IBM boosts SME drive

IBM is increasing its focus on small and medium-sized businesses by dedicating 1,000 salespeople to helping its software and hardware partners to sell products and services into the SME market.

The expanded sales coverage is part of a global IBM initiative to help independent software vendors (ISVs) and regional systems integrators (RSIs) to sell more effectively into vertical industries and geographies.

According to analyst Forrester, SMEs are most likely to turn to regional consulting firms and systems integrators for their IT purchases.  And the SME space is the fastest growing segment of overall IT spending, with analyst IDC saying it will reach £200bn globally this year.

More details on the new support programme can be found at www.ibm.com/isv