DST Joins IBM Vertical Industry Program

Mission Viejo, CA…March 23, 2007… DST Inc., an IBM Optimized Business Partner and leading provider of end-to-end parts supply chain solutions, has joined IBM’s new System i Vertical Industry Program (VIP). The program is designed for select sub-industries in which the “all-in-one” IBM System i business computing platform can provide a unique business advantage while speeding customer implementations with specialized, local expertise.

The System i VIP will focus on building a strong community of solution providers, resellers, and integrators focused on solving very specific customer needs through co-marketing activity, sales support and stronger connections among partners. The combination of local IBM presence with the vertical specialization of the VIP members will provide customers competitively-priced solutions optimized to integrate with the System i for faster, easier implementation.

"The System i VIP will allow IBM to provide greater value to its System i partners as well as existing and prospective customers," said Peter Small, director of world wide sales for IBM System i Partners and ISVs. “IBM’s partners will provide local support to ensure our mutual customers receive the best solution for their business, increasing customer satisfaction.”

Lou Stover, DST’s VP Marketing said, “The incomparable reliability and exceptional scalability, configurability, and adaptability of System i are key reasons to employ the platform for business-critical applications in the parts industry. Low staffing requirements for system and database administration, as well as distinctive strengths in disaster recovery, security, and virus protection also contribute to the impressive return on investment of the System i.”

IBM plans to launch more than 80 VIPs for System i in 15 countries this year. By helping partners maximize their expertise in a particular local industry, the program will allow partners to replicate their efforts in similar sub-industries elsewhere in the world.