IBM today announced that more than 3,600 partners have joined IBM's SOA Partner Program, which is more than triple the amount of partners enrolled at this time last year.

Depending on their level in the program, Business Partners have access to a range of software, services, tools, education marketing and sales benefits. In addition, they can benefit from Web-based sales support delivered through the PartnerWorld Industry Networks and its Virtual Innovation to help their customers with mission critical SOA projects.

Since the program was announced last year, more than 145 Business Partners have been accepted to the IBM SOA Specialty, which is the highest level where Business Partners receive the most benefits. This requires Business Partners to complete rigorous SOA technical and business requirements and align to IBM's software and strategy for SOA.