AT&T is adding support for more than 100 cloud software and service providers hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). The service is part of the carrier’s NetBond for Cloud platform and builds on the AWS Direct Connect Bundle.

AT&T said its NetBond for Cloud product allows users to bypass the public Internet to connect to cloud platforms using a secured connection via AWS Direct Connect. The latest update provides service access to more companies.

In return, AWS software providers are able to join the AT&T provider program. This allows the software providers to add the AT&T platform as a connectivity option when used with the new bundle.

Other AWS Direct Connect connectivity partners include CenturyLink, BT, Comcast, Level 3, XO Communications, and Verizon.

AT&T and AWS last year signed a long-term agreement for delivery of integrated offerings on the AWS cloud and the AT&T network. The deal included cloud networking, Internet of Things (IoT), security, and analytics, with a focus on implementing new strategies.

As part of that past agreement’s security angle, AT&T and AWS today also bolstered their combined offering.

The enhancements include the ability to increase encryption levels before data is sent over the public Internet to the cloud. AT&T is also offering an integrated product combining its virtual private network (VPN) and NetBond for Cloud platforms for securing connectivity to the AWS cloud.

The update also includes availability of a cloud access security broker (CASB) to spread compliance and data security policies across cloud services. CASB’s have been highlighted by Gartner as a “required technology” for any enterprise using multiple cloud services. The firm predicts large enterprises using CASBs to grow from less than 5 percent in 2016, to 85 percent by 2020.