IBM Sides with Sideware
In an effort to offer a scalable turnkey solution that can be easily deployed across multiple customer service channels, IBM and Sideware will collaborate on customer service applications designed to assist companies of all sizes and government agencies.
“IBM has long provided the innovative products that we needed to build superior online customer service applications,” said James Speros, president and CEO of Sideware. “Today's strategic alliance announcement strengthens our relationship with IBM and gives us the tools we need to continue delivering industry-leading applications.”
The three-year partnership will integrate Sideware's scalable, open system
Enterprise Interaction Suite (EIS) eCRM (electronic customer relationship management) software with IBM's hardware and middleware, including DB2(1) Universal Database, WebSphere Application Server(1) and eServers(1) pSeries(1) and xSeries(1).
“Sideware's eCRM applications combined with IBM's DB2, WebSphere Application Server, and eServers provide a total solution for organizations who want to increase operating efficiencies and better serve their customers,” said Marianne Cooper, vice president State & Local Government, IBM Public Sector. “Together we can help improve the quality of online customer service and, at the same time, enhance customer satisfaction, increase productivity, and reduce operating costs.”
Both Sideware and IBM Public Sector, IBM Global Services and IBM Small Business will jointly market and sell the solutions in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, WebSphere and DB2 will be Sideware's primary development platforms.
The two companies have had a previous relationship — Sideware is an e-government service partner of IBM and its eCRM solution is based on IBM's VisualAge for Java(2) technology platform.
