IBM, Avaya Alliance Offers CRM Solutions

Compiled ByTraci Purdum IBM Corp. and Avaya Inc., a Basking Ridge, N.J.-based provider of voice and data networks, formed an alliance to integrate Avaya's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions with IBM's middleware, eServer technology and e-business solutions. The two firms will collaborate in product development, marketing, sales and services. "Our goals include providing the highest level of functionality and return on technology investment to CRM customers," says Rob Saultz, vice president of CRM Business Development and Strategy of Global Solutions, IBM. "Incorporating Avaya's CRM solutions into IBM's e-business portfolio of products and services will offer customers greater flexibility in selecting the end-to-end CRM solution best suited to their requirements." A joint development program to create a Lotus Notes-compatible version of Avaya Unified Messenger is underway. General availability of the Avaya-IBM joint messaging product is expected the second quarter of 2002.