IBM announces new cloud computing solution to aid Smarter Commerce

Monday, September 26, 2011

IBM, the world's largest computer services company, recently announced new cloud computing and on-premise products designed to help companies respond to changing consumer and business movements.

According to the company, the new Commerce-as-a-Service and Social Media Marketing products can help organizations automate supplier and trading interactions. This is achieved by accelerating sales from online social and mobile connections to physical stores.

IBM estimates that its Smarter Commerce initiative is part of a growing industry that is worth $20 billion in software, the company stated.

"Smarter Commerce allows customers to shop or buy easily regardless of medium, channel or device," said IBM general manager Craig Hayman. "Informed by deep customer insights, companies can provide a personalized customer experience that feels like a service to consumers."

IBM continues to be an advocate of cloud computing services. Earlier this month, midmarket business marketing vice president Ed Abrams, told CRN that the company is committed to providing $1 billion in financing in the next 18 months to help small- and medium-sized businesses adopt cloud computing and other emerging technologies.