Friday, 15 August 2008

IBM Introduces Software & Services for Mobile Devices

IBM Wednesday announced new software and services for mobile devices that closely mimic PC desktop features.

Designed for both business users and consumers, the new software includes products with business intelligence, collaboration, social networking and business performance capabilities.

In addition, IBM is also providing developers with new tools to make existing software applications run on mobile devices.

The software is compatible with most mobile platforms including BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile, and Symbian.

According to the Big Blue, several telecommunications providers, including AT&T, Bharti, China Telecom, Sprint and Virgin Mobile, are using its software to improve the quality of service and offer its customers new services.

“The mobile Web presents one of the largest emerging market opportunities we've seen in a decade as billions of people look to access a wide range of services both for business and personal use,” said Drew Clark, director of strategy, IBM Venture Capital Group.

"Utilizing software assets from IBM Research combined with our services offerings provides unique opportunities to help companies quickly adapt to the mobile environment.”

According to a recent report from IBM's Institute for Business Value, the number of mobile Internet users worldwide is projected to approach 1 billion, a 191 percent increase from 2006 and a compound annual growth rate of 24 percent. Also, 67 percent of all workers today use mobile and wireless computing.