing, when you have requests for a new or additional master payer account, for technical support, to request NIH STRIDES accounts, etc.
  • Internet2 manages the NET+ program as a whole, including all of the community activities designed to help you understand, build and accelerate your usage of AWS. Internet2 can also help escalate issues you are having with your program reseller or AWS.
  • And don't forget Amazon. You will have an account manager and solutions architect who can help you understand and explore AWS. They are invaluable resources and we encourage you to engage them. If you don't know who your AWS team is, please contact Bob Flynn (bflynn@internet2.edu) for help identifying them.

Q: What resources are available to help us get started with AWS?

A: 

  • Your AWS account team is an invaluable resource and we encourage you to engage them. If you don't know who your AWS team is, please contact Bob Flynn bflynn@internet2.edu for help identifying them.
  • The NET+ AWS Service Advisory Board is composed of peer schools, experienced with AWS. They are here to serve the interests of the research and education community of AWS users. They can be reached at netplus-aws-campus-advisory@internet2.edu.
  • The NET+ AWS program manager, Bob Flynn bflynn@internet2.edu, can help you identify resources, connect you with peer mentors and with others in the community who have relevant experience for what you are trying to achieve.
  • Internet2's Cloud Learning and Skills Sessions (CLASS) program provides a variety of training opportunities and resources to help users at any stage of cloud use. CLASS training often comes at a discount to NET+ subscribers.

2. The NIH STRIDES Initiative

Q: What is the NIH STRIDES Initiative?

A: The NIH STRIDES Initiative is a program to help NIH-funded researchers accelerate biomedical research by reducing barriers to utilizing commercial cloud services.

The NET+ AWS STRIDES program makes it possible for NIH-funded researchers at subscribing institutions to gain full access to the benefits of the program within their institution’s existing AWS enterprise organizational contract and management framework.

Q: Is STRIDES a credit or discount program?

A: The STRIDES program gives cost discounts, enhanced support, training, and a host of other benefits to researchers with NIH grants and contracts. It does not provide computing credits.

Q: What are the benefits of the NIH STRIDES Initiative on AWS?

A: The NIH STRIDES initiative offers the following benefits:

  • Cost discounts and egress fee waivers
  • Premium-level Enterprise Support
  • Training and education programs
  • Professional services & support
  • Cybersecurity and data protection assistance
  • Cloud playbooks and interaction with other NIH programs

Q: What training is available for STRIDES account holders and how does one sign up for it?

A: For training options and registration, please see https://cloud.nih.gov/training/ and/or contact STRIDESTraining@nih.gov

Q: Who is eligible to apply for a STRIDES account?

A: Anyone with current NIH funding may apply to make that funding go further in AWS and reap additional benefits by applying for a STRIDES account through the NET+ AWS program.

Q: How do I apply for a STRIDES account?

A: STRIDES accounts are available through both NET+ AWS resellers, though request process and discounts differ. Please contact your reseller for details.

Q: Can I run other research workloads in my STRIDES account?

A: Only workloads related to the NIH-funded grant used to set up the STRIDES account may be run in that STRIDES-authorized AWS account. Unless otherwise expressly permitted by AWS, other workloads will need to be run from a separate AWS account.

Q: Can a researcher with an existing NIH grant take advantage of STRIDES, or is this only for new proposals?

A: Any NIH funding, for any NIH award type, is eligible for the benefits of the STRIDES Initiative.

Projects for which NIH is billed directly have slightly different rules. Please reach out to netplus@internet2.edu for assistance in getting answers to questions related to such accounts.

Q: What about Google? Can institutions use the NET+ contract for STRIDES there?

A: Yes, contact netplus@internet2.edu for information about the NET+ GCP program and STRIDES on GCP.


3. Implementation

Q: What are the ways to create new AWS accounts and the implications of each approach?

A: To determine the best approach for your institution and its long-term AWS strategy, please consult with the Solutions Architect on your AWS account team, but here are some options:

  • Set up AWS Landing Zones or Control Tower to automate the generation of accounts with your institution's prescribed configurations and security controls.
  • Create accounts manually with your organizational admin or management account.
  • Engage your AWS account team or your support provider for assistance in determining the proper approach for your needs.

Q: What are the best practices for automating account creation in my AWS Organization?

A: A Case Study from University of Virginia - AWS Control Tower Adoption Strategies

4. Support

Q: What are my support options under the NET+ AWS contract?

A: Your support options depend on what your reseller makes available through your contract. NET+ AWS with Four Points offers direct support through AWS. NET+ AWS with TD Synnex offers partner-led support through their Operations Center.

Where can I find links to additional support documentation?

A: For additional reference materials based on your contract, please visit,



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