How do you convince competitive clients that IBM System i servers are the better alternative? Try piquing their interest by using an unusual direct marketing technique, followed by a personal consultation.

A simple postcard in a neutral envelope with a handwritten address but without a sender. Fixed to the postcard is a regular PC “Esc”-key with a personalised URL printed underneath. On this personalised Website, the recipient can click through a simple questionnaire, providing valuable information on System i, without actually naming the product. Only in the end, IBM is revealed as the sender. There’s also a special effect: as soon as the recipient logs on to “his” Website, a SMS is sent to a sales representative who immediately calls the client, while he is still in front of the PC screen.

Incredibly easy. Incredibly successful. About 65% of all addressees have visited “their” Website. In fact, the mailing was so successful that it has meanwhile been adapted for other target groups as well.