Big blue is seeing green, and it wants its business partners to see the same color. To that end, IBM has launched its "Ready for Energy & Environment" validation program for business partners, which currently sits at 100,000 strong. But out of those, only a very small number will qualify.

"We've set a fairly high bar," said IBM's ISVs and developer relations VP Chris Wong. "Only 30 or so partners will make it through the first year."

IBM says that in order for a business partner to pass validation and earn an endorsing mark, its products and services must first meet "stringent criteria" geared towards reducing energy, water, and paper materials. IBM didn't say what those criteria are, saying only that they were "established by the IBM Energy & Environment Review Board" and "are based on IBM's long history of environmentally responsible practices in its own operations."

Business partners who meet IBM's eco-friendly requirements will be allowed to market their product or service as "Ready for IBM Energy & Environment," as well as participate in various IBM marketing campaigns.