Palmisano urges Channel Partners to embrace Smarter Planet

Under Sam Palmisano’s thumb, IBM executives are being told to urge channel partners to embrace the new IBM Smarter Planet program, which was introduced last year in an attempt to deliver value to customers while integrating the physical and digital worlds together.

“Smarter Planet is an overall strategy that encompasses hardware, software and services that deliver solutions,” Bruce Maule, worldwide director of business partner programs at IBM stated. “Even in these difficult times, we want partners to know there are still opportunities for us and Smarter Planet plays a big role in helping to achieve productivity gains.”

Partners who become certified in the Dynamic Infrastructure Specialty Program which is part of the initiatives can qualify for up to $100,000 in funds for the development of their business.

“Smarter Planet will enable (partners) to engage clients of all sizes in higher-value discussions by focusing on the entire enterprise (so they can) act as a true consultant,” said Samuel Palmisano .