System i Vertical Industry Program Boosts Sales for IBM and Business Partners
Press Release Nov 08, 2007
IBM Increases Already Strong Presence in Small and Medium Business Market
ARMONK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Nov 8, 2007 -- IBM (NYSE:IBM - News) announced today that the System i Vertical Industry Program (VIP) has significantly increased the number of new clients choosing the System i business computing platform.
The VIP was introduced for the System i platform in January to grow a leadership position for both IBM and its Business Partners in sub-industries in which System i can provide a unique business advantage. The VIP has since dramatically outpaced projected success, launching over 160 sub-industries in more than 20 countries and exceeding financial targets.
The program builds a strong community of solution providers, resellers, and integrators focused on solving very specific customer needs through co-marketing activity, sales support and stronger connections among Business Partners. Clients benefit from competitively-priced solutions optimized to integrate with the System i for faster, easier implementation as well as specialized knowledge of their business requirements.
"The success of the Vertical Industry Program is predicated on IBM's understanding that small and medium businesses identify themselves in the context of their industry and therefore seek industry-specific expertise," said Marc Dupaquier, general manager of IBM Business Systems. "The VIP is now the backbone of our sales and Business Partner strategy for the new Business Systems division and will move existing and future IBM technology to small and medium businesses with the help of Business Partners."
ISV Partner Success
IBS was one of the first partners to join the VIP and has since seen its System i sales grow markedly. One of the sub-industries IBS specializes in is book publishing in the Western US and, working through the VIP, IBS recently won new client Oregon Catholic Press, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon.
Oregon Catholic Press is adopting an integrated System i solution called IBS Bookmaster, which is specifically designed for the book distribution and publishing industry. The company plans to use the new system for sales order, inventory, warehouse and royalty management as well as editorial production and a fully integrated financial system. Oregon Catholic Press expects the total solution will create process improvements while reducing costs and improving customer service.
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About IBM
For more about IBM, visit www.ibm.com. For more about System i, visit www.ibm.com/systemi and www.iSociety.org.
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All statements regarding IBM future directions and intent are subject to charge or withdrawal without notice and represent goals and objectives only.
About International Business Systems
IBS is a leading provider of business software and consulting services for Wholesale Distributors and Manufacturers worldwide. Customers rely on IBS' suite of software applications to automate demand-driven, supply-chain processes and gain a competitive advantage through improved operational efficiencies. IBS is an IBM Global Strategic Alliance Partner. Corporate revenues exceed $300 Million, and a network of almost 2,000 employees that span over 40 countries. IBS headquarters in the Americas is located in Folsom, California.
For further information, please contact:
Dan J. Wells
Vice-President of Marketing, IBS Americas
Tel: 1 (800) 886-3900
dan.wells@ibsus.com
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