IBM Adds Google Gadgets To WebSphere

IBM said Thursday that it plans to release software that will connect data stored on back-end servers to Google Gadgets, allowing businesses to quickly and easily create customized Web applications like a map-based sales tracker or a clock that shows the local time at branch locations.

IBM Portlet for Google Gadgets, as the technology is called, will ship in the second half of 2007, the company said. The software will be available as a no-charge addition to IBM's WebSphere Portal Server.

Google Gadgets are XML-based mini applets that can be added to Web pages through an open application programming interface. Some are authored directly by Google while others are written by independent software developers or individuals. The collection to date includes everything from weather bugs to a Pac-Man game.

Also on Thursday, IBM announced the availability of a simplified version of its WebSphere Portal business portal creation software. The new version features a number of Web 2.0-style capabilities, including content and document management tools that allow users to collaborate on a project in real-time.

The IBM WebSphere Portal server is priced at $51,500 per processor.

IBM is counting on sales of high margin software products like WebSphere to offset stagnating hardware revenue. In its most recent quarter the company reported that software sales were up 9% year-over-year while overall systems and technology revenue increased 2%.