CRN Network

IBM will allocate additional resources to help its software partners generate new business opportunities and improve their profitability. As part of its Software Value Plus initiative, the company will pass on sales leads valued below $50,000 to authorized partners.

IBM will also provide certification and training on cloud computing architecture to partners. As part of the training, partners will have access to more than 130 industry training sessions online and in local markets worldwide.

The move follows results of a survey commissioned by IBM that showed global IBM partners expected to improve profitability through IBM Software Value Plus Program and by taking advantage of cloud computing.

"Business Partners are key to IBM's success in the marketplace, and we continue to invest in new resources that help ensure their success. With this new initiative, we are now providing our partners with the same training and resources we provide our IBM sales team,” said Anil Menon, Vice President, IBM Software Group Business Partners.

"Our partners are constantly looking for new ways to demonstrate business value to clients and differentiate themselves from the competition. IBM's strategy to boost access to sales, marketing and technical skills with initiatives like Software Value Plus can help partners meet client requirements in a better way and also improve their profit margins," said A Francis Albert, General Manager, Redington India, an IBM value-added distributor.

The IBM Software Value Plus program helps software partners build technical, marketing and sales skills on IBM's software portfolio and key growth opportunities such as business analytics, collaboration and industry transformation.