NEW YORK, July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LivePerson, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPSN), a provider of online communication platforms that facilitate real-time assistance and expert advice, and WebCollage, the leading content exchange for manufacturers and their business partners, today announced the introduction of a joint solution that enables companies to replicate the Web experience visitors have on their own website across their partner websites including retailers, VARs and distributors. Companies will now be able to reach potential customers with live sales reps at the point of research on channel partner websites and influence their product selection process.

The joint solution will be marketed to brands that distribute complex products and services through Web-based value added reseller (VAR), agent, retailer and reseller networks, including:

• High-tech manufacturers
• Insurance companies
• Consumer electronics companies
  

The combined solution leverages the key strengths of WebCollage and LivePerson to deliver a robust platform for companies to increase sales and strengthen their channel relationships.

Using WebCollage's patented online point-of-sale (POS) marketing platform, companies can ensure that their entire network of channel partners have current, accurate product marketing integrated into their websites, including rich media, demos, whitepapers and data sheets. LivePerson's online engagement platform enables companies to proactively invite high-priority visitors on a channel partner site to chat with a representative of the enterprise. An enterprise agent can qualify the visitor, answer questions and suggest products, upgrades and accessories. When the chat ends, the visitor is transferred back to the channel partner in real time for follow-up and closing.

WebCollage research shows that when prospective customers have access to complete marketing information, they are more likely to purchase a company's products and services -- thus, making it essential for all companies to ensure that channel partner websites represent their products in the best way possible.

"Decisions on which brand to select are often made on channel partner websites. By integrating online POS marketing with real-time engagement, companies can increase consideration of their products across their entire partner and VAR channel. Wherever a prospective customer chooses to research a product, the enterprise can be there with accurate information and real-time answers," said Kevin Kohn, Executive Vice President of Marketing for LivePerson.

"Manufacturers make sales representatives available in stores due to the value they provide to customers who are making a product decision. This joint solution is the next generation of that trend, and those enterprises that take advantage of the opportunity will be positioned to differentiate their product line from their competitors'. Equally important, live help will strengthen their relationship with resellers and retailers alike, as this solution completely respects the source of where a sale or lead originates while helping to drive sales," said Lauren Freedman, President of the e-tailing group.

"We believe that the future of marketing across industries lies in the collaboration between companies and their channel partners. Combining LivePerson Enterprise with the WebCollage Content Exchange delivers on that promise by allowing companies to support their partners' marketing efforts at every step of the sales cycle," said Jed Alpert, Vice President of Marketing for WebCollage.

The joint solution has been implemented by a leading software company, and is under consideration at a number of Global 1000 enterprises.

About LivePerson

LivePerson is a provider of online engagement solutions that facilitate real-time assistance and expert advice. Connecting businesses and experts with consumers seeking help on the Web, LivePerson's hosted software platform creates more relevant, compelling and personalized online experiences. Every month, LivePerson's intelligent platform helps millions of people succeed online; more than 7,000 companies, including EarthLink, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Qwest, and Verizon, rely on LivePerson to maximize the impact of the online channel. LivePerson is headquartered in New York City.

About WebCollage

From search to buy, WebCollage helps brand marketers engage consumers across the Web. WebCollage's syndication platform optimizes marketing content and provides consumers with a consistent, engaging online brand experience that increases sales and establishes brand continuity. WebCollage works with a wide range of customers, from Fortune 1000 companies to smaller brands worldwide, to extend the power of their brands online. Founded in 2000, WebCollage is a privately-held company headquartered in New York, NY and backed by Sierra Ventures, Cedar Fund, Greylock Partners, GSI Commerce, Inc., and Gilde IT Fund. For more information, please visit: www.webcollage.com or call 1.212.563.2112.

SOURCE LivePerson, Inc.

SOURCE: LivePerson, Inc.

Web site: http://www.liveperson.com/