IBM and Siebel Systems have announced a global strategic alliance to integrate Siebel Systems` multi-channel CRM software applications with IBM`s e-business capabilities. The scope of the alliance includes world-wide joint marketing, collaborative selling, software integration and extensive joint development.
"The alliance will quickly generate financial returns and competitive advantage for our joint customers. IBM`s global reach, industry knowledge, and strength in hardware, software, and services, combined with Siebel Systems` CRM market leadership, will deliver compelling value for customers seeking improved customer retention and loyalty," said Thomas M. Siebel Chairman and CEO, Siebel Systems, Inc.
The integration gives customers a powerful platform, dramatically reducing cost and risk, accelerating deployment, and improving return on investment.
"Together Siebel and IBM can provide an end-to-end capability to customers that no other competitor can match," said Bill Etherington, Senior Vice President & Group Executive, IBM Sales & Distribution.
Dedicated engineering, product marketing and quality assurance teams will manage the integration and optimisation of the entire integrated e-business solution. The two organisations will jointly market and sell Siebel CRM applications, which fully support IBM`s DB2 Universal Database and are optimised for IBM`s S/390, RS/6000, NUMA-Q, AS/400 and Netfinity servers.
The Siebel CRM solutions will also fully support the IBM Application Framework for e-business and embrace IBM`s enabling middleware and component-based technologies, including MQ Series, WebSphere, net.commerce and IBM`s Computer Telephony Integration products. And in addition, the two companies will initially focus on customers in the finance, insurance, communications and consumer packaged goods industries. They have agreed to integrate the functionality of Visual Banker and Siebel Finance to deliver more robust industry-specific CRM solutions for the financial services sector.
Share
IBM
IBM`s Customer Relations Management unit falls within the e-business division of the IBM Software Group. The unit focuses on the pivotal role that Customer Relationship Management disciplines play in the successful implementation of e-business strategies via the integration of computer, telecommunications and Internet mechanisms. A suite of e-CRM products is available in modular format, enabling management and integration of all aspects of a company`s customer service - from legacy customer data, to supply chain management and front office customer interfaces. Visit the IBM CRM website at www.corepoint.com.
Siebel Systems
Siebel Systems, Inc. is the world`s leading supplier of Web-based front office software systems. Siebel Systems provides an integrated family of sales, marketing and customer service application software for field sales, customer service, telesales, telemarketing, field service, third-party resellers and Internet based eCommerce. Siebel Systems` products are designed to meet the needs of small, medium and large businesses. Siebel Systems` sales and service facilities are deployed locally in more than 20 countries and can be reached through the World Wide Web at www.siebel.com.