IBM Rolls Out Communications Unit

IBM (IBM Quote) debuted a new division of its services business on Tuesday, designed to help its customers improve communications over global networks.

Big Blue said the Integrated Communications Services unit will concentrate on providing standardized and replicable communications services products for Fortune 500 customers, as well as small- and medium-sized businesses. IBM will design, install and manage customers' communications networks and applications.

Introduced as part of the new unit are two service products: Network convergence services, which helps design and manage networks for data, voice and video; and IP telephony services.

"In order for clients to be able to exploit the world of anytime, anywhere communications, they must have the right networking and applications environment integrated with their business processes," Laurence Guihard-Joly, IBM vice-president, IBM Integrated Communications Services, said in a statement. "IBM can help clients design and deploy solutions that meet their immediate and long-term business objectives for growth."

IBM shares closed Monday trading at $82 after adding 79 cents.