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Q:What is the IBM System Storage Proven program?
A: IBM announced the System Storage Proven program to demonstrate the compatibility and interoperability of IBM storage with other vendors' hardware and software products. The System Storage Proven program identifies storage solutions and configurations for clients that have been pre-qualified for interoperability with IBM System Storage products.
Q: How does a solution provider qualify for System Storage Proven?
A: There are two ways a participant can become System Storage Proven briefly summarized as follows:
- Customer Experience
A customer experience means the vendor's solution has been confirmed by IBM to be successfully installed and running with an IBM System Storage product in a customer environment.
- Testing
Testing qualification means the vendor's solution has been confirmed by IBM to have successfully completed interoperability testing with specified IBM System Storage products.
For more details, please go to: http://www.ibm.com/systems/storage/solutions/proven/ and select Becoming Proven tutorial
Q: How will IBM's System Storage Proven program differ from programs offered by competitors?
A: IBM offers clients a wide range of interoperable solutions, spanning disk, tape, storage networking, and storage virtualization. Under the IBM System Storage Proven program, IBM works with other storage vendors, hardware vendors, ISVs and solution developers to demonstrate the interoperability of their products on IBM's extensive line of storage products. IBM may also independently test and provide information concerning the ability of products from hardware vendors, ISVs and solution developers who are not yet participating in the IBM System Storage Proven program to interoperate with IBM System Storage family of products.
Q: How can this initiative benefit IBM storage customers?
A: Customers will be better able to identify a variety of pre-qualified, interoperable storage elements. By taking pre-qualified applications and hardware and combining them with IBM storage technology a client can have an easier time identifying solutions that address their storage needs.
Q: How can this initiative benefit IBM Business Partners?
A: For IBM Business Partners, the IBM System Storage Proven program is intended to help reduce the sales cycle and integration issues, allowing more time for higher margin customization. Another added value for IBM Business Partners is the interoperability qualification program where companies work together with IBM, which can help supports their ability to develop and deliver products or solutions that interoperate with the broad portfolio of IBM System Storage products.
Q: How can this initiative benefit Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)?
A: Participation in the IBM System Storage Proven program is intended support the ISV's ability to provide the latest solutions on leading IBM storage platforms. As a participant in the IBM System Storage Proven program, ISVs may be able to reduce solution design time when multiple, tested building blocks have already been tested. With the increased visibility of their products to the IBM Business Partner and sales representative community, ISVs may also have greater visibility with clients. Qualified solutions may also help support smoother, more reliable implementations thereby reducing sales cycles and ultimately increasing client satisfaction.
Q: Is this announcement primarily a branding initiative, or is IBM making a new investment in this space?
A: The IBM System Storage Proven program builds on IBM's already extensive interoperability efforts to develop and deliver products and solutions that work together with third party products. Under the IBM System Storage Proven program, IBM will continue its work with hardware vendors, ISVs and solution developers to qualify their products in real-world environments on IBM's extensive line of storage products.
Q: How does an IBM Business Partner, ISV, or storage provider become a part of the IBM System Storage Proven program?
A: The first step in becoming part of the program is to join IBM’s PartnerWorld by accessing: https://www.developer.ibm.com/member/register/registration.html. Next, using the same login information, complete a Global Solutions Directory entry. Finally, based on the qualification method, either submit a testing nomination through the Global Solutions Directory at https://www.developer.ibm.com/member/register/registration.html or customer experience through PartnerWorld Industry Networks.
Note: Please refer to the Becoming Proven tutorial for more detailed information on becoming System Storage Proven at: http://www.ibm.com/systems/storage/solutions/proven/index.html.
The IBM System Storage Proven program is all about leveraging IBM storage with business applications, ISV and Business Partner software, and market leading hardware components which together deliver solutions that address today's client needs.
Q: Where are products tested?
A: Testing for participants in the IBM System Storage Proven program can range from self-test, for vendors that have the prerequisite storage configurations or IBM Innovation Centers for Business Partners (IICs). IBM will work with candidates to determine the best approach for their specific solution.
Q: What are the IBM Innovation Centers for Business Partners?
A: The IBM Innovation Centers provide our Business Partners with easy access to IBM skills and equipment, to help them migrate, test and optimize their applications for an on demand world. This group of centers includes locations in Hurley, UK, Petach Tikva, Israel, San Mateo, CA, and Waltham, MA. For more information, see: http://www.developer.ibm.com/spc/index.html
Q: Is there a fee charged for utilizing the IBM Innovation Centers?
A: For sponsored solutions IBM will waive the charge.
Q: How long does the testing qualification take?
A: Depending on the complexity of the solution and the depth of testing determined by the participant. Most testing is accomplished in less than one week.
Q: What if a client doesn't find an IBM System Storage Proven solution that fits their needs?
A: For those clients who need something more than an existing qualified System Storage Proven solution, custom testing services may be available at IBM Business Partner Innovation Centers (BPICs), System Storage Solution Centers (TSSCs) or through IBM Global Services. The BPIC and TSSCs have been established at more than 100 select IBM Business Partner locations around the world. These Business Partners are uniquely positioned to provide real-time storage and eServer solution deployment of complex on demand solutions. Customers can contact these Business Partners to request consulting and solution assessments, configuration testing and tuning, and to experience live solution demonstrations on how to network storage before making business critical investments. IBM Global Services also provides extensive storage services including proof of concept validation of the interoperability and capacity of storage and servers:
http://www.ibm.com/systems/storage/solutions/tssc/index.html
Q: What testing levels are included in the program?
A: There are two possible testing scenarios: standard and comprehensive. The standard test consists of elements like install, configuration, load, exercise I/O, and backup/restore testing. Comprehensive testing would include the standard testing in addition to a much higher level of integration and failure testing. In either case, these tests are customized for the specific product(s) being tested, and in consultation with the participant.
Q: How do ‘Proven’ products impact technical support for end-user clients?
A: Although IBM System Storage Proven provides pre-qualified storage configurations for clients to choose from, technical support is provided by the respective vendors providing the solution in accordance with their standard support policy. The System Storage Proven 'mark' signifies that the solution meets interoperability criteria with IBM storage products and provides added confidence with the solution implementation.
Q: Is there a fee to participate in the program?
A: Currently, there is no fee to participate in the IBM System Storage Proven program, but as the program matures, IBM may reevaluate the terms of the offering.
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