In February 2009, IBM Software Group announced the next step in its global distribution strategy to help drive growth through an investment in Business Partners’ skills. Our strategy is about mindshare, commitment and investment, which can increase our value proposition to customers.
IBM is implementing this strategy in 2010 and will organize its software portfolio into two product categories: open and authorized.
IBM Software's Open products portfolio (PDF, 30KB) is about reaching the broadest market possible. Open products provide a rapid path to begin work in expanding market segments and upsell solutions during existing sales. IBM products like the IBM Express portfolio and WebSphere Application Server are included to help you meet these objectives. The Open products portfolio is available for all Business Partners to resell.
IBM Passport Advantage
Passport Advantage and Passport Advantage Express are simple, comprehensive IBM offerings that cover software license acquisition including Fixed Term Licenses and Software Subscription and Support, product upgrades and technical support under a single, common set of agreements, processes and tools.
Passport Advantage is designed for larger enterprises, while Passport Advantage Express, a transaction-based offering, is designed to meet the needs of medium-sized businesses.
The majority of the IBM software portfolio is sold through Passport Advantage, a customer program designed to provide IBM customers with worldwide software license acquisition, including Fixed Term Licenses and Software Subscription and Support. Passport Advantage customers can acquire licenses, software maintenance, and renewals online, through IBM directly or through IBM Business Partners.
