IBM launches virtual business center

IBM has launched a new virtual business center to provide a workplace for clients, sales staff, and partners to conduct business together.

The IBM centre would have six areas, such as reception, sales center, technical support library, innovation centre, client briefing centre, and conference centre.

A report quoting an IBM statement said that if someone wants to buy hardware, software or services or needs help solving a business problem, the IBM sales avatar can work with the client avatar up to the point of exchanging private information, such as the signing of contracts and the passing of money or credit information. The statement added that it would be handled through a link to IBM's website or by phone.

IBM has combined a 3-D virtual experience, its existing 2-D website, and real IBM people to conduct business. This move is aimed at making customers' business experiences more effective.

Customers can get information faster in the virtual business center than in a website where they have to navigate for required information. In the virtual business center, you can browse the 3-D book shelves, view a 3-D book or just ask the librarian, just like in the real world, the IBM statement added.

With this move, IBM aims to provide an enhanced client experience in a new medium. This is seen as having the potential to transform the way IBM
conducts business.

IBM says that the new virtual centre is an extension of the company’s existing tele-web sales channel. IBM, which has developed the new center with NMC Virtual Worlds, will man the centre with its staff during business hours in their respective countries. IBM has 4,000 employees who are active in the virtual world called Second Life.