IBM, OAS Corp. in Agreement on NetConnect for OnDemand/400
Joanna Doyle
OAS Corp. and IBM have entered into a marketing agreement that will allow OAS Corp’s NetConnect for OnDemand/400 software to be available to consumers directly through IBM. The deal makes it more convenient for AS/400 users to purchase the Web browser enabling software, while bringing about a windfall in increased exposure for the Gaithersberg, Md. company.
The move, announced Nov. 30, is part of IBM’s Software Investment Initiative, which aims to provide specific solutions in response to IBM customers’ business needs. NetConnect supplies a means for AS/400 users to easily search for, view or print COLD data, spool files, images, and other OnDemand for AS/400 objects using only a Netscape or Internet Explorer browser.
“This agreement is another validation for the emergence of the Web browser as the universal desktop client,” said Joe Wolken, president of OAS. “Through the relationship with IBM, OAS Corp. immediately provides the established OnDemand for AS/400 customer base with easy market access to this additional functionality.”
OnDemand, part of IBM’s Enterprise Document Management (EDM) Suite is a high-performance solution for capturing, storing and retrieving online documents and large volumes of computer output. IBM officials said they hope joining forces with OAS NetConnect will make OnDemand an even more versatile and effective business solution.
“Simpler, broader access to electronic information is more important than ever in today’s e-business environment, said Jim Kelly, VP of marketing for IBM Data Management Solution. “OAS Corporation’s Net Connect offering provides IBM EDMSuite customers on the AS/400 platform Web browser access to computer-generated reports and output.”