IBM has unveiled new social networking and collaboration mobile apps specifically designed to address enterprise-class requirements. The new software, available for download from the various app stores, takes IBM’s social networking, real-time collaboration and online meeting capabilities from behind the company firewall and places it into the hands of tablet users.

The software allows employees to more effectively collaborate and share data, images and conduct meeting and on the fly more securely as part of their everyday work experience.  Yes, the software runs on iPads.

A quick look at some of the apps:

Social networking for iPad: Available from the Apple app store at no charge for existing IBM Connections users, the new app includes a interface for tablet devices allowing for document editing capabilities.

Attend Online Meetings: Available on Android, BlackBerry, iPad, and iPhone devices, LotusLive Meeting users can 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: The mobile apps for iPad and Android enable one-on-one or group instant messaging, background notifications, and the ability to send photos through the chat window for IBM Sametime users.

Access business documents: Available now in the Android Marketplace, IBM Lotus Symphony Viewers allow users to view any ODF-based document, spreadsheet and presentation on their Android devices. The viewers will be available for other devices soon.