Jigsaw, one of the internet’s largest qualified leads and information databases, has officially opened its doors (and API) to allow developers to offer their customers additional ways to share leads and data. Some examples of the ways the new API is being used include iPhone apps, instant database lead info capture, website visitor identification, and lead scoring using Salesforce’s Force.com platform.

A developer community of 17 companies has also been established to help get API development underway. Of the companies involved, some of the most notable are SugarCRM, Netfactor, and SharedVue. But why has Jigsaw decided to do this? Ethan Prater, VP of Technology Alliances explains:

“We had two goals for developers in our program: to make it easy for them to implement and to provide them a real opportunity to make money. Jigsaw designed its program to drive a meaningful business result for developers, so they can deliver clear, recognizable value to their customers.”

So what does this mean for B2B channel marketers? Now, large enterprises will be able to provide their VARs, distributors, and other channel partners with immediate lead scoring, qualification, nurturing, and marketing tools. This will enable channel partners to increase sales and drive more profit. Enterprises will be able to track their channel partners’ leads across the entire sales channel with metrics and analytics for KPIs.

To learn more about the Jigsaw API, visit Business Wire article here.