IBM offers new leasing program to make PCs accessible to more Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines - In an attempt to make computers accessible to more Filipinos, global technology giant IBM has started a new leasing program that includes the buyback of used equipment.

This new program, provided by the global financing unit of IBM, helps clients easily and affordably acquire new mid-range and high-end IBM power systems and storage offerings. It also includes IBM cash-back for new or used equipment, attractive lease terms and no payments until early 2011 for credit-qualified clients. The program expands opportunity for thousands of Oracle-Sun and HP customers in the region following a successful launch in the US last month.

“IBM’s continued investment in R&D for power and storage and its well-defined product roadmap will protect new customers from technology obsolescence and keep their businesses on the right track,” said Jennifer So, country manager for IBM Global Financing (IGF).

Through the IGF lease program, clients can be confident their technology expenditure will keep pace with their technology growth, without major up-front cash outlays for incremental capacity increases. Credit qualified clients are able to easily “turn on” additional processing capacity built into the mid-range Power 770 and high-end 780 and 795 power systems and IBM storage systems — without major disruption to their operations — and experience little or no change to monthly lease payments through a base lease extension.

This smooth transition approach for both technology and cash flow allows clients to maximize their investment and achieve higher economic value throughout the IT life cycle, while avoiding technology obsolescence with affordable mid-lease upgrades and programmatic refreshes.

“We will extract as much value as we can for the customer. The money can be applied to IBM systems, software and services. Leasing can smooth out up-front transition costs, helping to better match costs with expected benefits,” added So.

IBM will provide clients with cash-back opportunities for specified old competitor equipment, which can be applied to new power systems and storage lease payments. Used and old non-IBM systems will be processed, dismantled or sold as parts and scrap on the secondary market.

Additionally, credit-qualified clients can benefit from a interest-free payment deferral and avoid payments until early 20112 on their new power and storage infrastructure to accommodate a seamless move to IBM systems.

Through leases, IGF helps clients convert large upfront investments into a stream of monthly payments to make budgeting easier and more predictable. By leasing equipment from IBM, clients preserve cash for other strategic investments- growing their core business, funding additional innovation or staying competitive.