IBM tops global market share for enterprise social software

CEBU, Philippines - American market research, analysis and advisory firm specializing in information, technology, telecommunications and consumer technology IDC recently ranked IBM number one in worldwide market share for enterprise social software.

Social networking adoption is said to continue to soar as businesses look to transform their organization into a smarter enterprise that is capable of empowering a global workforce and transforming client experiences.

In a report, IDC revealed that the worldwide enterprise social market segment reached 1 billion in 2012, representing growth of 25 percent over 2011.

"Based on the ComScore April 2012 report, around 96 percent of Filipinos who go online use social media.  As such, social business adoption in the Philippines should not be far behind.  Businesses must quickly shift and learn to operate in today's social age where innovation, speed and exceptional client experiences are essential,” said Aileen Rodriguez, country manager for Software Group, IBM Philippines.

"IBM's social business platform can help enable and accelerate that transformation and help change the way people work," Rodriguez added.

As this demand grows, organizations are looking to introduce social capabilities into all key areas, from marketing and research innovation to sales and human resources.

The challenge is that many lack the ability to capture and share the unique insights from each employee and use it to help drive real value to the business.

According to Rodriguez, IBM's social business software and services pair powerful social networking capabilities with analytics that help companies engage all key stakeholders whether an employee, customer or partner in order to accelerate innovation and deliver results.

Today, more than 60 percent of Fortune 100 companies have licensed IBM's solutions for social business, including eight of the top 10 retailers and banks.

IBM's social networking platform, IBM Connections, allows for instant collaboration with one simple click and the ability to build social communities both inside and outside the organization. As a result Connections helps organizations increase customer loyalty and speed business results.

IBM Connections is available both on premise and in the IBM SmartCloud for Social Business. IBM currently has three IBM SmartCloud for Social Business facilities based in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Leading IBM social business global clients include Prudential Insurance, Fluor Corporation, Lowe's Home Improvement, LeasePlan and Electrolux. /JMD (FREEMAN)