IBM Outlines its New Foundation for Mobile Computing

IBM outlined its strategy for building an extensive portfolio of software and services that delivers enterprise-ready mobility for clients. The company believes this sector represents a $22 billion market, potentially growing to $36 billion in 2012 as companies increasing adopt mobile technologies to improve their productivity. The plan is to extend unified capabilities extend from servers and laptops, to smartphones and tablets.


The new IBM Mobile Foundation offers organizations the following core capabilities:


Connect Cloud & Mobile Environments: As the adoption of mobile computing continues to create increased demands for cloud services, IBM WebSphere Cast Iron is a crucial element of the new foundation. Now, clients will be able to easily connect mobile applications to a variety of Cloud and back-end systems.


Build and Connect Mobile Applications: A new set of development and integration tools from IBM Worklight will enable clients for the first time to develop mobile applications and their supporting infrastructures for a variety of platforms just once and run them on any mobile platform - including Apple iOS and Google Android, and RIM Blackberry.


Manage and Secure Mobile Environments: In an effort to help organizations manage the Bring Your Own Device or "BYOD" trend, the foundation includes new software from IBM Endpoint Manager to help customers deliver a single solution that effectively manages and secures all endpoints.


IBM noted that it has been steadily investing in the mobile space for more than a decade, both organically and through acquisitions.


"It's no secret that throughout the last decade, the most successful organizations have been quick to leverage new technology for business advantage," said Marie Wieck, General Manager, IBM Application and Integration Middleware. "Over this time, we have evolved our market-leading portfolio to meet our client's needs to extend their reach through new channels like mobile and cloud computing. Our latest offerings are yet another step in this direction and will provide customers with everything they need to support mobile devices in their business and use them to transform the way they interact with customers, partners and employees."


IBM is hosting its IMPACT conference this week.
http://www.ibm.com