May 2001

IBM has put its weight behind mobile e-business, joining thirteen other companies who are considered global leaders in Internet services. Together they make up the IBM Web Integrator Initiative, which is an extension of an earlier IBM move in this direction last autumn. The company is backing industry predictions that over 60 per cent of all Web transactions will be triggered by mobile devices "in a few years".

Under the latest initiative, IBM will develop what it calls tailored support programmes to help the other members with activities such as consulting, Web design and integration. They in turn will aim to integrate IBM technologies such as its WebSphere Everyplace Suite middleware into their mobile systems.

The suite includes WebSphere Transconfig Publisher, which automatically translates Web data into formats suitable for handheld devices; and Tivoli Subscription manager, which handles tracking and managing of multiple devices.

The companies joining IBM in the initiative include Agency.com, AU Systems, Cross Systems, Digia, GFT Technologies, GoPinnochio, Icon Medialab, Organic, Rare Medium, Rosenet, RTSe and The Reference.