IBM's ARC Scores Set a High Bar

Lenovo will have a tall order to fill if it wants to maintain the high standards IBM has achieved in its partner programs. According to VARBusiness' Annual Report Card (ARC), which surveys more than 4,500 solution providers, IBM has set a high bar.

In the 2004 ARC survey, IBM tied with Hewlett-Packard for first place in advanced desktops and workstations, with an overall score of 65 (see chart, below). That was a marked improvement from its third-place finish in 2003, when it lagged behind both HP and Sun.

IBM also toted up stellar scores in 2004, winning or tying for first in 11 of 15 subcategories, which measured support, partnership, innovation and loyalty.

However, during the past three years Big Blue hasn't fared as well for its partnering-specific ratings. For example, in 2003 IBM came in third, behind Sun and HP. This year, IBM moved up to second place, trailing HP by one point.