IBM updates partner charter

Big Blue outlines commitment to its channel with six-point charter

Committed: Palmisano sent letter to all business partners this week

IBM has reaffirmed its commitment to the channel by updating its Business Partner Charter for the first time in 15 years.

Every single channel partner was sent a letter this week signed by IBM chairman Sam Palmisano, which claimed that the IBM Business Partner Charter represents a “continuing commitment to our relationship – which is more important today than ever before.”

One initiative that is being heavily pushed by Big Blue this year is the concept of Smart Planet – the reasoning being the world is becoming smaller and flatter, but also smarter in terms of technology.

In his letter Palmisano said: “Through pervasive instrumentation and interconnection, almost anything – any person, any object, any process or any service for any organisation, can become digitally aware, networked and intelligent.

“Even in today’s difficult environment, businesses are willing to invest in IT solutions if they cut costs, drive efficiency and productivity, preserve capital and create competitive advantage. And that’s exactly what ‘smarter’ solutions do.”

The six pillars of the charter are:

1. IBM Business Partners are vital to IBM’s business.
2. Our relationship is a collaboration of equals.
3. We invest in IBM Business Partners’ success.
4. We strive to provide the industry’s best Business Partner experience, in all respects.
5. We work with our Business Partners to seize the opportunities presented by a smarter planet.
6. We ground our relationships in the core values of IBMers.

Palmisano’s letter concludes: “In this world undergoing such rapid and profound change, the IBM Business Partner Charter represents our commitment to what never changes about our relationship, while renewing it for a very different world. Together, I believe, we can shape a new era of leadership and growth.”

Speaking to CRN, Jacqui Davey, vice president of business partners IBM, UK and Ireland, backed up Palmisano’s claims.

“IBM’s commitment to the channel is certain and partners are very important to us. They have the relationship with the end user that we cannot touch, particularly in growth areas such as the mid-market,” she said.

“The Partner Charter will be really important to partners because it reaffirms to them that we as a vendor are not looking internally, but we are looking at opportunities together.”

CRN will be including a full write up of its interview with Jacqui on 6 April.