In an expansion of its long-standing relationship, IBM and Siebel Systems Inc. today announced that Siebel will standardize its UAN application integration initiative on IBMs WebSphere middleware.
Siebel also committed to natively support Java 2 Enterprise Edition in versions of its CRM (customer relationship management) software running on the WebSphere Application Server and WebSphere Portal Server.
As a result, Siebels Universal Application Network will be able to leverage the WebSphere integration platform, including its business process and Web services integration modules, enabling enterprises to better integrate Siebel software with disparate systems, officials from the two companies said.
The expanded alliance will focus on four initiatives. First, the two companies will jointly collaborate to extend UAN, Siebels open standards platform for integration of its applications to disparate systems. The companies also will provide rapid business process integration through the combination of the UAN network and IBMs Business Integration Server.
IBM and Siebel will also provide tighter integration between Siebels eBusiness Applications and IBMs Lotus messaging, calendaring, collaboration and e-learning technologies. A fourth initiative focuses on optimizing the Siebel eBusiness Applications for Big Blues Tivoli systems management and security software, as well as its eServers and DB2 database software.
At the same time, Big Blue, of Armonk, N.Y., and Siebel, of San Mateo, Calif. will co-develop integration adapters for vertical markets the likes of telecommunications, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, automotive and public sector markets.
To start, the companies are launching a new vertical adaptor for retail banking that helps banks deliver consistent services across branch channels. The IBM-Siebel Teller Application branch teller software leverages both Siebels CRM industry-specific applications and IBMs expertise in branch banking – along with the WebSphere platform.
Todays announcement builds on IBMs earlier pledge of support for UAN. Siebel has been lining up partner support for UAN since it unveiled the project last year.
IBM and Siebel announced their initial alliance in 1999 with an agreement to jointly market Siebel CRM applications and provide integration between them and IBMs DB2 UDB database. To date, the companies have about 1,000 joint customers.
The expanded alliance includes the co-developed products and well as joint sales, marketing and services for customers in the financial services, communications, automotive, electronics, technology, hospitality, life sciences, consumer goods, retail and government sectors, officials from both companies said.