TD SYNNEX has announced the launch of its IBM watsonx Gold 100 program, which aims to recruit 100 TD SYNNEX partners and equip them to achieve IBM's Gold-tier partner status. Gold-tier partners will leverage IBM watsonx opportunities through a combination of IBM technology and TD SYNNEX value-add capabilities.

Globally, the number of partners planning to offer AI solutions jumped 625% in just one year, according to the TD SYNNEX Direction of Technology Report. But according to IDC, 80% of partners will not fully capitalize on AI-related growth and development potential in 2024 because of the inability to identify immediate opportunities relevant to their business profile.

"When it comes to investment in AI, it can be difficult for partners to know where to start so we aim to provide not just solutions, but guidance, training and enablement to help them navigate the AI revolution successfully," said Sergio Farache, executive vice president of strategy and global technology business, TD SYNNEX. "This comprehensive program is one example of how our Destination AI program can help partners harness the massive opportunity for growth available through AI, including the opportunities made possible by the IBM watsonx platform."

The program will help select partners grow and maximize their AI practice with the IBM watsonx AI and data platform. It will include:

• Enablement and training to accelerate a partner's learning journey in AI to enable full watsonx deployment
• Business planning and sales acceleration that includes exclusive access to key IBM resources and TD SYNNEX strategy development and account planning
• Marketing and demand generation to help leverage IBM partner assets, a robust use case library and TD SYNNEX strategic marketing consulting
• Expert services and presales support including dedicated TD SYNNEX watsonx teams, and access to expert IBM technical resources
• Demos including Center of Excellence resources and on-demand access to IBM learning and demo environments on IBM Cloud

As part of this collaboration, TD SYNNEX will establish IBM watsonx Centers of Excellence in four TD SYNNEX locations in North America and Europe in 2024, where partners will be able to experience POC watsonx solutions and get personalized enablement support.

TD SYNNEX customer C4G is an existing IBM partner that intends to grow its AI practice through IBM watsonx and the TD SYNNEX program.

"C4G is committed to setting a new benchmark in the development and deployment of ethical AI solutions," said John Tanner, CEO and chief strategist, C4G Enterprises Inc. "Through TD SYNNEX's IBM watsonx Accelerator program, we are rapidly expanding our capabilities and ability to deliver value to our customers, while never losing sight of the mission. Our partnership with TD SYNNEX has been a game changer for C4G, and we are thrilled to have them at our side every step of the way."

The IBM watsonx platform includes three core components designed to help businesses scale and accelerate the impact of AI with their trusted data. The three core components of the platform (watsonx.ai, watsonx.data and watsonx.governance) allow businesses to customize their AI solution based on their needs. IBM watsonx also includes multiple AI assistants that help to automate workflows and implement AI across several business and technical functions (IBM watsonx Assistant, IBM watsonx Code Assistant and IBM watsonx Orchestrate).

"The key to adoption and success with AI is enabling partners with fast access to the technology, use cases and hands-on training," said David La Rose, general manager of the IBM ecosystem, Sell. "To better support our mutual clients who are using our portfolio of AI and hybrid cloud offerings, our collaboration with TD SYNNEX is providing the resources to prioritize the needs of growing partners, such as rapid skills transfer, opportunity planning and ongoing sales and revenue growth support. These tools can be transformative for a partner's business trajectory and are just one example of how the IBM Ecosystem is working to cultivate growth and AI adoption for all kinds of partners."