IBM Launches Live Banners

IBM has launched a new display ad prototype that allows video chats with IBM sales reps. For IBM this makes selling advertising placements much easier because their sales reps can speak to potential clients. But, what does this mean for marketers?

by Kristina Knight

The banner ads invite marketers to speak directly with a concierge to discuss the new Express Advantage product suite. So, if online marketers want to advertise with IBM, question reps about services for comparison purposes they can do it “in person” in real time. The visitors then chat within the unit without ever leaving the landing page. The ads use video, VoIP and text chat technology. Avivocom.com developed the LiveBanner ads which are primarily being used on B2B sites.

The company provides two basic products: LiveGuide and LiveBanner. LiveGuide is the platform, which offers one way video, two way VoIP audio and text chat online. LiveBanner uses the same product but inserts it in an advertising unit.

The banner ad says (via MediaPost), "If your business is not exactly big, and not exactly small, you're in exactly the right place.” A moving arrow tells users "start your live chat here." A click on the ad starts a video image of an IBM sales rep who issues a greeting; users can chat via text or speak via a Skype connection.