IBM adds new verticals to PartnerWorld program

IBM added three new industry verticals to its worldwide Independent Software
Vendors (ISV) program called the PartnerWorld Industry Network (PWIN). This
initiative was launched in April 2004 as part of IBM's $1 billion investment
in ISV programs globally. 

Initially, PWIN was focused was on solutions specific to banking, financial
markets, healthcare and life sciences, retail and telecommunications industries.
Now it has added three new verticals i.e. automotive, insurance and government.

IBM plans to cover the entire gamut of identified industries with specific
solutions through its ISVs, by the end of 2005. These industry verticals are:
aerospace and defense, chemical and petroleum, consumer products, education,
electronics, energy and utilities, media and entertainment, travel and
transportation and wholesale and distribution.

"In India, 40 ISVs have already signed up under the PartnerWorld
program. With the additions of three new verticals, we are confident this number
will increase substantially," said Brett Hansen, ISV and Developer
Relations, IBM Corporation.

On the technology front, IBM's contribution is limited to providing
middleware to ISVs. However, as a part of PWIN, IBM assists them with its
industry-specific expertise, which includes business insight, enabling
blueprints, networking and collaboration opportunities, and marketing and sales
support, to build and sell industry solutions. "In many cases we help our
partners create opportunities, work with them and even close deals," added
Brett.

NELSON JOHNY