We're pleased to announce that the IBM Champion program, hosted by developerWorks, has expanded to recognize and reward clients and partners who evangelize and advocate Tivoli Software, share their expertise, and help grow the community.
 
The IBM Champion program recognizes exceptional contributors to the technical community -- clients and partners who work alongside IBM to build solutions for a smarter planet. An IBM Champion is an individual who leads and mentors his or her peers and motivates them toward IBM solutions and services. Champions can be found running user groups, managing websites, speaking at conferences, answering questions in online forums, and writing blogs, submitting wiki articles, sharing how-to videos, and writing technical books.
 
The IBM Champion program recognizes and thanks these innovative thought leaders, amplifying their voice and increasing their sphere of influence in the technical community.
 
Benefits for an IBM Champion
 
In addition to merchandise customized with the IBM Champion logo, IBM Champions will receive special visibility, recognition and networking opportunities at IBM events and conferences. They will receive special access to product development teams, and invitations and discounts to events and conferences. IBM Champions will receive online recognition via their Tivoli Community profiles (on Service Management Connect and the Tivoli User Community), with a special designation of "IBM Champion" and a listing of notable achievements. IBM Champions retain their title for one year, after which they can apply for renewal.

Nomination process and eligibility
 
Self nominations and nominations by proxy will be accepted online through August 13th, 2011. A panel of IBMers will evaluate each nominee's contributions over the past 12 months, considering community impact, expertise, and overall community contributions, both in terms of quality and level of participation across a wide variety of activities. Nominees will be notified by IBM if they are selected. Although IBM employees are not eligible for the program, they are encouraged to nominate deserving partners and clients.
 
For more information To learn more about the IBM Champion program and to submit a nomination, visit:
 
www.ibm.com/developerworks/champion