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Reference

Enterprise Technology Glossary

Definitions for enterprise technology terms, reseller certifications, IBM product names, and channel partner terminology.

7 Terms

A

AS400
IBM's midrange computer platform introduced in 1988, now evolved into IBM Power Systems running IBM i. Still widely referenced in business settings.
Also: AS/400, iSeries, System i, IBM Power Systems

C

Channel Partner
A company in a vendor's indirect sales network. Channel partners include resellers, distributors, VARs, MSPs, and systems integrators who sell or support a vendor's products.
Also: Partner, Indirect Channel Partner, Technology Partner

I

IBM Business Partner
An IBM-authorized reseller, distributor, or services provider who has passed IBM's certification and authorization requirements to sell IBM products.
Also: IBM Partner, IBM Reseller, IBM Authorized Reseller
IBM i
The operating system for IBM Power Systems, formerly known as OS/400 and i5/OS. IBM i runs business applications written for AS400 and successor platforms.
Also: IBM i, OS/400, i5/OS, AS400 OS

M

MSP (Managed Service Provider)
A company that remotely manages a customer's IT infrastructure and end-user systems under a subscription or retainer model.
Also: Managed Service Provider, Managed IT Provider
MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider)
A managed service provider specializing in security operations, threat monitoring, incident response, and compliance management.
Also: Managed Security Provider, Security MSP

V

VAR (Value-Added Reseller)
A company that purchases technology products and resells them to end customers while adding services such as design, implementation, training, and support.
Also: Value-Added Reseller, Technology Partner, Channel Partner