IBM signs deals to expand LotusLive appeal

IBM is expanding LotusLive to include other web-based applications

IBM has announced several partnerships that will add features to its LotusLive social networking service.

The company has signed deals with UPS, Salesforce, Skype and Silanis to offer new services through the LotusLive platform.

IBM will also offer a $7 (£4.50) monthly subscription service which will bundle LotusLive with Lotus iNotes webmail as a single web-based service.

The addition of Skype will allow LotusLive users to make VoIP calls and share files with contacts, while the agreement with UPS will let users ship and track packages from within LotusLive.

Salesforce will add the ability to access LotusLive meetings and file transfers from within the web-based service's dashboard, and online signature service Silanis will incorporate its online contract signing service into LotusLive.

IBM hopes that the deals will boost the appeal of LotusLive, which was announced at Lotusphere in January.

The firm has long sought to offer the service in combination with other web-based applications as a more secure, business-oriented alternative to other social networking sites.

"In its first year, IBM LotusLive has attracted millions of people from businesses of all sizes who want to work easily and securely with people outside and inside their company," said Sean Poulley, IBM's vice president of cloud collaboration.

"Now IBM is weaving essential business services like shipping, contract signing, internet calling and customer relationship management into the fabric and flow of how people get work done every day."