IBM Teams With Nokia to Court Developers for
Pervasive Computing
New Tool Box, Wap Support and Free Testing Center Provide FastPath for Web and Enterprise Developers to Create Applications for a Variety of Wireless Devices
SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--December 8, 1999-- IBM today announced a comprehensive support program
for independent software vendors (ISVs) and corporate developers to help them create new applications for wireless devices.
The program features a software tool kit and a new testing facility, as well as a direct link to Nokia for developers that want to use Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) to extend Web and enterprise data to next generation WAP phones. Nokia will support the center, providing technical assistance and WAP devices for application development and testing.
WAP is the industry standard for connecting mobile phones to the Internet. Industry analysts predict that by 2002, there will be more than one billion wireless subscribers worldwide, and Nokia estimates that by 2003, more people will access the Internet via a mobile device than a personal computer.
To help developers tap this growth, IBM is offering free access to a broad range of hardware, software, tools and technical support through its Solution Partnership Center in San Mateo, California.
``Pervasive computing is more than just surfing the Web with a mobile device,' said Jon Prial, director of marketing for IBM's Pervasive Computing Division. ``The real payoff will come when people can access applications virtually anytime, anywhere with the assurances that IBM brings for secure transactions and data.
With this new program, IBM is making it easier for developers to create a range of compelling applications that extend the enterprise to a new generation of devices.'
``We are happy to continue our work with a leading industry partner, such as IBM, in order to provide proven and tested
solutions to the industry,' said Mikko Terho, vice president of Wireless Data, Nokia Mobile Phones. ``Nokia and IBM are committed to working together to advance and promote an open standard to ensure seamless WAP solutions,' he added.
``Pervasive computing is emerging as the next major threshold in e-business,' said Judith Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Group, Inc. ``IBM's new tool kit, testing facility, and relationship with Nokia clearly reflect IBM's commitment to establish a leadership position in this arena.'
As part of the program, developers will receive a ``tool kit' with a collection of IBM software that has been optimized for pervasive computing, including new transcoding software that can ``translate' existing Web and enterprise data into formats appropriate for hand held devices. They will also have free access to the center's new testing facility for pervasive computing and be able to consult with on-site technical experts to help them port and test their applications running on a number of mobile devices, including IBM Workpads, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), WAP and other Internet-ready phones.
Unlike PC applications that can be tested with the same equipment they are created on, pervasive computing applications are more involved. They require developers to port and test applications on multiple devices in a variety of scenarios, which can be expensive and complex. The pervasive computing testing facility offers a number of testing environments, which could help reduce developers' expenses and time-to-market.
Software Developers Can Port Applications to Project Monterey
In addition, IBM announced that software developers will be able to test and port their applications to Project Monterey at the newly designed Project Monterey testing lab in the Solution Partnership Center. The center already has been helping developers port and tune their applications to AIX, one of the first steps in exploiting the Project Monterey products, including IBM AIX, DYNIX/ptx and SCO UnixWare. Developers who deliver their applications on AIX will have resources available to help them prepare their applications for Monterey/64, the code name for the Project Monterey operating system being developed for Intel's future Itanium processors. Project Monterey is an IBM-led initiative, along with SCO and Intel, to develop an enterprise-ready, volume UNIX operating system that runs on IBM's POWER and Intel's IA-32 and IA-64 microprocessors. Project Monterey test labs are expected to open soon in other Solution Partnership centers worldwide.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM's Pervasive Computing division has responsibility for creating e-business solutions that leverage a new class of connected client devices such as hand held Internet appliances. A key part of the team's mission is furthering the adoption of open industry standards for pervasive computing to help customers easily access and act on information whenever and wherever they may be.
IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology to Internet users through the World
Wide Web. The IBM home page is located at www.ibm.com.
About Nokia
Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. Nokia is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks including related services. It also supplies multimedia terminals and computer displays. In 1998, net sales totaled EUR 13.3 billion (USD 15.7 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 53,000 people. www.nokia.com
AIX is a trademark or registered trademarks of IBM Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. All others are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Contact:
IBM
My Luu
(914) 766-3055
myluu@us.ibm.com
or
Nokia Corporate Communications (Americas)
Megan Matthews
(972) 894-4267
megan.matthews@nokia.com
or
Cherie Gary
(972) 894-6146
cherie.gary@nokia.com |
