Posted On: Aug 1, 2016
Amazon Connect Technology Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd. (“Amazon”) and Beijing Sinnet Technology Co. Ltd. (“Sinnet”) are announcing a broader operating relationship. This new partnership is specifically designed for the Beijing Region and represents a further example of Amazon Web Services commitment to making our best-in-class cloud service available to customers wishing to run workloads from datacenters in China. Beginning 1 August, Amazon Web Services Cloud services in the Beijing Region will be operated and provided by Sinnet. Amazon Web Services will continue to provide technology, guidance, and expertise to Sinnet. Please note that there will be no price changes as part of this transition, nor will there be changes to the Amazon Web Services Cloud services experience. Additionally, customers of the Amazon Web Services Beijing region can expect a simplified billing process.
Questions and Answers
1. Q: Why is Amazon Web Services broadening the operating relationship with Sinnet?
A: Chinese telecom regulations for operators of cloud services continue to evolve. By partnering with Sinnet, Amazon Web Services is able to make its Beijing Region cloud services available to customers in a way that complies with these regulations, while still offering the same best-in-class standards offered in other Amazon Web Services Regions. At the same time, we are simplifying elements of our billing and fapiao processes.
2. Q: Is this model compliant with applicable telecom regulations?
A: Yes, the new operating model is compliant with all current applicable telecom regulations.
3. Q: What is the operating relationship with Sinnet?
A: Beginning 1 August, Amazon Web Services Cloud services from the Beijing Region will be operated and provided by Sinnet, with Amazon Web Services continuing to provide technology, guidance, and expertise to Sinnet. This new operating model will apply to all existing customers and new customers running in the Beijing Region. Under the new operating model, Sinnet will enter into the customer agreement with customers, issue bills and fapiaos, and receive payment for Amazon Web Services services.
4. Q: Sinnet was already an important partner of Amazon Web Services in China. How is this new model different from the earlier one?
A: In the earlier model, Sinnet was Amazon Web Services IDC partner in Beijing, which meant that they provided Amazon Web Services customers IDC services, as well as billed for those services. Amazon Web Services provided and billed for IT and software services. In the new model, Sinnet will provide and bill for both IDC and Amazon Web Services IT and software services. Additionally, Sinnet will enter into customer agreements with users of the Beijing Region and offer customer support via the Amazon Web Services console and other channels.
5. Q: Will service prices be changing as a result of this adjustment to the operating model?
A: No, there will be no service pricing adjustments as a result of this change.
6. Q: How will customer’s bills change and when will that change occur?
A: Beginning with the August billing cycle (which customers will see in September), customers will no longer see the billing lines “Sinnet Services – IDC” and “Sinnet Services – ISP” and related VAT for each itemized service charge. Instead, customers will see two lines per itemized service charge, one from Sinnet for the service charge and another for the VAT. Customers will also see a new logo on the bill (“Amazon Web Services operated by Sinnet”) and references to “Amazon Web Services” replaced by “Sinnet.” There will also be new payment remittance instructions, reflecting a new PayEase bank account.
7. Q: How many fapiaos will customers receive, and who issues them?
A: Under the new operating model, customers will receive only one fapiao, issued by Sinnet.
8. Q: Will my customer agreement change, as a result of this adjustment to the operating model?
A: Sinnet will be the counterparty to all customer agreements as of 1 August, 2016, and not Amazon Web Services. The customer agreement will also be modified to reflect recent regulatory developments. However, the terms and conditions of the agreement will otherwise be substantially similar.