IBM to launch Lotus Connections

IBM is all set to launch its new social networking software suite -Lotus
Connections. Disclosing this, Alistair Renee, President-Development and
Technical Support, IBM said that new set of tools in Lotus Connections will
combine social networking applications for next-generation businesses.

“The new offering on Web 2.0 style social networking is aimed at empowering
next generation businesses with help of advanced usage of tools such as AJAX.
The new set of tools will enable exchange of information within an organization,
which will be usable and sharable, but at the same time not compromising on the
security aspects,” he informed.

Renee said that continuous innovation has gone into building 'Lotus
Connections,' as a collaboration tool that will enhance employee productivity
and business efficiency.

“Lotus Connections has five tools, namely profile, social book called dogear,
communities, blogging section and activities. While four of the tools have been
developed out of IBM's Boston development center, the India Software Labs in
Pune has developed the activities section,” Renee added.

Indications are that Lotus Connections will be a replica of IBM's Innovation
Factory, a tool employed internally by the company. The tool again uses social
networking technologies to help companies quickly conceive and test new
products.