Just a year into its relationship with IBM, Cognos specialist Synergy Business Intelligence is already making its presence known by securing the 2009 IBM award for 'Top Business Partner in General Business' category. Cognos was acquired by IBM in 2008.
According to Christo Bredenkamp, managing director of Synergy BI, the company has focused on the Cognos solution set for years. “With the acquisition of the vendor by IBM, there was obviously some adjustment required in terms of how we would engage and relate to the new structures. However, the transition was very smooth and we have been satisfied with the attention and support from IBM, which has ensured continuity from our perspective as a reseller. Most importantly, it has also ensured continuity from the perspective of our clients,” he says.
An oft-winner of accolades from Cognos in the past, Synergy BI - which itself has undergone substantial changes in recent years - has affirmed its status as a leading business intelligence solutions provider to South African companies.
“This award is perhaps more significant than any other as it confirms the relevance of our business model through tumultuous and demanding trading conditions, and shows that we are adding value to IBM immediately,” Bredenkamp notes.
He points out that after consolidating to its traditional coastal territories, Synergy BI re-opened its Johannesburg presence in 2009 and has quickly grown the headcount and activities of the Gauteng office under the leadership of Christine Beswick. “A considered approach through the economic slowdown has allowed us to work closely with clients to create solid value from BI solutions,” says Bredenkamp.
The company remains focused on establishing a competent performance management team, covering all aspects of BI and FPM (financial performance management). “By exercising some caution and careful discipline, we have grown the business steadily while ensuring customer satisfaction - key elements in securing this award from IBM. Meanwhile, the last six months have seen a substantial increase in demand for the solutions we offer,” Bredenkamp adds.
Malcolm Stewart, IBM Channel Manager - Sub Saharan Africa, affirms that being named a top partner in the first year of transition into IBM is significant. “To receive recognition like this says a lot. Only the very top IBM partners across all our different brands and business units were awarded in 2009, which was undoubtedly one of the more challenging years for business in recent memory,” he says.
As a proven Cognos partner, Stewart says that as trading conditions continue to improve, the future is bright for Synergy BI. “We're also seeing the growing strategic importance of BI solutions in the enterprise; that's part of the rationale behind IBM's acquisition of Cognos. That leaves Synergy BI - and IBM itself - well positioned to address the needs of South African business in the coming years.”
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