ISVs receive a Big Blue boost
IBM to invest $125m in iSeries developers
IBM will invest $125m in ISVs that develop around its iSeries platform as part of an expansion of funding to all of its 2,500 platform application developers.
Previously, the funding was available only for 250 ISVs, but Big Blue said all ISVs will now receive an average of $50,000 in incremental services, such as investment in global innovation centres and extension of iSeries developer roadmap and co-marketing agreements.
The funding forms the investment arm of IBM's new Charter for iSeries Innovation programme, which provides guidance and development for all ISVs working on iSeries applications.
Nigel Adams, iSeries product manager at IBM, said the investment will fuel ISVs' application development and sales through the channel.
"This solidifies our commitment to ISVs and their ability to develop applications for the platform. Our aim is to boost iSeries development and the applications that integrate with it," he said.
The Charter is split into five sectors: application innovation, tools innovation, iSeries innovation, new co-marketing opportunities and expanded access to PartnerWorld industry networks.
"Our ISVs will now have access to more resources, skills, greater numbers of development tools and access to our technical experts at the iSeries development centre in Minnesota," Adams said.
Paddy Lawton, managing director of ISV Digital Union, said the investment is a welcome boost. "This is excellent news and will help a lot. Spending more on the ISVs developing applications for the iSeries will help IBM boost its sales," he said.
Kevin Drew, managing director of Triangle, said it is good news for both resellers and ISVs.
"Two months ago, I told IBM it needed to get back to its heritage and invest more in its iSeries ISVs to enable them to develop more unique solutions for the market.
"This will lead to more development of applications that link into the iSeries platform and will provide a welcome boost for us," he said.