Enterprise Technology Buyer Education
Buyer education supports reseller visibility inside the BigTech Reseller ecosystem. Use these research guides, glossary terms, and FAQs to understand how vendor alignment, solution expertise, and technology context shape partner discovery.
Glossary
Full glossary →
AS400
IBM's midrange computer platform introduced in 1988, now evolved into IBM Power Systems running IBM i. Still widely referenced in business settings.
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.
IBM Business Partner
An IBM-authorized reseller, distributor, or services provider who has passed IBM's certification and authorization requirements to sell IBM products.
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.
MSP (Managed Service Provider)
A company that remotely manages a customer's IT infrastructure and end-user systems under a subscription or retainer model.
MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider)
A managed service provider specializing in security operations, threat monitoring, incident response, and compliance management.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
All FAQs →- IBM and AS400 What is an IBM reseller? An IBM reseller is a company authorized by IBM to sell IBM products and services.
- IBM and AS400 How do I find IBM Power support in my area? You can find IBM Power support providers through IBM's Business Partner locator or through independent directories like BigTech Reseller.
- General Questions What is the difference between a VAR and an MSP? A VAR (value-added reseller) typically sells you technology products plus implementation services for a specific project.
- IBM and AS400 Is the AS400 still supported by IBM? Yes. The AS400 platform is now called IBM Power Systems running IBM i, and IBM actively develops and supports it. IBM i 7.5 is the current release. IBM Power10 is the...