As for initiatives, IBM showcased three specialties designed to help partners go after the SMB market, which IBM estimates to be as large as $360 billion annually.

IBM partners with L'Oréal, builds AI model to find sustainable cosmetics solutions ... The IBM logo is seen outside the company's offices in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv October 24, 2011.

In an interview with ARN, IBM market leader for ecosystem Billy Apoleska said the vendor’s partner programs include service, build, and focuses on co-selling and channel support.