Q: What are the benefits of joining IBM PartnerWorld?
A: IBM PartnerWorld is a comprehensive marketing and enablement program providing a vast array of benefits for all IBM Business Partners.
Most of these benefits are available at no charge just for joining PartnerWorld.
Optionally, you can purchase additional benefits: the IBM Value Package, IBM Software Access Option and the IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development.
Q: Once I join PartnerWorld, can I purchase additional benefits?
A: Yes, once you become an active member of PartnerWorld you are eligible to purchase the IBM Value Package, the IBM Software Access Option, and the IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development.
Q: What is the IBM Value Package?
A: The IBM Value Package is a comprehensive set of benefits that can be purchased for one set price.
The Value Package includes IBM software licenses for demonstration and evaluation, development and testing, internal training and Run Your Business use as specified in the PartnerWorld Software Usage Attachment (PWSWUA); education reimbursement; and pre-sales/pre-deployment technical support.
As you move up the PartnerWorld levels from Member to Advanced and Premier, your benefits will also increase at no additional cost.
You may purchase this benefit regardless of membership level.
Q: What is the IBM Software Access Option?
A: The Software Access Option provides IBM software licenses for demonstration and evaluation, development and testing, internal training and Run Your Business use as specified in the PartnerWorld Software Usage Attachment (PWSWUA).
With the Software Access Option you can download software at no additional charge and, in most countries, purchase discounted CD media versions of IBM software.
You may purchase this benefit regardless of membership level.
Q: What is the IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development?
A: The IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development provides comprehensive, cross-platform developer assistance for IBM middleware products and for IBM System i, System p, and System z operating systems and technologies.
You can purchase a four incident e-mail option, unlimited incident e-mail option, or unlimited incident e-mail and voice option.
You may purchase this benefit regardless of membership level.
Q: Are these purchased benefits available in all geographies?
A: Yes; however, there will be some geographic variations.
Not all offerings are available in all countries and there may be differences in delivery and pricing of some offerings.
Q: Do I need to purchase one of these benefits in order to be considered an IBM Business Partner?
A: No, you gain IBM Business Partner status by signing the PartnerWorld Agreement.
However, Business Partner status is a prerequisite to purchase one of these benefits
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Q: What is the IBM Value Package?
A: The IBM Value Package is a comprehensive set of benefits that can be purchased by Business Partners at all membership levels for one set price.
The Value Package includes IBM software licenses for demonstration and evaluation, development and testing, internal training and Run Your Business use by way of the Software Access Catalog; education reimbursement; and pre-sales/pre-deployment technical support.
It is highly recommended that you consider purchasing the IBM Value Package in order to help develop skills and gain access to enhanced benefit offerings.
As you move up the PartnerWorld levels from Member to Advanced and Premier, your benefits will also increase at no additional cost.
Q: Can the technical support benefit in the Value Package be used to support my end user customer or the Run Your Business software benefit?
A: No, the technical support benefit in the Value Package can be used for pre-sales/pre-production purposes only.
Q: What is the "We Pay" benefit?
A: The "We Pay" benefit offered through the Value Package provides tuition reimbursement to help offset the costs of acquiring IBM skills.
Through the "You Pass, We Pay" benefit, IBM will reimburse you for courseware training and the test fee when a you earn a certification.
The "You Test, We Pay" benefit will reimburse you for the cost of taking the test when you earn a certification.
The list of certifications and tests included in the We Pay benefit is updated on a quarterly basis.
Q: How do I renew the Value Package?
A: Thirty days before the Value Package benefit is due to expire you will receive an e-mail with instructions for renewing.
It is important that you renew the benefit prior to expiration in order to continue receiving the benefits offered through the Value Package.
Q: How do I decide whether to purchase the IBM Value Package or the IBM Software Access Option?
A: If you are looking for education reimbursement and pre-sales/pre-deployment technical support in addition to IBM software licenses for demonstration and evaluation, development and testing, internal training and Run Your Business use, the IBM Value Package will best meet your needs.
However, if you are interested in access to IBM software licenses only, you may prefer to purchase the Software Access Option.
Q: How can I find out more about the Software Access Catalog?
A: Read the FAQ for the Software Access Catalog.
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Q: What is the IBM Software Access Option?
A: The Software Access Option provides IBM software licenses for demonstration and evaluation, development and testing, internal training and Run Your Business use by way of the Software Access Catalog.
With the Software Access Option you can download software at no additional charge and, in most countries, purchase discounted CD media versions of IBM software.
This offer is for Business Partners who only need access to IBM software, and not the full array of technical benefits available through purchase of the IBM Value Package.
Q: How can I find out more about the Software Access Catalog?
A: Read the FAQ for the Software Access Catalog.
Q: How do I renew the Software Access Option?
A: Thirty days before the Software Access Option benefit is due to expire you will receive an e-mail with instructions for renewing.
It is important that you renew the benefit prior to expiration in order to continue accessing IBM software.
Q: How do I decide whether to purchase the IBM Value Package or the IBM Software Access Option?
A: If you are looking for education reimbursement and pre-sales/pre-deployment technical support in addition to IBM software licenses for demonstration and evaluation, development and testing, internal training and Run Your Business use, the IBM Value Package will best meet your needs.
However, if you are interested in access to IBM software licenses only, you may prefer to purchase the Software Access Option.
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Q: What is the IBM Software Access Catalog?
A: Access to the IBM Software Access Catalog is a benefit of the IBM Value Package and IBM Software Access Option.
It allows you to download IBM software at no additional charge, or to purchase discounted CD media versions of IBM software (purchase is not available in all countries).
Q: How do I gain access to the Software Access Catalog to order or download software?
A: Access to the Software Access Catalog is a benefit of the IBM Value Package and IBM Software Access Option.
You must meet these conditions to take advantage of the Software Access Catalog:
- You must purchase the IBM Value Package or IBM Software Access Option.
- You must agree to the specific terms and conditions after purchasing the benefit.
Additionally each user who accesses software must agree to the terms and conditions found on the Software Access
Catalog, including the International Program License Agreement.
These terms and conditions are subject to change at the discretion of the IBM Corporation.
- Your company's Authorized Profile Administrator (APA) must accept the PartnerWorld Software Usage Attachment (PWSWUA), either electronically or in hard copy signature form.
Q: How can I decide whether to purchase the IBM Value Package or the IBM Software Access Option for gaining access to the Software Access Catalog?
A: If you are looking for education reimbursement and pre-sales/pre-deployment technical support in addition to IBM software licenses for demonstration and evaluation, development and testing, internal training and Run Your Business use, the IBM Value Package will best meet your needs.
However, if you are interested in access to IBM software licenses only, you may prefer to purchase the lower priced Software Access Option.
Q: Do I have to pay for the software I order through the IBM Software Access Catalog
even though I paid for the IBM Value Package or IBM Software Access Option?
A: With either the IBM Value Package or the Software Access Option you will be able to download software from the IBM Software Access Catalog at no additional charge.
CD media can be purchased at discounted prices.
Q: Are the software products available through the IBM Software Access Catalog
fully licensed in the geography in which they are available?
A: Yes, they are fully licensed with no time limitation; however, the software product usage is specifically limited
to evaluation, demonstration, education, development, testing, or limited internal usage (some selected products) purposes.
This is specified in the PartnerWorld Software Usage Attachment (PWSWUA) or the PartnerWorld Value Package Attachment.
Rational software products can only be used for demonstration and evaluation purposes, and not for development or
testing purposes.
Q: How can I access IBM software that I can use to prototype a product design without a major investment?
A: When you purchase the IBM Value Package or IBM Software Access Option you will be given access to the IBM Software Access Catalog.
This catalog allows you to download software that will meet your needs at no additional charge or to order the software on CDs at a discounted price.
Q: Are all of the employees in my country enterprise able to access software?
A: All employees associated with your country enterprise will be able to access the software provided they have entered their IBM ID into their PartnerWorld profile.
Q: Can we download or order multiple copies of a software product from the Software Access Catalog for evaluation by several team members?
A: The Software Access Catalog allows each member to purchase or download one copy (license) of each of the listed products.
However, the Authorized Profile Administrator is entitled to make and distribute a limited number of copies for active
PartnerWorld members within the same company enterprise.
The Authorized Profile Administrator will maintain a record of the number of copies made and a list of all users who obtained a copy of the products.
Q: Is technical support available for the software downloaded or ordered from the IBM Software Access Catalog?
A: If you purchased an IBM Value Package, then presales/predeployment technical support is included as part of the software you download or order from the Software Access Catalog.
If you purchased the IBM Software Access Catalog no technical support is included.
However, you can separately purchase the IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development.
There is no support included for the Run Your Business software.
Q: Can I request a refund on software that I order on CDs from the IBM Software Access Catalog if I order the wrong product?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances, you may request a refund.
You should refer specific refund questions to
PartnerWorld Contact Services.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of the invoice for my purchase of software on CDs from the IBM Software Access Catalog?
A: Once your order is submitted for CD purchases from the IBM Software Access Catalog, an e-mail confirmation which contains an order confirmation (excluding tax amount) will be generated.
You can also print the review and submit page (step 3 of 3) and the final order confirmation page for use as an invoice of your order.
You should refer specific questions regarding invoices to PartnerWorld Contact Services.
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Q: What are the IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development?
A: The IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development provides the most comprehensive, cross-platform coverage for your IBM Systems and middleware development projects.
You may choose from three offerings to best meet your needs:
- Four e-mail incidents
- Unlimited e-mail
- Unlimited e-mail and voice
Q: Is technical support provided in languages other than English?
A: Currently, e-mail and voice support is available in both English and Spanish.
Q: Can the US technical support staff provide support for other language versions of IBM
middleware?
A: Yes, the support staff will work with the appropriate IBM technical experts in their attempt to resolve your problem.
You may be directed to contact your local country support if the problem is determined to be a defect.
Q: Does the IBM Systems and middleware technical support option provide support for software products not specifically listed?
A: All the products associated with a listed technology area are generally supported, but may not be listed specifically.
Questions about specific product support should be directed to
PartnerWorld Contact Services.
Q: How does the IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development differ from the technical support options offered in the IBM Value Package?
A: The IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development provides developer assistance for IBM middleware and IBM System i, System p, and System z operating systems.
This support provides the most comprehensive, cross-platform coverage for your IBM Systems and middleware development projects.
The middleware development, implementation and integration benefit within the IBM Value Package supports IBM middleware products during development and the first implementation and integration of your solution.
This benefit does not include support for IBM operating system questions or problems.
This Value Package benefit provides the most cost effective technical support option for middleware solutions.
Q: Does either the IBM Value Package or IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development provide question and answer technical support for software used as Run Your Business?
A: No, we do not provide technical support for software used for Run Your Business purposes.
Q: Can I purchase one technical support option and have the same benefits applicable to every location in my enterprise?
A: No, the technical support options provide benefits for the one purchasing location only.
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Q: What are the prerequisites to purchasing a benefit?
A: You must:
Prerequisites are verified during the ordering process.
If you have not satisfied them, you will be directed to the proper place to complete them before continuing.
Q: Where do I order and how do I pay for a benefit?
A: You will place your order using the online ordering system.
When you access the online ordering system, you will only be able to see what you are eligible to purchase, based on your current entitlements and country.
The choice of credit card or invoice as payment method depends upon your country, and satisfaction of all required prerequisites will be verified before the order can be completed.
To purchase the IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development, the Authorized Profile Administrator (APA) at each individual location is eligible and responsible to place the orders, regardless of membership level.
Each individual location incurs the fees for the fee-based benefits selected.
Q: Can I pay for a benefit in the currency standard for my country? When are taxes added to my purchase?
IBM supports most of the national currencies throughout the world.
If a national currency is not offered, then the transaction will be in United States dollars (USD).
Applicable taxes will be added to the base charge as part of the shopping and checkout process.
Q: How soon can I access a benefit after purchasing it?
You should be able to access benefits within two business days of online purchase unless the benefit requires that you read and sign specific terms and conditions before access is granted.
If this is the case, your confirmation e-mail will provide the details.
If you do not have access to benefits within two business days
PartnerWorld Contact Services can assist you.
Q: Can I purchase a benefit at any time throughout the year? How much time will I have to pay for my purchase?
You can purchase the Value Package, IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development unlimited incidents, or Software Access Option at any time during the year.
Benefits expire 12 months from the date of purchase and can be renewed thirty days before they expire.
Incident-based IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development can be purchased multiple times throughout the year, regardless of the expiration date of your original purchase.
Incident-based IBM Systems and middleware technical support options for software development expire when all incidents are used or 12 months from the date of purchase, whichever occurs first.
If invoicing is an option in your country or geography, address information gathered during the ordering process will be used to generate your invoice.
Your invoice will specify the time period allowed for making payment before access to benefits will be removed.
Q: Can I cancel or modify my order for a benefit?
A: At any time during the ordering process, you may terminate or modify your order.
Once an order has been submitted, you should refer your specific questions or concerns to
PartnerWorld Contact Services.
Q: What if I have difficulty accessing the online ordering system?
A: Specific circumstances may prevent you from accessing the ordering system.
If none of these situations pertain to you or if you still experience difficulty, you should contact
PartnerWorld Contact Services.
- Only the Authorized Profile Administrator (APA) of any active member of PartnerWorld can access the online ordering system and place orders for their company.
If you do not know who your APA is, contact PartnerWorld Contact Services.
- To access the benefits purchased by your company, you must be a registered member of PartnerWorld and be associated with
that company.
If you need registration assistance, contact PartnerWorld Contact Services.
- If you have recently registered your company or location, you should wait until you receive the welcome e-mail from PartnerWorld Contact Services before
attempting to access the online ordering system.
This may take up to two business days.
Q: Can I continue to use the benefits I have purchased if I transfer to another company?
A: Benefits are entitled to a country enterprise.
You may not transfer the benefits with you to another company.
Q: Are all of my locations entitled to the
benefits if I purchase the IBM Software Access Option or IBM Value Package?
A: Yes, all locations of your company are entitled to the benefits.
Q: Are my company's subsidiaries entitled to use the benefits if I purchase the IBM Software Access Option or IBM Value Package?
A: Yes, if you have majority ownership, subsidiaries of your company are considered part of your enterprise for the purposes of the Value Package or Software Access Option.
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Q: How do I renew my benefits?
A: You can renew your benefits 30 days prior to the expiration date.
PartnerWorld Contact Services will notify
your appropriate Authorized Profile Administrator (APA) by e-mail 30 days before your benefits expire.
You will be directed to make your renewal decisions using the online ordering system under a specific
renewal section.
The effective date of the renewed benefit is the date your current benefit expires.
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