IBM Puts Podcasting To Work 2

Podcasting is playing the blues. IBM blue, that is. The company is using the technology to share its strategic vision with investors and businesses.

The series "IBM And The Future Of ..." focuses on current issues and technology transformations. Users can find the conversational 15-minute MP3 downloads on IBM's site in the investor section. "The podcasts will not be limited to IBM executives talking on these subjects," a spokesman says. "We'll reach outside to get details and insight into how technology and business converge."

Listeners can download IBM's podcasts to PCs or MP3 players.

Companies have streamed audio at Web sites for years. The advantage of a podcast is that audio information can be downloaded to a PC or an MP3 player, then played at the user's convenience.

IBM launched its first podcast on Aug. 5, and it centers on the future of driving, specifically telematics. It's working on as many as nine more that will cover technologies in banking, health care, and the home. IBM started using podcasts internally in January to disseminate information to employees.

Is podcasting for all businesses? Perhaps, but Forrester Research suggests beginning with audio programming streamed over the Internet. Then move to MP3s so investors and customers can download programming they find valuable. Finally, add Really Simple Syndication technology so they can subscribe to the programs they want.