IBM takes social networking to its channel partners

IBM on Tuesday rolled out a social networking system designed to encourage its 100,000 strong partner network to better collaborate on projects.

The effort, the most notable expected to be detailed by IBM CEO Sam Palmisano, is the latest example of Big Blue using popular consumer technologies for real IT projects.

Rich Hume, general manager at IBM Global Business Partners, said the social networking tools are necessary as the company increasingly dabbles in verticals like water management, broadband infrastructure and smart grids.

Think of it as Facebook for the channel. Hume said the company increasingly needs to bring expertise together among systems integrators who previously didn't work together. Projects like digitizing health records, energy metering and transportation architecture often need multiple disciplines to carry out a project.