IBM expands partner program

IBM Corp. has launched a program to recognize and reward business partners for expanding their skills, services and solutions, company officials said.

The program will include new sales, marketing and technical resources through IBM's PartnerWorld Industry Network. The Armonk, N.Y., company is starting the program in its public-sector business.

Companies in the program will have a single access point to IBM technical, marketing and sales resources. The network provides support in identifying market opportunities, technical-enablement assistance, networking and collaboration, and co-marketing and sales services.

New benefits under the effort include higher financial incentives to make it more profitable to sell with IBM in the public sector. IBM also has enhanced industry-specific sales and marketing support, including marketing consulting services and access to IBM sales representative to help close qualified leads.

The expanded Partner World Industry Networks program will reward public sector partners who build applications and provide integration services for IBM middleware and eServers, company officials said.

IBM is ranked No. 14 on Washington Technology's 2005 Top 100 list of the largest government contractors.