He is responsible for driving strategies, plans, and execution of IBM's software      business  with customers and partners in the telecommunications, media & entertainment,  and energy & utilities industry segments. His team focuses on frameworks and solutions that span IBM's middleware portfolio including the WebSphere, Information Management, Tivoli, Lotus, and Rational brands. He and his team work across IBM's software, hardware, and services groups to ensure cohesiveness, synergy, and effectiveness of the strategy and deliverables in this sector. His team also drives the leadership role that IBM Software Group plays in IBM's overall communications sector strategy, working across the group to ensure that specific capabilities are available and integrated with the  rest of the initiatives from IBM. Jeff and his team also play a key role in communicating these strategies and plans across IBM and with customers and the marketplace.