AT&T, IBM court digitally savvy consumers

DALLAS — AT&T and IBM teamed up to deliver an e-commerce solution that retailers can use to provide their customers with a consistent shopping experience whether they are shopping online, via a mobile app or in stores.

The new service, expected to be available this year, combines AT&T’s cloud, application management and network services with e-commerce software from IBM’s Smarter Commerce initiative in a single, subscription-based package designed for retailers.

The e-commerce suite makes it easier for shoppers to browse and buy products through any channel. It makes it possible for retailers to efficiently scale up website and application hosting to meet promotional and seasonal needs, without making additional capital investment, by leveraging predictable monthly pricing and integrated software licensing. Retailers will also have easy access to IBM WebSphere Commerce, which is what facilitates a smooth experience across all channels. Retailers can also integrate the suite with other AT&T digital media, network, security, mobility and cloud solutions, including digital signage, in-store WiFi, Web application firewall management, mobile marketing and business intelligence.

“Through our collaboration with IBM, we’re offering retailers a unique ‘one-stop-shop’ for their e-commerce technology needs, with the potential to help them realize online sales growth and improve customer service,” said Steve Caniano, VP of cloud solutions, AT&T Business Solutions.

“Teaming with AT&T, we can help retailers grow their businesses through deeper connections to shoppers across all channels,” said Craig Hayman, IBM industry solutions GM. "Flexible and predictable monthly pricing can help reduce IT investment and risk for growing organizations."

AT&T is exhibiting at booth #103 at the Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition.