IBM in BPO restructure

Resellers to be given one point of contact for all of Big Blue's software brands

IBM will reorganise its Business Partner Organisation (BPO) to give resellers just one point of contact for all of the IBM software brands.

Jim Moffat, market manager software group at IBM, said: "We aim to reduce the number of people handling accounts. It will affect only partners selling more than one software brand, but all seem pleased we are trying to streamline the process."

Kevin Drew, managing director of IBM reseller Triangle, said: "It can get very complex with all of the different departments and brands, so this is a simplification of how channel partners deal with IBM."

However, some partners questioned whether this restructure would lead to any job cuts. One source at IBM confirmed that Big Blue will make cuts in the UK, although was unable to confirm any specific details.

However, CRN understands that the jobs will come from the IBM Software Group.

In a statement an IBM representative said: "IBM is rebalancing its workforce so we have the right skills in the place to meet customer needs."