IBM restructures ISV business partner programs

IBM has announced PartnerWorld Industry Networks for ISVs (PWIN), a realignment of programs for independent software vendors (ISVs) to more effectively deliver solutions industry-by-industry, mirroring how customers buy technology today.

As part of IBM's $1 billion investment in ISV programs, globally, these new Web-based communities are designed to deliver industry-specific solutions by providing ISVs with expanded market opportunities within IBM's on demand strategy. Which will initially cover six industries: banking, financial markets, healthcare, life sciences, retail and telecommunications.

As part of the vertical strategy shift, IBM unveiled new middleware software designed to help customers in the financial, healthcare, life sciences and retail industries integrate, manage and automate the business processes that are unique to their industry.

IBM is also launching a major new initiative - PWIN - and an extension with deeper benefits, ISV Advantage for industries. While existing programs are being realigned to a vertical industry focus, according to the company, PWIN provides ISVs with a single source (one-stop-shopping) of benefits, enabling them to improve business process performance and develop open, industry specific solutions over multiple platforms.

IBM also announced new enablement offerings designed to help business partners of all types develop, sell and implement industry-specific on demand solutions for SMBs. ISVs represent a primary delivery channel for IBM's worldwide shift to vertical industry sales and solutions. Business Partner initiatives are being realigned and established for thousands of ISVs across PartnerWorld for developer community to drive on demand adoption industry-by-industry.

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