IBM boosts mobile shopping with WebSphere Commerce

IBM says its new suite will make it easier for retailers market their products via mobile handsets

IBM has today announced new software designed to improve the shopping experience for mobile handset users.

The firm said that the software would help retailers to offer their customers a more personalised experience, as well as other options.

WebSphere Commerce 7 features include the ability to deliver customer-specific, targetted coupons, special offers and promotions.

“New sales channels and points of interaction now define and fragment the consumers' retail journey, forcing companies to change the way they market, build relationships and deliver brand value,” said Beth Smith, vice president of WebSphere at IBM.

“WebSphere Commerce is designed to help retailers around the world execute marketing campaigns and build rich customer relationships that span sales channels and interaction models.”

IBM said the new version of WebSphere Commerce would make product comparisons, stock checks and purchases easier to perform.

For retailers, the software can aid the development of promotions, personalised brand information, and other features based on past purchases and practices. These promotions can then be sent over email, by text message or via social networking sites such as Facebook.

Other features are designed to improve the user experience through the use of rich media.