IFS and IBM Collaborate on Next-Generation Mobile Business Applications.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers IFS and IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) are collaborating on the next generation of mobile business solutions that will be device independent and based on new online-when-available technology, rather than always online or always offline. "First-generation mobile applications, running on low-powered personal digital assistants, offered cost savings for field service applications, but the technology was proprietary and solutions were developed for specific devices," said Michael Hallen, president of IFS research and development. "The second generation of online-connected wireless application protocol and Web solutions ran multiple devices and offered broader functionality, but they were only practical in controlled environments such as warehouses and offices. "With the new IFS/IBM approach, an on-the-move user will be able to pick up data in any location from any one of the variety of mobile devices that are rapidly appearing on the market. IFS' component approach combined with IBM Java technology for mobile devices is a perfect match to fulfill market demands. "We have worked with IBM products The following is a list of products from the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation and its predecessor corporations, beginning in the 1890s, and spanning punched card machinery, time clocks, and typewriters, via mainframe computers and minicomputers, to microprocessors, PCs, for the previous generations of mobile solutions. When it was time to select an infrastructure for the future, we did an extensive evaluation of products from all major vendors. IBM's WebSphere Everyplace eve·ry·place adv. Informal Everywhere. Usage Note: The forms everyplace (or every place), anyplace (or any place), someplace (or some place), and no place technologies proved superior." Within the joint effort, IFS is developing IFS Mobile Engine, a server component for data synchronization Keeping data in two or more computers up-to-date so that each repository contains the identical information. Data in handheld devices and laptops often require synchronization with the data in a desktop machine or server. and mobile transaction processing Updating the appropriate database records as soon as a transaction (order, payment, etc.) is entered into the computer. It may also imply that confirmations are sent at the same time. Transaction processing systems are the backbone of an organization because they update constantly. . IBM is contributing the messaging infrastructure, plus client-side technologies from the IBM Solution Partner Center at Hursley, Winchester, England. The client solution is based on Java 2 Platform Java 2 Platform - Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition Micro Edition running on top of an IBM J9 Java virtual machine A Java interpreter. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is software that converts the Java intermediate language (bytecode) into machine language and executes it. The original JVM came from the JavaSoft division of Sun. , using DB2 Everyplace An embedded version of DB2 designed for cellphones, PDAs and other dedicated devices. It is a slimmed-down version of IBM's flagship database management system (DBMS). for secure storage and MQ Everyplace for reliable transaction processing. In addition to supporting IFS Mobile & Wireless Services solutions, IFS Mobile Engine will offer a full Web service interface extending offline and synchronization capabilities to other applications. The solutions are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2003. "IFS holds a leading position in both defense and service and asset intensive industries -- industries where core processes are performed out-of-office and on-the-move. With IFS expertise and presence in these markets, we can be sure that the solutions built will really provide the benefits and fast payback customers require," said Lawrence Sellin, mobile Internet Refers to gaining access to the Internet using a lightweight, handheld device. See Mobile IP, PDA, smartphone and mobile TV. alliances executive at IBM. IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises. IFS Applications, which is based on Web and portal technology, offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financials, engineering, maintenance and human resource administration. IFS provides customers step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise with e-business solutions that offer partner, customer, and supplier collaboration. A top five global business applications supplier, IFS has more than 3,200 employees, with sales in 43 countries. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange The Stockholm Stock Exchange (Swedish: Stockholmsbörsen) is a stock exchange located in Stockholm, Sweden. Founded in 1863 [1] it is the primary securities exchange of the Nordic Countries. (XSSE: IFS). More information is available at www.ifsna.com. IFS Applications is a trademark of IFS Industrial and Financial Systems. All other referenced company or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. |
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