Membership levels

Q: What is required to achieve Advanced level membership as an ISV?

A: You need an approved customer experience that demonstrates your solution is installed at a customer site running on IBM hardware with IBM middleware. Your client will be contacted directly for verification.

Q: Where can I go for help in qualifying for Advanced level membership?

A: For assistance in qualifying for Advanced level membership, request support from a marketing resource manager. These dedicated marketing specialists for IBM Business Partners will guide you through the qualification process and direct you to the resources you need to become an IBM Advanced Business Partner.

Q: Why do you require both IBM hardware and IBM middleware in the installation?

A: ISVs play a critical role in influencing a customer's purchase decision on hardware and middleware. We require both hardware and middleware in the customer experience because it supports our strategy for open standards, and it rewards those ISVs who maximize their contribution to IBM.

Q: What are the benefits of becoming an IBM Advanced Business Partner?

A: There are many benefits for IBM Advanced Business Partners, including the use of the IBM Business Partner emblem. View PartnerWorld benefits on the benefits and resources page. Additional resources are available through the PartnerWorld Industry Networks.

Q: How can I become a Premier Business Partner as an ISV?

A: Premier status as an ISV remains by invitation only, delivering ISV specific benefits to those Business Partners who have contractual loyalty agreements with IBM. If you have a mixed business model, use the points table to determine if you qualify for Premier membership in PartnerWorld.

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Q: What is a customer experience?

A: A customer experience demonstrates that your solution including IBM hardware and IBM middleware is installed at a customer site. IBM or a representative of IBM will verify the customer experience.

Q: How will my customer be contacted for verification of the installation?

A: Your customer will be called by IBM, or a representative of IBM, for verification. Calls can be made in 52 languages and will be scheduled based on your customer's time zone. They will be asked to verify that the solution is installed in production and that they are satisfied with it.

Q: How long does the customer experience verification take?

A: The process typically takes about ten business days. The time can be longer if we have difficulty reaching your customer.

Q: How do I submit a customer experience to qualify for PartnerWorld Advanced level?

A: You submit your customer experience through the Global Solutions Directory. Select "Manage solutions", then select "Submit a customer experience". Once we complete the verification, we will notify the Primary Relationship Contact (PRC) and the submitter of approval or denial by e-mail.

Q: Can I submit two customer experiences, one on hardware and one on middleware to qualify for Advanced level?

A: No. Advanced level status requires a single customer experience on both IBM hardware and IBM middleware.

Q: What offerings should I take advantage of to help me develop a customer experience?

A: List your solution information in the Global Solutions Directory. Then pursue a technical validation for your product to earn the right to display specially designed IBM marks for your product and achieve enhanced visibility in the Global Solutions Directory. Also take advantage of benefits offered through the PartnerWorld Industry Networks to help you drive success.

Q: Is a customer experience the same thing as a client reference?

A: No. We do not publish the customer information for a customer experience. A client reference is an externally publishable reference showing that you have done some level of business with your customer using IBM products and promoting that success to IBM sales representatives and business partners.

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Q: How long will my approved customer experience qualify my company for Advanced level?

A: Your customer experience is valid for two years from the date on which you were approved. To maintain your Advanced status you must renew your standing by submitting a customer experience for a new and unique customer.

Q: Can I submit customer experiences throughout the year?

A: Yes, you can submit as many customer experiences as you would like throughout the year. Your Advanced level status is based on the date of your last approved customer experience.

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Q: Is the criteria for resellers, consultants and integrators also required for ISVs?

A: No. ISVs are not required to earn points based on certifications, revenue or customer satisfaction.

Q: Does the approved customer experience qualify me for points in the PartnerWorld point table?

A: Yes. You earn seven points for achieving Advanced level based on an ISV verified customer experience.

Q: Do multiple customer experiences earn additional points in the points table?

A: No. A single customer experience earns the seven points required for Advanced level. Additional points cannot be earned by submitting additional customer experiences.

Q: What if my company is an ISV as well as a reseller?

A: If your company has a mixed business model, you can earn additional points through other options in the PartnerWorld points table (revenue, certifications and customer satisfaction). All the points are applied to help you achieve the highest membership level possible in PartnerWorld.

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Q: Who can I contact for more information?

A: You can reach PartnerWorld Contact Services by either telephone or e-mail.

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