I was reading the contents of this page http://www-03.ibm.com/software/products/en/websphere-commerce-enterprise to find out more about IBM's Websphere product. I was interrupted by a pop up chat window offering me help.<p>Here is how helpful they were, you be the judge!<p>you: Does WebSphere support business models that have retail, wholesale, independent brands and distributor arms?<p>Justin O.: Yes websphere would .<p>you: any case studies or live examples that you could point me to?<p>Justin O.: Are you looking at purchasing a websphere product ?<p>Justin O.: Can I have your name and company please ?<p>you: I am currently looking for what's available in the market<p>you: any case studies or live examples that you could point me to?<p>Justin O.: Can I have your name and company please ?<p>you: can't you just point me to case studies without getting my details? :)<p>Justin O.: Sorry , I couldn't I need to comply with IBM'S Export and Compliance Regulations .<p>Justin O.: Please refer to our website .<p>you: I am not trying to be difficult but IBM's Export and Compliance Regulations doesn't allow you to point a potential customer to a case study or relevant information that would help him/her to find further information about your product without getting their details?<p>Justin O.: I'm not trying to be difficult either , but we need to know who we are speaking to . Really sorry about this There is relevant information on our web site re Websphere .<p>you: I am requesting you to point me to publicly available information about your product that demonstrates your product's capabilities and you can't do that without knowing my details.<p>you: Thanks for your help.<p>Justin O.: Again apologies , have a nice day .<p>you: You too. Bye<p>Chat InformationChat session has been terminated by the IBM representative.
Yes, it sucks. This is not a support chat but rather a lead generation one. They are so quick to get you on the phone with sales people it is crazy.<p>The upside is that if you want to demo their products, the right reseller can make it happen.<p>I find their site quite frustrating. So many liks are either broken or lead to a sign-in, sign-up, or contact pages.<p>You might get more traction with a local/regional reseller. Just be prepared for the barrage of email and follow-up calls.