IBM Business Partners provide you with critical resources to design solutions and drive deployments. In February 2009, IBM Software Group announced to its Business Partners the next step in its channel strategy. This announcement was in response to requests from you, our valued clients. This strategy will provide you with more targeted IBM solutions, faster deployments, and reduced implementation risk.
In January 2010, this new strategy will go live after nearly a year of careful planning and preparations with our Business Partners. IBM will implement this strategy through a new model, IBM Software Value Plus, that covers the entire IBM Software Group portfolio.
IBM Software Group will organize its software portfolio of offerings into two categories:
- Open products can be acquired through all IBM Business Partners. Due to their rapid time-to-value and high degree of consumability, you will be able to purchase these solutions from any IBM Business Partner.
- Authorized products can only be acquired through those IBM Business Partners who have been authorized by IBM. Authorized IBM Business Partners will have demonstrated advanced skills through certifications and approved solutions.
For a listing of IBM Software offerings and categories, please consult the IBM Software Value Plus part classification
New Business Partner requirements will take affect January 25, 2010. Start date may vary slightly by country. There is no impact to any business partner transactions in 2009. After January 25, 2010 you will only be able to purchase Authorized products from authorized IBM Business Partners. These changes will apply to both new license sales, as well as to your annual Software Subscription and Support renewals.
Benefits for IBM Customers
- Authorization ensures that only highly qualified Business Partners represent designated IBM software to clients.
- Authorization will help ensure that you get the right solution, reduce the risk inherent in any deployment, and increase your return on investment.
Customers will continue to purchase IBM Software under the Passport Advantage program.
Resources
For more information
- Call your IBM Business Partner or your IBM Sales Representative.
- Send questions an e-mail to ibmswbp@us.ibm.com.
- On the IBM software portfolio, visit IBM Software.
- Business partners who wish more information may visit IBM Software Value Plus on the IBM PartnerWorld website.