Christopher Jackson
IBM Software Senior Business Development Manager | TD SYNNEX
The Power of Partnership
As we fast approach the festive season, I’m reminded of one of the mainstays of Christmas stockings: a copy of the Guinness Book of Records! And whilst I have no plans to appear in there for having the longest fingernails or completing the fastest marathon dressed as a lumberjack, I do want to take a moment to formally acknowledge a different kind of record-breaking performance.
2024 – a record year for growth
Thanks to the unwavering support and collaboration of our incredible partners, coupled with the commitment from the IBM team, TD SYNNEX UK&I IBM Software Team are celebrating a record-breaking year of success and growth. So, alongside serving as a wrap-up, this post is a huge thank you to everyone in the team and the wider community for their incredible efforts.
New team members and milestones
The clarity of the IBM team in communicating the market opportunity, alongside partner appetite for bringing technology like #GenerativeAI into their strategic plans and portfolios, has allowed us to invest significantly in our team and resources. Special thanks must go to our new hire Abigail Tate and to Barbora Ivanecká and Malcolm Pennfor joining the team. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in amplifying our success.
This new energy and access to additional resources was a key ingredient in helping us surpass our number and win serious recognition with the IBM innovation award.
We’re also proud to hit the milestone of being the only UK distributor to have the entire suite of IBM and RedHat contracts, which offers partners the ability to serve end-user customer needs for open, flexible, hybrid-cloud solutions.
Working together with Chloe Wise and Darryl Kelly has helped us support our partners in developing unique offerings for seamless hybrid-cloud deployments, which empower businesses to modernise their applications whilst maintaining control over their data.
Market engagement and major events
Alongside strengthening our core team and foundational offerings, understanding and driving the market has been a key focus. Our participation in events like Think Boston and Think London provided invaluable insights and opportunities to connect with industry leaders and innovators, and will form a central pillar for staying at the forefront of technological advancements into FY25.
An emphasis on ecosystems
We know that we can’t be successful if we operate in silos – be it internally at TD SYNNEX or when working with partners and vendors. It’s to this end that we’re significantly investing in providing forums where partners can connect with their peers and hear directly from IBM and the TD SYNNEX team via our Ecosystems led by Neil Cornish. Check out this articlefor an insight into our recent AI Ecosystem Summit at The Belfry.
New programmes and platforms
Helping our partners to participate in IBM programmes has been a vital component of growing our collective opportunity. With the ESA programme and our exclusive Watson Gold 100 programme, we’re solidifying our position as a leader in AI skills and knowledge sharing.
Accelerating this even further is the launch of TechStories.ai where we are breaking new ground in creating a platform for collaboration and innovation for both partners and clients.
Responding to partner requirements
A perfect example of our approach to partnership is the launch of solutions that directly improve commercial and technical outcomes and directly address areas where partners tell us they most need support.
From launching new credit solutionsto enhancing partner training and enablement, our efforts have been geared towards creating a supportive and dynamic environment.
It was a hugely proud moment to offer partners VEST Level 4 intensive training on watsonx.ai and watsonx.governance – thanks must go to Peter Reakesand the team for achieving a UK first!
Going live in 2025
As we look to the future – and look forward to celebrating with IBM at the Business Partner Christmas Lunch – we are excited for the investments we already have planned for 2025. Our plan is to make our POC Demo environment for AI and #FinOps live, which is a testament to our continuous investment in cutting-edge solutions. With an emphasis on fostering innovation and providing partners with even more of the tools and resources they need to succeed, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible!
A resolution to work together
Of course, it wouldn’t be right to close out the year without making a resolution. So instead of it being something punishing, like giving up your favourite tipple or teatime treat, how about resolving to achieve some really big things together?
The TD SYNNEX IBM Software Team are all about working together to reach (and exceed!) a common goal. With great resources, great partnerships and great people, we’d love to welcome new partners aboard.
And finally……
A big thank you to our partners for their trust and collaboration. To the team and the wider TD SYNNEX business for their enthusiasm and innovation, and to our counterparts at IBM for supporting us in thinking laterally about how we can bring new value to the partner community. A special thank you must go to Rachel Hicks before she heads off on maternity leave for providing us with continuous support, consistency and high-quality engagement with IBM. Here’s to another record-breaking year!
