IBM to launch new web services software

SOMERS, NY (AFX) - International Business Machines Corp said it is to  launch a new set of so-called 'web-services' products that allow companies and their customers to link software applications over the internet.

	    The group will sell newer versions of its DB2 database and WebSphere Web-management software in June, with other new products to be launched before the end of the year.

	    The new services allow companies to make more effective use of the internet in their day-to-day operations, including, for example distribution, logistics and human resource management.

	    "Web services are emerging e-business applications that can connect and interact with one another on the Web more easily and efficiently, eliminating much of the time-consuming custom coding currently required in, for example, B2B environments," said Steve Mills, senior vice president and group executive, IBM software group.

	    "The more efficient integration is being driven by a wide range of new open Internet standards, which IBM helped develop and has incorporated in its software."

	    The launch is part of the company's big push into what it believes will be one of the the key drivers of the IT industry's next growth phase.

	    Research firm IDC estimates the market for infrastructure software and services that simplify integration of business processes will approach 50 bln usd by 2005, IBM said.    

	    At its investor conference last week, IBM chairman and chief executive officer Lou Gerstner said the IT services sector is fast becoming the "most important" part of the industry.

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