IBM just released a global survey of more than 360 marketing practitioners and one of the key findings is that marketers want to be better aligned with their IT organizations. There’s a lot of data about the lousy tools most marketers have two analyze the flood of data they’re collecting, but the relevant point for tech pros is that “nearly 60% indicate that lack of IT alignment and integration are significant barriers to the adoption of technology.” The research breaks the respondent base into two categories: Top Performers and Rest of Population. MORE >>

All the rage these days in the marketing world is for companies to become more customer-centric.  However, it turns out customers generate A LOT of data, and the data generated almost never ends up in one place. It seems that data silos are multiplying because many marketers don’t have a defined, actionable strategy for collecting and analyzing data, not only from emerging channels; i.e. web, mobile, and social, but even traditional channels like sales and market research. It is time to put an end to the disparate data problem. MORE >>

Usage data shows we appreciate instant access to the companies we do business with via mobile apps aimed at taking the heavy lifting out of resolving customer service issues and questions. Manager, Solutions Marketing, Nuance, tells me mobile apps have a significant appeal among more mature users, a customer segment that “typically values convenience, ease of use and life-simplifying solutions.” However, the new research from Nuance and Vocalabs shows that not all verticals offering customer service apps are doing a good job of it. Think again. MORE >>

The straw poll of 100 attendees at the show conducted by affilinet found that 65 percent of respondents felt mobile, online and offline would play a major role in their marketing outreach. Research firm eMarketer estimates nearly 116 million Americans will use a smartphone at least monthly by the end of this year, up from 93.1 What marketing opportunities exist around this class of consumers? SOURCE: www.inmobi.com/research. Featured Mobile Advertising & Marketing Mobile Apps Research Android Apple BuzzCity InMobi Mobile phone Motorola Solutions MORE >>

However, developers that primarily support tablets have increased to 36 percent to 13 percent from last year, indicating that developers now feel this market offers more of an upside than smartphone development. Companies of all sizes seem to be expanding their allocated budgets for mobile marketing, but not all are developing the comprehensive mobile strategies they need to wring the most value out of the money they invest in mobile. The survey showed that this practice is holding businesses back from embracing and making the most of mobile marketing. SOURCE: [link]. MORE >>