IBM Enhances Wireless Management for eServer
Touting itself as the first big-name vendor to wireless-enable its entire product line, IBM announced Monday the addition of mobile capabilities to its ThinkPad offerings, as well as new software, support and services for its mobile customers.
With increased dedication in the wireless area, IBM has vowed to work more with its partners to develop wireless products that surpass the scalability and intelligence of what is currently being offered on the market. As part of its new concentration on wireless, IBM has developed a remote wireless management technology for its eServer line. The solution is designed to allow system administrators to wirelessly control servers via remote, using common, portable devices like Internet phones, personal digital assistants and Web browsers. In addition, IBM’s eServer wireless management tool provides functionality for making server-based applications accessible from wireless devices.
IBM’s increased focus on wireless is a product of its expectation that such technologies will become an essential part of the average worker’s life over the next two to three years. In line with these expectations, IBM has equipped its ThinkPads with integrated support for 802.11 wireless local area networks. And it is now offering two new slim IBM WorkPads, including a Palm-based handheld computer with a color display.
Some of the other offerings resulting from IBM’s recent wireless efforts include:
Wireless Infrastructure Services -- IBM Global Services is introducing a new "Instant Wireless LAN" service intended to help companies quickly get up and running with wireless facilities. The service is a bundled hardware/software/installation package that wireless enables facilities for high-speed, reliable wireless data transport.
Wirelessly-Enabling Components -- IBM, with Mitsubishi Electric Corp. is developing advanced low-power microchips for third-generation cellular telephones. IBM will manufacture the components using its silicon germanium communications chip technology, which Mitsubishi intends to incorporate into its next-generation cellular products.