IBM Launches Mobile Software and Services Platform

With the introduction of IBM Mobile, the company's first software and services package completely focused on mobile, IBM is aiming for a giant slice of the mobile platform market. 

IBM Mobile covers everything from teaching the development of applications, deployment of apps and devices, management and devices to strategies how to leverage a new world of opportunities delivered by a mobile world. A service package that is wrapped around the "software foundation" is in line with IBM's IT services tradition and could be seen as a natural and rather compelling addition by those who are contracting IBM already.

“It's no secret that throughout the last decade, the most successful organizations have been quick to leverage new technology for business advantage,” said IBM general manager Marie Wieck, in a prepared statement. “Over this time, we have evolved our market-leading portfolio to meet our client’s needs to extend their reach through new channels like mobile and cloud computing."

The software is built using IBM's own WebSphere Cast Iron as well as the recently acquired Worklight. At its core, IBM Mobile is targeting build and connect capabilities that are compatible with any mobile platform, including iOS, Android and Blackberry. The software is also designed to be manageable and able to deal with a bring-your-own-device trend while still delivering a level of necessary security such as enabling organizations to wipe enterprise data when they need to. The hope is that IBM's customers will see new opportunities in mobile and use the platform to extend their reach.