Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to the Indian economy as they significantly contribute towards exports, generate employment, industrialise rural areas and promote entrepreneurs in remote parts of the country. SMEs have boosted the Indian economy’s competitiveness in an increasingly-challenging global economic scenario.

SME market is, and will remain, a key focus for IBM India. IBM offer SMBs the solutions and technologies that are critical for their survival in the challenging Indian market. Mid-market companies have distinct needs that are often ignored by most service providers and IBM’s technologies and solutions for Indian Small and Mid-market businesses provide a competitive edge in this era of globalisation. IBM is the only player in the market which can offer end to end leading solutions for the small and medium businesses.

We have invested in the development of products and services specifically priced and designed for the SME marketplace under the brand name “Express Advantage”. Additionally, we launched the Smart Business program which is a breakthrough and radically simple way for small and medium businesses to acquire, use and manage technology. IBM conducted focus groups with hundreds of small and medium business executives around the world. They told us about their IT experience and articulated that the existing offerings from competitors were costly, complex and limited their choice, as well as their business agility. IBM Smart Business helps address these concerns. Currently there are 40 ISV’s who have ported their applications on IBM Smart Business Platform.

We have also expanded our geographic coverage beyond the Tier I cities in India and enhancing our partner relationship to be able to address more of the mid-market opportunity. As part of our geographic expansion we have expanded to Tier 2 cities.

BBusiness Partners are critical to IBM’s success, and our mutual goal of delivering superior client value, allows us to win in today’s very challenging economic environment. We find that clients, especially in this segment, are increasingly conscious about ‘value’. To address this, we are working with our Business Partners on building and enhancing their skill levels that will help them showcase the value proposition of our solutions to medium sized businesses.

D&B and IBM present this cluster publication that highlights the issues confronting SMEs in the cluster and throws light on the growth potential of the cluster.

IBM is committed to building a smarter planet and recognises the important role played by SMEs in this regard. I would like to wish all SMEs a prosperous future.

Jyothi Satyanathan
Vice President
IBM.COM, IBM India/SA