Hayman said IBM already has several customers involved with the new service, including 1-800-FLOWERS, Staples office supply, food company Danone, and various financial services firms.

FORBES: IBM Moves into Social Commerce -is this the Next ERP?

Eight others have also been sentenced, receiving jail terms of between six months to three years and four months, for offences including conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, stealing cannabis and conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office, the Met said.

BBC: Met PCSO Oguz Batmaz jailed for tipping off criminals