IBM said it is partnering with US IT company Ariba and open-source software-solution vendor SugarCRM to help clients use social commerce and customer relationship management (CRM) in the cloud.
This in turn helps the sales team to collaborate with prospects and customers during lead generation, lead-to-cash and issue resolution processes, the company said.
"For example, a sales agent can now instantly launch a LotusLive (cloud-based service) online meeting with key prospects right from the Sugar application, and quickly and easily share important files and information with a few simple clicks," IBM said on its website.
The US technology firm also said that LotusLive, its suite of business networking and collaboration cloud-based services, is being adopted by new clients such as Australian Bureau of Statistics, C&D Foods, Crawford & Company, FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, General Milling Corporation, General Motors Components Holdings and the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australia.
IBM said the clients have benefitted from its cloud initiatives.
The company cited the example of General Motors Components Holdings (GMCH) which wanted a cloud solution that would meet its requirements for performance and reliability without the capital expenditure necessary to run email in-house.
IBM said GMCH chose its LotusLive Notes for the flexibility and purchased LotusLive Connections to facilitate social networking and collaboration between employees in the cloud.
By adding business partner integrations, LotusLive delivers more cloud-based options to simplify and improve everyday business activities, the company said.
