IBM has unveiled a new social networking and collaboration mobile apps specifically designed to address enterprise-class requirements.

The new software, available for download from popular app stores, allows employees to more effectively collaborate and share data, images and conduct meeting more securely.

IDC France forecasts the tablet market to reach over 4.1 million in 2012, up 48 percent from 2011. A recent IBM study also revealed that 73 percent of business leaders surveyed currently allow mobile devices or tablets to connect to their corporate networks.

"The ability to play Angry Birds is fun, but being able to also securely access business applications, enterprise content and accelerate your organization will be the real gift that keeps on giving," said Victor Silvino, Country Manager for Software Group, IBM Philippines.

To meet the demands of the fast-growing mobile workforce, and the software developers who support them, IBM is delivering:

Social networking for iPad: Available at no cost for existing IBM Connections users, this app includes a new interface ideal for tablet devices allowing for unique document editing capabilities.

Capabality to attend online meetings: Employees can attend online meetings from their tablets anytime, any place with LotusLive Meeting and view shared presentations, chat with meeting participants and virtually raise and lower hands from tablets and other mobile devices. IBM Sametime software users can also lead, participate in and manage browser-based meetings from their iPad or Android tablets.

Instant messaging: New mobile apps for iPad and Android enable IBM Sametime users to use tablets to take immediate action on urgent business tasks with one-on-one or group instant messaging, background notifications, and ability to send photos through the chat window.

Access to business documents: IBM Lotus Symphony Viewrs allow users to view any ODF-based document, spreadsheet and presentation on their Android devices.

Reduced call costs: IBM Sametime Unified Telephony on tablets allows a user to initiate calls to whatever phone happens to be nearby by controlling call routing preferences and device selection as well as have his one unified nubbier appear in caller ID.

Easier access to mail and calendar: IBM Lotus Notes Traveler allows IBM mail users to easily add widgets to their Android home screens for quick, convenient access to mail and calendar.

Tools to build mobile apps: IBM is also helping developers create mobile applications faster with an improved experience for the user. Its Mobile Technology Preview is designed to help enterprises get started with mobile application development.

Tool to improve users' web experience: IBM WebSpheere Portal Mobile Experience solution helps companies more easily control the content, look and feel and page navigation on mobile devices. Higher quality mobile Web experiences mean more repeat business, more recommendations and fewer clients lost to competitors.

This new software is part of a suite of capabilities IBM offers to effectively address 21st century workforce trends.