New York Times: I.B.M’s Bid to Woo Software Startups
March 31 2010
IBM Global Entrepreneur is a pretty cool program for potential IBM ISVs and is nicely tied into our cloud computing strategy:
I.B.M. wants to enlist fledgling software companies in its Smarter Planet strategy, which seeks to apply cutting-edge technology to big challenges like improving the efficiency of energy use, water management, transportation and health care.Link: New York Times: I.B.M's Bid to Woo Software Startups >(Thanks, Henry)
To entice startups to its camp, I.B.M. on Wednesday is announcing that it will offer them free access to the company's software for up to three years. To qualify, companies must be private, in business for less than three years, and developing software that is in sync with the I.B.M. strategy. ... The I.B.M. software will be made available to the startups as a cloud service, which they tap into over the Web.
Besides software, startups can also get one-on-one sessions with I.B.M. scientists and coaching on sales and marketing tactics. "More and more, people are asking us how to build a business," Mr. Corgel said.
Link: ibm.com: IBM Global Entrepreneur >
Post a Comment
- 2
Michael Sobczak http://www.punkdbynotes.com | 3/31/2010 2:38:11 PM
@1: isn't this material covered in the Monthly Lotus sales talks? I get pinged on them via Facebook. I also receive word of them via the newsletter sent out from Partnerworld.
- 3
Graham Dodge | 3/31/2010 3:11:43 PM
I was hoping for something that doesn't occur at 1am Australian time
- 4
Michael Sobczak http://www.punkdbynotes.com | 3/31/2010 4:18:00 PM
But you can replay it later. Obviously, far from ideal since you can't ask a replay a question. But its definitely better than nothing.
- 5
Eric Mack http://www.EricMackOnline.com | 3/31/2010 5:25:29 PM
@1 Graham, you may want to Google for the old Ken Wax presentations. For several years, Lotus hired Ken to talk about selling Lotus product. Great stuff. Educational and effective.
I also recommend Michael Gerber's work - I have been through his program and fond it very valuable in building my business. You may also want to look at Robin Robbins' work.
I know I could get flamed for this) you should sign up for the reseller program of a certain large software company. They have many resources, NFR software, and business development resources. I'm amazed at what they ship to their business partners each quarter. Much of that could be applied to your work as a Lotus BP and, what's more, you will be beter equipped to understand their positioining so that you can counter their efforts to spread FUD.
IBM has an extensive (perhaps too extensive) offering of BPsupport materials. Personally, I sometimes find understanding what's available to be dizzying. So for me, I have a hard time finding what I need. What I find is generally excellent and helpful. They have a good BP support team, so reach out to them. Every time I have contacted them, they have been very helpful.
I hope this helps.
- 6
David (The Notes Guy in Seattle) | 4/1/2010 11:27:48 AM
Fledgling software companies, smarter planet strategy, efficiency of energy use. Sounds like you'll be coming to Seattle after all. You can't possibly talk about software startups and thinking green without including the Pacific Northwest at the top of the list. There are so many software startups around here! I personally have friends at 3 such companies. Looking forward to IBM bringing more clouds to Seattle.
- 7
Stuart Macdonald http://seric.typepad.com/seric-stuff/ | 4/2/2010 7:15:27 AM
Hi Ed,
Good post. I passed this on to the guys at Youth Business International, hopefully something will come of it.
How it fits in...
{ Link }
Main site...
{ Link }
Operating in 45 countries worldwide - I started throught the Scottish one PSYBT myself 13 years ago and we do loads of IBM business so could be a good thing for you guys. I understand you are not coming to Edinburgh LCTY this year - pity, the speaker Prof Brian Cox is outstanding.
Cheers
Stuart
PS Sametime gateway is a LOT better but still flaky sometimes ;-)
So when is this corporate kindness going to filter down to the existing Lotus Business Partners? It would be great if IBM could help us with "...coaching on sales and marketing tactics" and show us "how to build a business". I know that I spend too much time running my business and not enough time selling IBM/Lotus software, and surely Big Blue could run a webinar or two in order to help me lift my management game.
'Smarter Planet' might help IBM sell software to Power Stations but it doesn't help me sell Notes (+ Foundations + Sametime etc)