IBM commences operations for SME''s in Nashik as part of strategy to focus on Tier-II towns

IBM''s SME offerings have already been well accepted in various industries in Nashik including, auto components, electric components, cooperative banks, government, sugar industry and dairy farms. Some existing customers in Nashik include, the Nashik Municipal Corporation, HAL, India Security Press, ABB, Innova Rubbers, MICO, Ahmednagar Merchant Cooperative Bank, Mahindra Motors, Jyoti Structures Ltd to name a few.

IBM has invested in the development of products and services specifically priced and designed for the SMB marketplace under the brand name ''IBM express portfolio'', which comprises hardware, software, services, solutions and financing and is designed to meet specific criteria for SMBs. Mid-market businesses will also have the opportunity to benefit from IBM''s express advantage initiative which includes the "express portfolio" and provides mid-market businesses access to a network of local IBM business partners and customer experience capabilities.

In India IBM also recently introduced the SME Toolkit. The SME Toolkit is a free program that enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn how to implement sustainable business management practices needed for growth in areas such as finance, accounting, international business, marketing, human resources or legal. The Toolkit includes new Web 2.0 features such as live chat, online forums, business directories and survey capabilities to create a community where small and medium sized business can collaborate - anywhere around the world.

As the fastest growing sector for IBM India, the Global mid-market business unit is ready to address this growth and offers SMEs the solutions and technologies that are critical to their growth in a challenging market. IBM''s Technologies and Solutions for Indian Mid-market businesses provide a competitive edge in this era of globalisation. These offerings are delivered through sales and marketing team of 6,000 people and a network of 90,000 Business Partners, organized in 243 local sales territories around the world.