This upcoming Competitive Lunch-and-Learn webcast will focus on the issues facing CIOs of HP accounts; what questions to ask to determine these and the IBM solutions that can be used to help solve them.
DATE: August 21, 2008
TIME: 12:00 p.m. ET (1 hour)
Toll Free: 1-888-240-4148
Access Code:355253
Link to attend

We're pleased to announce that Jeff Howard, Director of Power Systems Marketing will be presenting the Power of i Road Tour Session at Partner Conference. This session will be held in place of Positioning the value of IBM i V6.1 and Power to i clients (Tuesday at 2:30 Salon A) but will cover much of the same content.
Jeff will present why i is more Powerful with a greater value statement than ever before. Anyone who sells to System i accounts needs to be at this session.
Another session you won't want to miss is the Power Forum on Monday. You can select to attend this panel session at either 12:30 or 2:00 on 8/26. We encourage you to submit any questions you have on Power Systems ahead of time and we will get your questions answered.
Submit a question now

For the remainder of August, any partner bringing forward new 2008 System i MES or replacement system opportunities to their account managers will be eligible to receive a Performance Navigator* key to assist in justifying upgrades and replacement systems.
See your account manager for details and qualifications.
*Performance Navigator is a product of MPG, Inc.

IBM will conduct educational conference calls to review the IBM System x Deal Registration program that was announced August 1, 2008 and the details that will be announced August 15, 2008. Charts will be published in PartnerWorld the day of the call in the BP Library, IBM System x Library, under the file name: IBM System x Registration Education.

This call will be hosted on August 18th and August 22nd, details below:

Date: Monday, August 18, 2008
Time: 12:00 pm ET
Call-in: Toll free: 1-888-450-4823; Passcode: 598212

Date: Friday, August 22, 2008
Time: 12:00 pm ET
Call-in: Toll free: 1-877-880-7295; Passcode: 460273

PRESENTATION for Download on IBM PartnerWorld

A replay will be available from August 22, 2008 for 14 days after the call by accessing 1-888-348-4629, using the passcode 460273.

Please take a moment to review your certification status and the requirements for the EXAct and Blade Investment Programs for 2008. These 2008 Programs, although fundamentally the same as 2007, has some changes in the Annual Skills Certification requirements. Announcement Letter Update (508-596) of July 8

Program Overview Details

For programs more details or reporting form please contact Julia Bruns or Ed Lemus

All programs requirements should be reported to Glenn Ernst or (770) 858-8784

This webinar we will show you how to position Double-Take from a solution sales perspective, where asking the right questions and understanding your customers' environment means MORE! We will discuss:
- How Double-Take works
- How to position Double-Take
- How to engage the Double-Take channel
- How channel marketing works for you

Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Time: 2:00 pm EDT
Register Now

III stands for IBM Information Infrastructure which is the NEW IBM Storage strategy combining hardware and software to construct technology solutions which address four solution areas: Compliance, Availability, Retention and Security. It's imperative that all IBM Solution Provider sales reps understand how to speak to these new IBM Storage solution areas, and IBM is soon hosting (4) webinars to help you learn. Get the schedule of calls and mark your calendars NOW!

Maybe, you need to replace your Optical drive... Avnet has a list of installed IBM 3995 optical drive customers that need to be replaced by the NEW 3996 optical drive. We are primed to blast e-mails to your installed customers and follow up with telemarketing to drive more interest and pass the lead back to you. Let Avnet do the heavy lifting in gaining awareness for replacement and OPT-IN at PartnerSphere today!

Did you know that the IBM Storage brand has one of their largest new products and solutions launch on Sept. 8th for end users? If so, great! If not...all the better. All Partners need to attend one of the (15) 3Q Information Infrastructure Roadshows to understand IBM's new messaging. Find a city near you and REGISTER NOW!

Maintaining existing partners' loyalty by enhancing current programs such as SCON studies, Competitive Briefings, BIO, etc.
Enabling Partners & Rewarding Partner investments in competitive accounts
Generating opportunities through new programs such as Competitive Registration and Deal Registration for Modular

These are the IBM committments to your Competitive selling efforts. Move to Blue is their comprehensive intiative that encompasses all competitive programs to enhance IBM's value to our Partners' investments as you drive more IBM.

Stay connected with this initiative as IBM continually enriches it... it's all on avnetaccelerator.