Google Developer Program gains new features, but you’ll have to pay for them

Google introduces a $299 premium dev program with added benefits.

: Google has unveiled a $299-per-year premium tier for its Developer Program, including consultations and expanded training resources. This offering includes $500 in Google Cloud credits and a certification voucher. It's positioned uniquely compared to competitor offerings from AWS and Azure. Despite some regional usage restrictions, it aims to enhance developer support and follows Google's Cloud Innovators Plus.

Google has expanded its Developer Program by introducing a premium membership costing $299 annually. This new tier offers benefits such as one-on-one consultations with Google Cloud experts, access to Google Cloud Skills Boost, and $500 in Google Cloud credits. There's also an opportunity for bonus credits through Google Cloud certification.

Compared to its competitors, neither AWS nor Azure provides an individual developer plan quite like Google's premium offering. Microsoft does have paid options related to its Microsoft 365 Developer Program, which tend to cater more towards enterprises, while AWS focuses on technical rather than learning support.

In specific regions like the U.K., European Economic Area, and Switzerland, personal use is restricted for this premium membership. While some developers may be disappointed to see certain features behind a paywall, Google's cloud revenues, which grew 35% year-over-year to $11.35 billion in Q3 2024, suggest sustained support from developers willing to invest in these resources.