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IBM i Solution Editions are right on the money, right out of the box

In today’s computing environment, IBM clients want to lower the cost, risk and complexity of deploying core business applications. With IBM i Solution Editions, they’re finding the right product at the right price, and it works right out of the box.

IBM introduced a family of IBM i Solution Edition offerings based on the new POWER7* processor-based systems in partnership with industry-leading ISVs. The technology provides powerful solutions for mid-sized clients that yield results at a lower cost. Clients have been snapping up the new IBM i Solution Editions since they were introduced 10 months ago. “The Solution Editions program was designed to reduce the cost, complexity and implementation time for ERP applications,” says Guy Paradise, worldwide IBM i marketing manager. “Many times IBM hears from clients, ‘I don’t have the money or the time for a long drawn-out ERP implementation process.’ It’s a barrier. If you can speed the implementation time, reduce the skills required and the complexity, there’s real value for the client.” Paradise says the value doesn’t come just from IBM, but also from the partnership, optimization and joint development between IBM and leading ISVs. And the acquisition savings can be considerable: Clients can save up to 35 percent on new Power Systems* servers running IBM i, depending on their configuration, Paradise says.

Reengineered and Reenergized

The Solution Editions concept has existed for years, but the program was reenergized with POWER7 processor-based systems and IBM’s strong partnership with the participating ISVs. IBM i Solution Editions combine product discounts from IBM, implementation services, rapid installation and the continued total integration clients have come to expect with IBM i. “Solution Editions address worries about the effort required and the complexity of deploying new solutions that may prevent clients from upgrading,” Paradise says.

When IBM i Solution Editions for POWER7 were rolled out in August 2010, IBM offered the Power* 720 Express with six to eight cores and the Power 740 Express with up to 16 cores. In November 2010, IBM included the Power 720 Express with four cores in the program. The Power 720 Express four-core system is the entry Power Systems offering, ideal for small businesses and clients who don’t require the extra scalability and performance the larger systems provided. In some regions, such as Italy, the four-core Power 720 Solution Edition is the offering that best meets market demand. “Adding the four-core Solution Edition really opened up the program to an even larger segment and we’re seeing very strong results with the four-core offering,” Paradise says.

Along with leading-edge technology, Solution Editions also include services to help with implementation. All offerings have a services voucher, entitling a client to use IBM Lab Services or IBM business-partner services for implementation help. As part of this program, and supporting the renewed partnership with ISVs, IBM Lab Services has implemented a new series of services targeted specifically at helping clients implement ERP solutions faster and with lower cost.

“When IBM i clients purchase a Solution Edition, they’re benefitting from ... a partnership to optimize, innovate and invest in that solution.” —Guy Paradise, worldwide IBM i marketing manager

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