IBM launches ''express portfolio'' offerings for SMBs

By Our Corporate Bureau | 12 Jun 2004

Mumbai: IBM has unveiled the ''IBM express portfolio'' with a broadened range of hardware, software and services offerings which are designed, developed and priced to meet the IT needs of small and medium businesses (SMB). The new offerings consist of business solutions to help SMBs — companies with between 100 and 1000 employees - in their transformation to on demand businesses. The new additions to the IBM express portfolio are IBM websphere business integration server express, IBM i5 520 Express Edition, IBM Express ThinkPads (X40, R50e & R51), IBM education pack and desktop management services.

According to M. Ganesh, director, global small and medium business, South Asia, "The broadening of IBM''s express portfolio exemplifies our commitment to small and medium businesses and is another proof-point in our continuing promise to deliver the solutions that best match the needs of the SMB marketplace."

IBM''s express solutions are easy to install, manage and use, with the functionality and price to address top concerns that SMB customers face today. IBM''s SMB strategy moving through 2004 is anchored on the strength of the company''s 2003 express offerings, as well as the express brand resonance with SMBs worldwide. This is combined with a global investment of US$500 million in sales enablement and demand generation for Business Partners selling into the SMB market via the IBM small and medium business advantage and ISV Advantage initiatives.