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

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.

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

Download the Power Systems Session Guide and click on the calendar links to add sessions to you calendar.

Plan to attend the Power of i Road Tour session on Tuesday 8/26 at 2:30 with Scott Handy, VP WW Marketing & Strategy Power Systems and earn a chance to WIN a complimenetary Power Systems briefing for you and a customer.

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

IBM Power Rewards program is officially announced. End users may receive Power Rewards Points that can be redeemed for eligible Power Rewards services and software when they remove production workload from one or more designated non-IBM systems.

The Power Systems, System i, and System p incentive for General Business and the Power Systems and System p new customer BP programs were also modified. Follow link for each program above to see updated announcement letters.

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!

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!

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!

Avnet increases its virtualization tools and offerings to help you capture your share of this high-growth market.

With spending for virtualization solutions estimated to reach $1.8 billion by 2011 and with projected 5-year CAGRs at 24.2%, Avnet is ready to help you learn more about this unique market opportunity and open the door to additional sales with the introduction of a dedicated training program called VirtualPath™ University. REGISTER TODAY!

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.