Tips to maximize your exposure in the Global Solutions Directory
Use these tips to give your products the best possible exposure through the Global Solutions Directory.
Complete all fields on the submission form
Although some fields are optional, answer as many questions as possible to improve your opportunities to appear in customer searches. Providing more information also makes your entries more attractive to target customers. IBM may display the information you provide, in part or whole, on other Web sites. Depending on the context, some of the fields may be displayed together while others are displayed alone. Optional fields may become required as your relationship with IBM matures and additional programmatic offerings become available to you. Submissions should be complete, easy to read, and within the character count limitations.
Once you submit your solution, the Global Solutions Directory approval team checks your entry for spelling, grammar, appropriate content, functional links, graphics, font size, color, and style. If your solution needs attention, the team will send you a notice containing a list of suggestions to enhance your particular entry. You can edit and resubmit your entry.
Keep your contact information current
The Global Solution Directory delivers customer requests for information on your product by e-mail and provides customers with a direct link from IBM to your Web site. The Global Solutions Directory is available worldwide to IBM customers, resellers, system integrators, and the IBM sales force as the ultimate resource for technology solutions. If your contact information is not current, you may miss sales opportunities.
Refresh your solution at least annually
To keep solution entries as up to date as possible, the Global Solutions Directory has a solution aging process. Solutions that have not been updated in 12 months will be removed from public view until updated. Once a solution has been removed due to the aging process, the solution can be updated from the Outdated solutions heading on the Manage solutions page.
Include your company logo in your entries
Adding your company's logo into the Global Solutions Directory can help your solution stand out while enhancing your own brand image.
Nominate your solution for an IBM technical validation
Validating successful integrations of your products with IBM products through PartnerWorld differentiates your product in the growing on demand market. Earning an IBM technical validation demonstrates compatibility and interoperability while offering you the opportunity to use one or more IBM Marks in your own marketing. After submitting your solution in the Global Solutions Directory, return to the Manage solutions page, select Validations, and follow the steps to apply.
Effectively use IBM Marks in your solution marketing
The greatest value of earning a technical validation is to differentiate your product. Once your company becomes eligible, make sure you take advantage of using these IBM Marks in as many approved capacities as possible (as detailed in the usage guidelines provided in conjunction with your respective validation).
Work with other IBM Business Partners
Looking for ways for other IBM Business Partners to find, engage and collaborate with you? Business Partner Connections is the answer. Complete the Business Partner Connections registration form, and get started. Once your solution submission has been entered and approved in the Global Solutions Directory (new listings may take up to 48 hours to be approved and published), return to the Manage solutions page, select Partnering, and complete the Business Partner Connections registration form.
Apply for PartnerWorld Advanced level
Have you sold and installed your solution at a customer's site where it is running on IBM hardware with IBM middleware? If so, you may qualify as an IBM Advanced Business Partner and be able to use the IBM Business Partner emblem. In addition, Advanced Business Partners have an even richer set of benefits available to them.
To apply, simply submit your customer experience on-line by clicking "Apply" on the Apply for PartnerWorld Advanced level section in the Global Solutions Directory. Complete the required information, including your customer's information and the IBM hardware and software used in the installation. The verification typically takes 5-10 business days.
Note that by submitting your customer's name, you represent and warrant that you have the customer's approval for IBM and others to contact them.
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Global Solutions Directory tutorial
Learn more about the Global Solutions Directory through this interactive tutorial.
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