IBM has enhanced its PartnerWorld Program to improve partner growth in areas including cloud, cognitive behaviour and security.
To do this, the company will introduce new competencies to ensure partners are future-ready. Some of the highlighted areas include information, risk and protection, cloud video, high speed transfer and continuous engineering as part of its Watson Internet of Things (IoT) strand.
Another new competency, in IBM Global Financing, will help partners build up a customer base in financial services, which can be used to differentiate themselves from other partners offering IBM's products and services.
“As digital and cloud solutions continue to transform industries, the time is now for our partners to deliver cognitive solutions with deep vertical expertise built on the IBM Cloud platform and made available in an omni-channel environment,” said Marc Dupaquier, general manager of IBM Global Business Partners.
“We’ve expanded and redesigned the PartnerWorld programme to guide business partners of all types and models in developing capabilities aligned to our cognitive solutions and cloud platform strategy to deliver high client value.”
IBM's updated PartnerWorld Program will also have four new strategic initiatives launching now and in Q2, and these will be reflected in changes to the programme's architecture.
The first part of this is a new embedded solutions agreement, letting partners integrate their own services and value-added services alongside IBM products.
IBM has also introduced a Ready for IBM Cloud validation for ISVs, encouraging them to build their cloud services as part of the company's drive to boost cloud offerings using Bluemix.
Later in the year, IBM will further enhance its PartnerWorld Program with IBM Express Start, designed to make it easier for new business partners to resell IBM's entry-level products. From April, all partners will be able to take advantage of better software incentives with higher rewards and better support to boost sales.
-
Cisco names Oliver Tuszik as global sales chiefNews Cisco has announced the appointment of Oliver Tuszik as its new executive vice president of global sales, who replaces Gary Steele.
-
Katun targets accelerated growth, greater collaboration with new partner portalNews Printing and imaging specialist Katun has announced the launch of its new Katalyst Partner Portal, designed specifically to drive channel collaboration.
-
‘Here in the European market, I think we are in a good position’: DocuWare CEO Dr Michael Berger on the company’s rapid growthNews ChannelPro sat down with DocuWare CEO Michael Berger to discuss the company's rapid growth and channel strategy.
-
Group-IB launches partner program as channel-first strategy kicks off in EuropeNews The vendor said the initiative reflects its commitment to building a resilient cyber security ecosystem across Europe
-
Datatonic eyes fresh growth drive with new CEO appointmentNews Datatonic has announced the appointment of Scott Eivers as its new CEO as the enterprise data and AI solutions provider looks to its next phase of growth.
-
Marketing talent brain drain could stunt channel partner successNews Valuable partner marketing skills are at risk of being lost as the structure of channel marketing teams continues to shift, according to new research.
-
LevelBlue launches new partner program that’s “built for the future”News The new partner initiative features a flexible, consumption-based model to help partners drive revenue
-
SonicWall pins ‘transformational year’ on strong partner growthNews The vendor’s channel-first strategy has fueled a 42% year-over-year increase in overall partner growth
