It's a win-PWIN situation for IBM
Vendor looks to sign 1,000 ISVs to its latest partner scheme in quest for mid-market share
IBM is ramping up the number of ISV partners in its latest programme, aimed at building better partner links throughout the channel.
The PartnerWorld Industry Networks for ISVs (PWIN) programme, launched in March, is part of IBM's strategy to increase its share of the mid-market.
At the launch Big Blue said it was investing $1bn towards building up its three ISV programmes, including PWIN, hoping to give ISVs better visibility within its channel and customer base.
IBM is now setting up local teams and resources to recruit and manage 1,000 targeted ISVs.
Scott Hebner, IBM's ISV and developer relations vice-president of marketing and strategy, said: "ISVs are telling us they really want an open platform because their customers are looking to integrate their proprietary systems with no lock-in."
In exchange for using and embedding IBM technology, PWIN-certified ISVs will be put in touch with vertically focused VARs and offered sales and marketing opportunities by Big Blue.
Hebner said IBM has already signed up 330 ISVs to the programme. A third of the target 1,000 PWIN members will come from Europe, including 80 from the UK, he added.
Peter O'Neill, European vendor practice leader at analyst Meta, said the programme is a step in the right direction for IBM.
"There is a community of ISVs not considered large enough by Hewlett-Packard and other big vendors," he said.
"The proof will be in the pudding for IBM: will the ISVs in the (PWIN) programme still be there after six months? Many of these ISVs will have to make a technology decision between IBM and Microsoft .Net."