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If you’re a developer who loves using Google tools, here’s some exciting (and a little surprising) news: Google has introduced a premium membership for its popular Developer Program. While the original version remains free, this $299-per-year upgrade brings a host of exclusive benefits that could help you level up your development game.
What’s New with the Premium Tier?
The premium membership includes some fantastic extras like:
- 1-on-1 consultations with Google Cloud experts – Perfect for personalized advice.
- Free access to Google Cloud Skills Boost – A $299/year value that lets you explore on-demand training courses.
- $500 in Google Cloud credits – Use them to build and host your applications.
- Certification vouchers and bonus credits – Get rewarded for your achievements in Google Cloud certification.
All of this comes in addition to the resources you already enjoy in the free program, such as AI-powered documentation, coding tools, early product access, and workspaces in Google’s IDX platform.
Why Is It Different?
Google’s premium program stands out because it’s designed specifically for individual developers, unlike AWS and Azure programs, which are more business-oriented. It’s also a revamped version of Google’s previous Cloud Innovators Plus program, offering even more value at the same price.
Things to Know
- Developers in the EU, U.K., and Switzerland can only use the premium plan for professional or business purposes, not personal projects.
- Google says this new tier is just the beginning. Expect even more tools and resources to roll out in the coming months.
Why Does It Matters?
With millions of developers already in the free program, the premium tier shows Google’s commitment to supporting its community. Plus, with Google Cloud growing faster than competitors like AWS and Microsoft, the premium membership could help more developers tap into the booming cloud market.
