Controlled Distribution for Collaboration and Unified Communications
Controlled Distribution for Collaboration and Unified Communications
August 2010
IBM have operated various channel programs for different parts of their Software group over the years. The Lotus brand has always been subject to what they call “Open distribution”, meaning that anyone that is registered as an IBM partner can process a license on behalf of a customer. IBM have been slowly introducing a different model in a number of their software brands, and they announced in 2009 that they would be moving the Lotus brand to “Controlled Distribution” in 2010/2011.
What is Controlled Distribution?
Controlled distribution means that in order to place an order, new or renewal, for the designated software products, a partner must carry certifications in the products being sold, as well as having a business plan that supports their commitment to these products. This approach is obviously designed to ensure that the partners that are both suitably qualified, and committed to the products, are the only ones able to sell these products to customers. IBM have called this program Software Value Plus (SVP).
Which Lotus products are in Controlled Distribution?
As of July 19th 2010, IBM Lotus Collaboration and Unified Communications products are now in Controlled Distribution. Included in this product group are Lotus Connections, Lotus Quickr and Lotus Sametime. IBM currently intend to bring the core Lotus Notes and Domino into Controlled Distribution early in 2011.
What does this mean for you as a customer?
From now on, if you wish to place an order for any of the products under Controlled Distribution, this order will only be able to placed by an SVP authorized partner for those products. This should be a good thing as it means that customers will need to start interfacing with the IT provider most able to service their needs around the products they are looking to purchase.
Time Technology has become an authorized SVP partner for Lotus Collaboration and Unified Communications, thus enabling us to order these products for customers. As a Business Partner that is fully committed to the Lotus brand, this was an easy process for us, and we fully expect to repeat this when the rest of the Lotus brand comes into Controlled Distribution in 2011.
Time Technology are completely open to agreeing terms with other Business partners where they have a customer that needs to place an order involving any of the Lotus products that fall under the SVP program. This enables customers to maintain the relationship with their current IT provider whilst still getting the expertise they need for the solutions they are wishing to purchase. Everyone wins!
For more information:
Call us on 01483 863000
E-mail us on sales@time-technology.co.uk
