IBM tech centre throws its weight behind open standards
IBM tech centre throws its weight behind open standards
IBM's new Technology Centre signifies their commitment to open standards and not proprietary systems like .NET. Australian independent software vendors building applications for the Linux, IBM, Websphere and J2EE operating environments will be supported by a new IBM Technology Centre. At today's launch of the centre IBM threw its weight behind open standards and was non-committal about developers creating applications in Microsoft's .NET.
"If you think of the utility concept of IT, you must have open standards."
Unveiling the new centre in Sydney, IBM said the centre would "assist Australian software developers making their products available on IBM's open hardware and software platforms." Katrina Troughton, the general manager for software at IBM Australia/New Zealand said that all independent software vendors (ISV) would be assessed on a case by case basis, but did would not comment on whether .NET applications would be welcomed in the Technology Centre.
"Fundamentally the core of IBM has been to spread open standards such as J2EE and Linux," she said.
In a statement, Philip Bullock, the CEO and managing director of IBM Australia and New Zealand said the next phase of e-business would be driven by software and hardware based on open standards, rather than tied to one vendor's platform. He added, "If you think of the utility concept of IT, you must have open standards."
The IBM Technology Centre will allow vendors to port their applications to IBM hardware and software; benchmark test the applications; demonstrate to and educate potential end users.
It is envisaged that the centre will increase the number of applications available on IBM software and hardware. Amongst the platforms available for porting and benchmarking are, iSeries, pSeries and xSeries IBM servers; WebSphere, Domino, DB2 and Linux.
Mark Hartley of S1, an ISV that has used the Sydney centre, said these centres were important as they "allow customers to have a touch and feel of the software."
Over 40 ISVs have already used the centre, which is the fifth technology centre in the Asia Pacific region.
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