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IBM’s Carola Cazenave Is A Key Figure In Big Blue’s New Partner Program. Here’s What She Says You Can Expect Next.

IBM’s Carola Cazenave wants partners to know that Big Blue “walks the talk” when it comes to new incentives and enablement.

Cazenave, VP of IBM’s Ecosystem Strategy and Programs, has been a key figure in making the partner program more accessible and profitable. IBM began transforming its partner program with an ecosystem strategy about a year-and-a-half ago. This year, Big Blue is happy to report that IBM added 13,000 net new partners. Cazenave discussed the latest offerings to further drive that growth with CRNtv at IBM’s PartnerWorld held at Think 2019 in San Francisco.

“I have cemented my team into three different teams,” said Cazenave. “One team is focused on simplification and cost reduction for the partners and for us. That team is the one that is announcing what we call the Four-By-Four Project, which includes getting a better pricing experience and software deal registration.”

The second team is about the next generation.

“It is about embedded solutions, SaaS (software-as-a-service) and third-party marketplaces,” she said. So, this year for example we have launched 20 third-party marketplaces and 10 offerings. We want to do more of that.”

And lastly, driving innovation remains a huge focus area. At Think 2019, IBM unveiled its Business Partner Connect portal, which makes it easier for partners to collaborate using the Watson AI platform.

For more of Cazenave’s interview, watch the video included in this article.