IBM's Lotus Software Helps Collaborations Bloom Aim Is Getting More For Less Lotus general manager says "embedded collaboration' will boost firms' productivity.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)(Q & A)

Byline: J. BONASIA

IBM Lotus General Manager Al Zollar says his unit's software is focused on "getting more out of people for less." It aims to help workers collaborate and share knowledge.

"When you look inside organizations, it's rare that individuals accomplish a lot by themselves," Zollar said. "Usually it's in a team setting or a task force that most things get done."

Unlike most any other company, IBM can combine services, hardware and software on a global scale for its clients. The software unit's products include business collaboration from Lotus, business infrastructure from WebSphere, network management from Tivoli and database management from DB2.

IBM bought Lotus, which is 20 years old this year, seven years ago. It first made its name with Lotus 1-2-3, once the leading spreadsheet for desktop PCs. It then became better known for Lotus Notes, its business collaboration software. Notes now has 96 million licensed users. Lotus Notes creator Ray Ozzie has since launched rival start-up Groove Networks, which has about 20 corporate clients.

Collaboration software includes programs for instant messaging, online meetings and Web-based employee training.

Zollar says the Internet has forced working groups to stay more connected than ever. He recently spoke with IBD about the need for business collaboration.