IBM sends partners into outer space

IBM is offering one top performing partner the opportunity to enter outer space on a Virgin Galactic flight.

The vendor’s 2010 Destination X incentive program runs from March until December 24, 2010, and is open to all registered Business Partners. There are three elements to the program, all based around its System x platform: Individual and quarterly rewards for accumulated sales, new customer acquisitions, and the main end-of-year prize: One sub-orbital trip on Virgin Galactic including return flights to Mexico and accommodation at Space Port America.

Under the quarterly-based reward scheme, a partner’s top sales rep for System x series servers and related components will receive $10,000 in Know Your IBM points, which can be redeemed either for $10,000 in cash, put towards their mortgage, or spent on an adrenalin-pumping adventure. The first quarter runs April-June. Simultaneously, the vendor’s Express Seller program will earn reps up to $50 in points for every System x product sold. Points can be redeemed for either cash or a range of prizes.

In addition, IBM is also offering reps who sell System x goods to new, or "whitespace" clients up to $5000 in points. Depending on the value of the deal, sales reps could earn bonus points or even a ticket for the main outer space prize.

To be in the running for the Virgin flight, reps will need to accumulate $100,000 in sales for a ticket in the draw, but can gain additional tickets for every $100,000 made. The winner will be drawn in January/February, 2011.

Recently appointed IBM System x business unit executive, Darren Gossling, said Destination X was about recognising and rewarding top performers driving System x take-up.

“We wanted to recognise the value of our business partners and how important it is to be rewarded for the work they do,” he said. “We have a lot of partners managing transaction-based portfolios for their clients, which include not only IBM infrastructure, but also other components.”

This is the third year of IBM’s Destination X program. Last year, top sales reps scored a trip to Dubai, while this year, the top 10 are being taken to South Africa for the final of the FIFA World Cup.

“We believe this is unbeatable, based on what our competitors are offering,” Gossling said.

Those interested in registering can do so on the Know Your IBM site.

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