IBM PartnerWorld

Frequently Asked Questions

Contents
General PartnerWorld Program Questions 2

IBM Partner Packages 3

and Value Package

IBM Partner Support Desk 5

PartnerWorld Build Track 6

PartnerWorld Service Track 6

Competencies 7
IBM PartnerWorld Frequently Asked Questions

General PartnerWorld Program Questions

What are the new changes to the PartnerWorld Program?
PartnerWorld has introduced a series of six new initiatives:

1. A new framework focused on Build, Service and Sell

2. New Build Track aligned to specific benefits supporting Business Partners building
innovative products
3. A new Service Track aligned to benefits supporting Business Partners developing
value-add services
4. Six new competencies created to allow Business Partners to showcase specific solution
and industry areas around Build and Service
5. New IBM Partner Packages including exclusive benefits for development, learning and testing
6. A Partner Support Desk offering personalized, multi-modal support to allow Business Partners
to navigate through PartnerWorld

I’m not an IBM Business Partner. How do I take advantage of these initiatives?
Companies wishing to participate in the modernized PartnerWorld Program just need to register as a
member of IBM PartnerWorld at https://www.ibm.com/partnerworld/public.

Are program changes available to new and existing partners?

Yes, all new aspects of PartnerWorld will be available on May 5, 2020 to all registered IBM Business
Partners who have signed a PartnerWorld agreement.

How will the modernized PartnerWorld Program impact me as a partner?

Some partners will be moved up in PartnerWorld as a result of changes to tier requirements. No
partners will be moved down as a result of these changes. Value Package subscribers will receive
specific communications relating to the retirement of the offering and moving to a IBM Partner
Packages offering.
IBM PartnerWorld Frequently Asked Questions

IBM Partner Packages and Value Package

When can I purchase a new IBM Partner Package subscription?
New IBM Partner Packages are available May 5, 2020. All subscriptions are valid for 12 months from
date of purchase.

What will happen to my Software Access Option subscription on May 5, 2020?

If you purchased a Software Access Option before May 5, you will be transitioned to the Entry IBM
Partner Package with the same expiration date as your existing subscription.

What will happen to my Value Package subscription on May 5, 2020?

If you purchased the Value Package in 2019, you will receive those benefits through the 12 month
subscription period.

If you purchased a Value Package in 2020, selected benefits will remain until the expiration of the 12
month period, and other benefits will expire on December 31, 2020.

These benefits will remain through the entire subscription:

— Software Access Option

— Unlimited Techline Support
— Unlimited pre-sales support
— *Cloud accelerator credits must be requested by 12/31

These will expire on December 31:

— You Pass, We Pay

— Sales Mastery test vouchers
— Event discount vouchers

Will my Value Package cloud credits roll over into the new offering?
If you purchased a Value Package in 2019 you will have the same benefits for the full 12 month
subscription term.

If you purchased a Value Package in 2020, your cloud credits must be requested by December 31,
2020 regardless of when you plan on using them. Request your credits here.

Will there be discounts to renew or group discounts for multiple locations?

No, but we will be offering an enterprise level subscription to cover multiple locations if attached to the
same Worldwide CEID.
IBM PartnerWorld Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a Software Access Option now, can I get the Entry Package at no charge?
If you had a Software Access Option subscription at the time of launch, you will be migrated to an
Entry package already! Simply click the link you received in the email from IBM so that your end date
stays the same as your original package. If your SAO/Entry package expires before year end, you are
welcome to enjoy the Entry at no charge till December 31, 2020.

Can I buy a Booster Pack with the Entry Package at no charge?

Booster packs are not available for the Entry Package at no charge. To boost your cloud or education
benefits you must purchase the Advanced Package or higher.

What if I recently purchased the Value Package, and now want the Entry Package at no
charge?
Your Value Package has more benefits than the Entry Package.

What happens to my subscription at the end of the year?

Your subscription will end, and you will no longer have access to the benefits unless you purchase
another Entry Package or one of our other IBM Partner Packages. If you do not purchase another
package, then you must destroy all copies of licenses you have downloaded or used from the Software
Access Catalog.

How does the Enterprise IBM Partner Package work?

The Enterprise IBM Partner Package offers large scale benefits, perfect for large multinational
organizations to use across geographic locations. All users of the benefits must be registered members
of PartnerWorld and be associated to the country level and worldwide CEID. The Primary Relationship
Contact (PRC) and Account Profile Administrator (APA) must attach the locations they wish to entitle to
the primary Worldwide CEID before purchasing, and should coordinate usage among locations so that
the benefits are allocated as desired.

Do I have to purchase a package in order to purchase a Booster Pack?

Yes, you must purchase one of our packages to also get a booster for cloud credits or certification
vouchers. Note that the Enterprise Cloud credit booster requires a purchase of the Enterprise Package.

How many Booster Packs can I purchase?

— There are no limits to how many certification Booster Packs you can purchase
— For the regular Cloud credit Booster Pack ($5K USD for 10K credits), there is a maximum limit
of 3 per CEID
— For Enterprise Cloud credit Booster Pack there are no limits on how many you can purchase,
but there is a requirement to have the enterprise package in order to purchase.
IBM PartnerWorld Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I use the software I get from the Software Access Catalog?
For those who purchase the IBM Partner Packages after launch, IBM software from the SAC can be
deployed on premises or to the IBM Public Cloud, not to external clouds

What if I am using the SAC on a competitor cloud from a previous Value Package?
When that Value Package subscription expires, so do the terms of your Value Package agreement and
you should should desist and remove the SAC in all instances, including any competitor clouds.

If I have an existing IBM Cloud Subscription account today, will you give me credits to
add to it?
The cloud accounts available from our packages are for non production/billable use only. We will
create a new account for you and load it with the requisite credits you are entitled to, not add the
credits to pre-existing accounts.

Can I use that cloud account for a client Proof of Concept (POC)?
POCs for clients should follow the regular POC process. Once you are finished demonstrating it to the
client, that can be changed into a billable account with one click of the button, so that is a much cleaner
option for all. For more info, ask [email protected]

Where do I go for help?

Contact the PartnerWorld Support Desk through this form for assistance.

How do the certification test vouchers work?

These are pre-paid vouchers you must take with you and give to the testing company when you take
your test. To see how to get your vouchers and which tests are covered, visit this page.

If my company has a Value Package or Software Access Option, can we purchase a

Booster Pack?
Yes, you can purchase up to three regular Cloud Credit Booster Packs and as many Certification
Booster Packs as you desire. Enterprise Cloud Credit Booster is available only to those who have an
Enterprise Package

How long do the Booster Packs stay active?

For 12 months, or as long as you have an active subscription. If you purchase a Booster Pack halfway
through a 12 month subscription but renew before it expires, you can carry your Booster Pack over until
it is used or until 12 months from purchase date.
IBM PartnerWorld Frequently Asked Questions

IBM Partner Support Desk

Who is eligible for the IBM Partner Support Desk and is there a cost for the support?
This is a benefit available to all existing and potential members to the IBM PartnerWorld Program, available at no
charge.

What is the scope of support provided by the IBM Partner Support Desk?
The IBM Partner Support Desk is available to serve you in all aspects of the IBM PartnerWorld Program and
maximize the benefits of being a PartnerWorld Member. This includes your IBM PartnerWorld Membership and
any specific aspects relative to IBM Software, Systems and Services offerings, incentives, Business Partner
competencies, benefits, partner to partner connections, profile management and much more.

How do I access the IBM Partner Support Desk?

You can access the IBM Partner Support Desk by submitting a request through this form.

PartnerWorld Build Track

What is the PartnerWorld Build Track?
The Build Track was designed to attract and develop Business Partners that build innovative products.
From becoming an IBM PartnerWorld member to taking your solutions to market, the program provides
step-by-step guidance for build partners. 

How do I sign up for the new Build Track? 

In order to be eligible for the Build Track you need to become an IBM PartnerWorld member.
Once you’re an IBM Business Partner, simply follow the steps in the Build Track Guide, found here.

When will the Build Track be available?

The Build Track launched at the IBM Digital Think Event Experience 2020 on May 5, 2020.

Who can I contact if I have questions about Build Partner Track? 

You can contact IBM Partner Support Desk though this form if you have any questions.

What benefits will I get in the Build Partner Track?

Through the Build Track, IBM offers the resources and benefits necessary to succeed including technical
support and consultation, marketing kits, training and learning, remote dev and test support, go to market
benefits and more. Learn more about benefits here.

Can I participate in multiple tracks?

Yes, any partner can take advantage of multiple tracks, including Build, Service and Sell.
IBM PartnerWorld Frequently Asked Questions

PartnerWorld Service Track

What is the PartnerWorld Service Track?
The PartnerWorld Service Track is a new PartnerWorld Track for Business Partners providing value add
services.

When can I sign up for the new Service Track?

The Service Track launched at the IBM Digital Think Event Experience 2020 on May 5, 2020.

How do I get started with the Service Track?

In order to be eligible for the Service Track you need to become an IBM PartnerWorld Member.
Once you’re an IBM Business Partner, simply follow the steps in the Service Partner Track Guide, found
here.

Who can I contact if I have questions about Service Track?

You can contact IBM Partner Support Desk if you have any questions.

Can I participate in multiple tracks?

Yes, any partner can take advantage of multiple tracks, including Build, Service and Sell.

Competencies
Why is IBM announcing new competencies?
IBM is announcing new Build and Service competencies for the new IBM PartnerWorld tracks. The
Build Track is for Business Partners that develop products built on IBM technologies. The Service Track
is for Business Partners that provide value add services for IBM technologies.

What are the requirements for the new competencies?

The new competencies are made up of four components:

— Technical validation of solution

— Skills validation
— Client engagement validation
— Sales Success*

*Only required at 1 year re-validation for Build Competencies

Requirements for new Competencies can be found on this web page.

IBM PartnerWorld Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ”Technical Validation”?

Business Partners will need to follow the requirements found in the Competency Checklist to have the
solution or service validated by IBM technical teams. The Competency Checklist will provide specific
details for partners to follow in build out the solutions or services that will be validated.

How can I submit a Solution or Service for Validation? 

The first step toward validation is listing a solution or service in the Global Solutions Directory. Steps for
submitting your solution or service for inclusion in the GSD:

1. Login to the Global Solutions Directory (GSD) and click on the Manage solutions link at the top of the
page.
2. On the Manage solutions page, hover over the Manage solutions link at the top of the page and
select “Create New Solution” or “Service” from the drop-down menu — select either the Solution or
Service option.
3. Complete the nomination form and submit.

Will I have to apply for a Competency?

There is no application or enrollment process for Competencies. However, Business Partners must re-
quest that the solution or service be validated. Once the validation is complete the achievements record-
ed in IBM systems will be automatically applied to each Competency. Business Partners can track their
progress towards Competency achievements via the PartnerWorld Program Console.

Once attained, how often will IBM revalidate a Competency?

IBM will continue to revalidate Competency achievement criteria on an annual basis. Annual is defined as
a fixed calendar year, December 31. 

Do Competencies have unique benefits?

There are unique benefits that come with Competencies. Business Partners who earn a Build or Service 
Competency will have access to specific high-value benefits, including, enablement resources, as well as
unique achievement marks related to that Competency.

How many Competencies can I achieve?

There is no limit on the number of Competencies a firm can achieve.

How long does a validated solution or service last in the system? 

A validated solution or service remains active in the system for two years. 

How do I view my new Competencies? 

The PartnerWorld Program Console is designed to help you to monitor your progress toward
Competency and program level achievements.