IBM set to take BlackBerry mobile working further

According to Bob Picciano, general manager of IBM Lotus Software, BlackBerry smartphone users will soon be able to read documents on the road without a laptop, and respond in real time with IBM Symphony word processing software. "IBM Lotus software on the BlackBerry platform redefines what it means to be at work," says Picciano. "BlackBerry smartphone customers will have access to a suite of Lotus applications, including personal productivity, real-time collaboration and social software tools that can help them work smarter on the go." He explains that the new BlackBerry client for Lotus Sametime enables IM (instant messaging), presence awareness, contacts, broadcasts, file transfer and click-to-call. And he suggests that traditional landlines will become obsolete through the combination of VoIP with presence awareness via IBM Lotus Sametime and corporate network and wireless routing with BlackBerry Bold smartphones. Picciano also says that LotusLive Meetings – the new software service in IBM's cloud-based portfolio – will soon support the ability to participate in online meetings on BlackBerry. Using the 3G network, mobile workers will get integrated audio and web conferencing, he says, adding that an open beta program for mobile LotusLive Meetings will be available in June at www.LotusLive.com.