Sonata is IBM’s value added distributor

BANGALORE: IBM India Limited has appointed Sonata Information Technology Ltd. as

its value added distributor for its data management software.

This partnership will primarily focus on managing the reseller network and

help partners deliver solutions to customers on IBM’s data management

software. While the initial focus of the relationship is on Informix, the scope

extends to include other Data Management Software from IBM such as DB2, business

intelligence tools and content manager software. As a part of this relationship,

Sonata has established a dedicated team of sales and technical personnel across

the country to address the Indian market.






Sonata Information Technology, assistant vice president and director, Sujit
Mohanty said, "This tie up will differentiate Sonata from other

distributors, that are pure volume license fulfillment partners. As a value

added distributor, we will bring to the table our vast technical expertise,

channel development & delivery capabilities and high standards of customer

service to IBM s data management software i.e. Informix, DB2 etc."






As a part of this relationship, the two companies will work together to help SIs
and ISVs in the country to develop solutions capability on data management

software, and train resellers on the latest offering from the IBM software

stable. Apart from this, the two companies will initiate joint marketing

programs to reach out to customers and partners across the country and enable

them on IBM’s DM Software.






IBM India country executive, software group and developer relations, Frank
Luksic said, "IBM is committed to the Informix business. In October 2001 we

had launched Informix Dynamic Server v 9.3 as the first Informix product out of

the IBM stable within a few months of acquiring Informix. In the last month, we

have announced integration of Informix with our WebSphere and Tivoli product

lines to enhance the value customers can derive from their investment in

Informix. This means that we need to educate our resellers, as well as focus on

customer requirements. Sonata, which has both, a wide partner network as well as

deep systems integration skills is hence uniquely positioned to help us address

both partners and customers throughout the country."






Apart from joint marketing activities, Sonata will also undertake lead
generation programs along with its 3000 resellers in the country. This will help

ISVs to find a market for their solutions. This program will also be supported

by IBM under its ValueNet Initiative, where a value network is created for the

customers combining the solutions capability of ISVs, the reach of the

distributor and the technical expertise and assurance of the IBM brand.






Sonata will also conduct ongoing training programs across the country to enable
partners to develop solutions and effectively sell IBM data management software.