IBM to replace PartnerWorld with new Partner Plus programme

IBM is replacing its longstanding PartnerWorld programme with a new initiative called IBM Partner Plus. With this new program, the Big Blue aims to provide existing and new partners with simpler engagement to facilitate growth, it said.  

The new Partner Plus programme which the company said is “central to its hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy” offers unified tiers and benefits across various partner types, including resellers, hyperscalers, solution providers, ISVs and systems integrators. 

Partner Plus participants can progress to three tiers - Silver, Gold and Platinum - which unlock specialised financial, go-to-market support and education benefits. As partner businesses grow with IBM, they can unlock additional benefits designed to help them expand capabilities and find new clients, IBM said in a statement. 

Kate Woolley, general manager of IBM’s ecosystem, said that the company would begin phasing in the new program immediately. That said, the company’s existing partner program PartnerWorld, is transitioning to the IBM Partner Plus platform from 4 January 2023, with the new incentive programme taking effect on April 1.  

“IBM Partner Plus introduces a new way for IBM to deliver value to new and existing partners by helping them gain skills, grow faster and earn more,” said Woolley.  

For example, partners can grow their skills, develop solutions and build sales expertise with technologies like AI, security and cloud on an open hybrid cloud platform by leveraging technical experts from IBM. In addition, IBM will also assist partners in the development of minimal viable products, proofs of concept, and custom demos to help them win client business and accelerate growth, the statement said.  

“We’ve heard from partners that they want a simplified experience that helps them win with clients. I’m confident these changes and our continued investment in our ecosystem will make IBM the partner of choice across the industry, and together we can drive growth for partners, clients, and the organisation,” said Woolley.  

The company also said that registered PartnerWorld members will maintain their current tier through July 1, 2023 and can progress to the new tiering system during this time as they meet criteria. 

IBM's revenue reached $14.4 billion in the period ending September 30, 2022 as Big Blue grew its revenue by 6% from the $13.3 billion in revenue it posted one year ago. Further, growth was driven by its hybrid cloud revenue of $22.2 billion over the last 12 months, which is up 15% from 2021, the company said in its Q3 2022 earning report.