IBM Unfolds Its Mobile Hand With Raft of Announcements

IBM is throwing more weight behind its mobile efforts with new software and services designed to make users' smartphones more like their PCs.For starters, Big Blue's Rational Host Access Transformation Services (HATS), which traditionally let developers create Web services out of mainframe applications, now works on mobile devices. IBM has also optimized WebSphere Business Monitor software for mobile devices (the BlackBerry now, the iPhone next quarter) so that users can view real-time business information on customizable dashboards. In addition, mainframe developers can now use Rational Business Developer software to create apps destined for a mainframe (System z or System i) or a mobile device using IBM's new Enterprise Generation Language.

HATS starts at $124 per user for businesses transforming System i applications for mobile use, and goes up to $268 per user for both System z and System i transformations. Rational Business Developer will sell for $3,000 per developer. Pricing hasn't been announced for WebSphere Business Monitor.

From a services standpoint, Big Blue has introduced its Mobility@Work consulting initiative, designed to help businesses plan their mobile rollouts and deploy software. The service will rely on recent advances in cloud computing, according to a product manager from IBM's software group.

Finally, IBM also strengthened its ties with AT&T and Sprint to provide broader e-mail access for customers who use IBM Lotus Notes and Domino software on their mobile devices.Network World, Computerworld