SOMERS, NY -- Yesterday, IBM unveiled the new PartnerWorld Industry Network for independent software vendors (ISVs) focusing on the automotive industry.

According to IBM, more than 100 ISVs already have committed to join the PartnerWorld Automotive Industry Network, including: PeopleSoft, Inc.; Rockwell Automation, Inc.; DST, Inc.; Informatica Corp.; DMS Systems Corp.; C&A Systems Inc.; and MSC.Software Corp.

"The automotive sector comprises one of the largest sets of interconnected markets in the world and presents a huge opportunity for ISVs to capture new revenue,” said Buell Duncan, general manager, ISV & Developer Relations, IBM. "Working together with IBM, ISVs can capitalize on the wide range of benefits available through the PartnerWorld Automotive Industry Network to more effectively develop and deliver solutions to their customers' most pressing business needs."

As part of IBM’s $1 billion investment in ISV programs this year, the PartnerWorld Industry Network aims to provide ISVs with unmatched go-to-market sales support and technical resources that are specifically tailored to their industry requirements. The new automotive network will offer ISVs with a wide range of technical, sales and marketing and business tools to help them grow their businesses and drive greater shareholder value and operational excellence for their customers.

Tom Haas, vice president of Supply Chain Solutions at DST, Inc., which has joined the network, said: "Never have traditional lines of demarcation in the automotive industry been less definitive. Segment definitions like OEM and aftermarket have lost relevance as supply chains converge and technology-aided collaboration has become the paradigm for success. DST's ability to leverage IBM iSeries technology is essential in our quest to facilitate transformation in the automotive parts supply chain."

For more information about the program, visit: www.ibm.com/partnerworld.

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