IBM PartnerWorld Profiling System

This document provides a list and description of the updates and enhancements for IBM Business Partners that use the PartnerWorld Profiling System (PPS).

The Join PartnerWorld page contains information on membership. This What's New page contains additional references:

• PPS Quick Reference Guide
• PPS Users Guide

Listed below are significant changes specifically related to IBM Business Partners that use PartnerWorld Profiling System (PPS). To see information about this change, use the details link or navigate to the PPS enhancements and improvements section of this document.

• For Business Partners who want to resell Cognos, FileNet, InfoSphere or Optim software, the Business Partner Authorized Profile Administrator (APA) now has the ability to apply to and manage the Software ValueNet program (SWVN) relationship. Details

• A Business Partner can now electronically accept the IBM Business Partner Agreement for Software ValueNet in countries that accept electronic signature. In addition, hardcopy support is available in countries that require hardcopy. Details

• IBM software is moving from an open distribution model to a controlled distribution model (Software Reseller Authorization). Details

• A Business Partner can now electronically accept the IBM Business Partner Agreement for Remarketers of Authorized Programs in countries that accept electronic signature. In addition, hardcopy support is available in countries that require hardcopy.

• Distributors can now see which resellers have selected them as their Preferred Value Added Distributor (VAD) in SWVN or Software Reseller Authorization. Details

• The Business Partner APA now has the ability to apply to and manage the SWVN program relationship. The SWVN application is now available as an option in the Benefits and Relationships section in PPS.
  
  To apply to the SWVN program:
  
  1. Click Benefits and relationships --> Software Value Net.
     Screenshot (JPG, 62KB)
     After selecting Software ValueNet, the Software ValueNet page is displayed. This page lists the Country Enterprises that are available for application to the program. In addition, if Business Partners are approved for the Software ValueNet program for a Country Enterprise, they will see a list of their Country Enterprises.
     Screenshot (JPG, 63KB)
  2. Select a Country Enterprise in the Apply for Software ValueNet section.

• When the Business Partner applies to the SWVN program, the Software ValueNet Agreement page is displayed. This screen describes and provides a link to the agreement attachment. The Business Partner must accept the agreement before proceeding to the application.
  Screenshot (JPG, 137KB)
  1. Click I agree.
  2. Input the required information into the form.
     Screenshot (JPG, 63KB)
  3. Click Save. A confirmation page and confirmation number is displayed. Please retain the confirmation number for all future inquiries on the transaction.

• IBM will be moving to a controlled distribution model in January of 2010 for IBM Distributed Software for selected countries. Business Partners will be required to apply for authorization to remarket Reseller Authorization groups of IBM products. A subset of the IBM Software portfolio will continue to be offered through the open distribution model.

  This new process is called Software Reseller Authorization. A new application has been created for Business Partners to apply to remarket controlled distribution products. This new option is now available in the Benefits and Relationships section of the PPS interface. Business Partners meet specific requirements, sign an agreement, and will be approved by the Reseller Authorization group.
  
  Screenshot (JPG, 142KB)
  
  Note: Software Reseller Authorization is only available in certain countries. Contact PartnerWorld Contact Services if you have questions.
  

• A distributor employee with APA access can now see which resellers have selected them as their preferred Value Add Distributor (VAD) in SWVN or Software Reseller Authorization via a Reseller report. The new VAD Reseller link is available on Country Enterprise report page. To generate the report:
  1. Log in to PPS.
  2. Select a Country Enterprise from the main landing page.
     The Country Enterprise summary page is displayed.
  3. Click the Reports link.
     Screenshot (JPG, 20KB)
     The Reports page is displayed.
  4. Click Reseller report.
     Screenshot (JPG, 10KB)
     The Reseller Report page is displayed.
     Screenshot (JPG, 33KB)
     Notes: Click Download complete report on CSV file to view a complete list of all of the distributor's SWVN and Software Authorized resellers for that country enterprise. The following information displays in the order below and can be sorted by Country and the Reseller Name:
     • Country = Country of the reseller's location
     • Reseller's name = HQ Location Legal Name
     • City = City of the reseller's location
     • CE ID = Reseller's Country Enterprise ID
     • Reseller SAP ID = The CMR from the HQ location
  5. Click the reseller name to display the full address of the reseller as well as the Software Reseller Authorization groups and SWVN portfolios for which the reseller is approved.
     Screenshot (JPG, 30KB)