IBM has announced its intention to become a defacto recruitment agent for its channel partners in Australia and New Zealand, with the stated aim of increasing the quality of staff of its resellers.

The initial aim of IBM's 'Lite Blue' initiative is to place up to 100 new staff with its channel partners over 2006.

According to IBM, the program aims to increase the capacity of IBM's Business Partner community with highly skilled staff to allow for the expected growth of its channel business. It utilises IBM's network and recruitment resources to assist distributors and direct Business Partners of IBM Systems & Technology Group in identifying, attracting and hiring sales specialists, systems architects and technical support.

"IBM is committed to increased growth through the channel this year. Our strategy is about closer partnerships and providing them with not only the best technology, but the right skills and expertise to grow with us," said Scott Kardash, director, business partners, IBM Australia and New Zealand. "This extends to ensuring our partners have the capacity and best staff to represent our leading technology and the right skills and expertise to be the trusted advisor to their clients when it comes to business and infrastructure solutions."

According to IBM, its recruitment team is currently working with over 20 distributors and direct Business Partners around Australia and is looking to secure over 30 placements within the next three months. IBM will manage the application process and first round interviews before presenting a selection of candidates to the Business Partners, who will then be given responsibility for employing candidates.

According to Michael Rickers, general manager at channel partner ComputerCORP, the program is a unique and innovative initiative.

"This program allows us to piggy-back on IBM's network and strength of brand to communicate and attract the skill level that we may not have been able to reach in the past," said Rickers. "It is inline with ComputerCORP's strategic direction around services and growth, and will only produce a win-win situation for both IBM and its channel."

IBM is calling for sales specialists with industry experience, pre and post sales technical support for the IBM eServer product range and systems architects with experience in designing, implementing and managing complex IT infrastructure. Positions with Business Partners are available in multiple locations around Australia.