Extending its Smarter Commerce initiative, IBM announced a definitive agreement today to acquire Tealeaf Technology, Inc., a leading provider of customer experience analytics software that helps organizations react more swiftly to consumer trends in today's digital marketplace. Financial details were not disclosed.

The need to deliver a seamless mobile experience has become increasingly critical to chief marketing officers (CMOs) with global online commerce expected to hit $1 trillion by 2014 and mobile commerce $200 billion by 2015.

Mining operations usually provide much needed employment in developing countries but these jobs have a finite life. As Alan Swaby learns, a longer point of view is what’s really called for.

There’s nothing new in the bigger mining companies, operating in third world or developing countries, having social responsibility policies. But the question is not what to do while the mine is in operation but rather how to put in place a sustainable structure that can still function even after the life of the mine is over.

Jack Liebenberg,managing director of Tranter Rock Drills, talks to Jayne Alverca about leading the company through the latest phase of its evolution.

Tranter Rock Drills may be a relatively new commercial entity, but it has an industrial legacy that stretches back more than half a century. The Rock Drills division of Boart Longyear, known throughout the South African mining industry by the acronym SECO, was originally founded in 1934 and has honed its expertise in rock drills and airlegs since the 1950s.

The Big 5 International Building and Construction Shows in Dubai and Jeddah are going from strength to strength. Event director Andy White talks about innovating to attract more high value visitors and to facilitate exhibitors’ export potential.

DHL Express leads the market in global express delivery services, and continues to hone and improve its performance. Joerg Andriof talks to Gay Sutton about managing this complex and extensive network and returning the company to profit.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has confirmed its acquisition of a 2.987 per cent stake in Ireland’s national carrier, Aer Lingus.

Etihad said the purchase reflected its desire to forge a commercial partnership with Aer Lingus, believing this could lead to significant commercial benefits for both airlines.

Etihad Airways operates 10 flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin and has carried more than 750,000 passengers between the two destinations since it began flying the route in July 2007.

Economic activity in the US manufacturing sector expanded in April for the 33rd consecutive month, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

The Institute for Supply Management index of manufacturing activity rose to 54.8 last month, from 53.4 in March. An index figure above 50 indicates growth. The ISM's measure of employment in the sector also rose to a nine-month high.

UK-based Sirius Minerals has announced plans for a potash mine in North Yorkshire, following the completion of a detailed scoping study (DSS).

The company said that York Potash has the potential to become one of the world's most important mining and fertilizer projects. Funding options are now being exploredfor the first $2.7 billion development phase.

The project will be sited between Whitby and Scarborough, although Sirius has not yet specified a precise location.