STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 07, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- IBS, International Business Systems, (XSSE:IBS B) has entered into a strategic partnership with IBM Global Financing to offer financing to its customers across Europe. The agreement with IBM Global Financing, one of the world's largest IT financiers, enables IBS' customers to receive a full range of software, consulting services, hardware and financing.
In Sweden, IBS has offered financing through IBS Finansservice since 1994. The positive experience gained from offering financing as part of the IT solution that is delivered, has served as a basis for the ambition to extend the offer to cover all customers in Europe. By adopting a financing alternative in which the payments are matched against the anticipated efficiency gains in operations, the investment has a minimal negative impact on the customer's cash flow.
"The co-operation with IBM is extremely positive. We have developed attractive financing solutions for many years in Sweden, with great success. The fact that we can now offer total financing solutions on all our markets in Europe is very attractive for both large and smaller companies," says Magnus Wastenson, CEO of IBS.
"IBM Global Financing addresses the business needs of customers through flexible and competitive financing options for their IT investments -- directly and through IBM Business Partners. Through the co-operation with IBS, we can reach more customers and ensure that the solution they have chosen is also financially workable" says Jeff Smith, Vice President Customer Financing Sales at IBM Global Financing in Europe.
Attractive financing for IT investments has gained growing importance in connection with the procurement of new or upgraded business systems. IT is increasingly becoming a strategic issue for corporate managements with major demands for proven business benefits and return on invested capital. By including financing in the solutions that are offered, it will be easier to identify total monthly costs and return on investments.
IBS, International Business Systems, is a leading provider of business software for supply chain management, business intelligence, financial control, and demand-driven manufacturing. IBS' primary focus is mid- sized and large wholesale distributors as well as sales and manufacturing companies in international groups, especially in pharmaceuticals, electronic parts and equipment, automotive parts and supplies, machinery, industrial supplies and consumer durables. For more information, please visit www.ibs.se
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