IBM vaporizes the org chart with RIM collaboration

IBM expects to redefine what it means to be “at work” this year. As messaging becomes unified and collaboration applications are delivered to mobile devices, even the most complex applications will always be with us. IBM foresees an end to rigidity in software, hierarchies, and business structures — a process that starts with BlackBerry integration.

That was the message at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium where IBM (NYSE: IBM) showed new love for the BlackBerry.

The company made several announcements related to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0. Its Lotus Symphony word processor, Lotus Sametime IM software, and Lotus Connections enterprise social networking software are all now natively supported by the BlackBerry software.

IBM plans to add support for more packages later this year. LotusLive Meetings, a cloud service delivering integrated audio and Web conferencing, will soon be supported on the BlackBerry platform.

IBM demonstrated its Mobile Ally software, due to be released soon. The product was jointly developed with SAP and runs natively on BlackBerry. It connects IBM’s Lotus Notes with SAP Business Suite to deliver faster decision making. “Today if you’re a client of SAP and someone has a lead or travel request, it’s typically managed in a system of screens,” said Bob Picciano, general manager of IBM Lotus. “When you integrate that into the Lotus portfolio, all of the information is presented in context — the status of the company travel budget, the company’s travel policy — and you don’t need to go to other applications to make a decision.”

It’s all about management theory.