SOMERS, N.Y. — IBM today introduced new WebSphere software designed to extend computing to the edge of business, according to a news release. The new software offers remote locations such as a retail stores, distribution centers, or manufacturing sites the same computing capabilities for local applications and business processes that are available to the enterprise headquarters.
Addressing demand from customers for innovative technology that delivers on-demand asset management, as well as more efficient supply chain management, the software will help extend the return on information technology investment.
The new WebSphere offerings automate business processes using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as well as middleware for retail store operations aimed at improving the customer shopping experience, employee productivity and supply chain efficiency.
The new software enables the new class of sensor-based devices at the edge of network such as RFID readers and controllers, kiosks and self-checkouts to be integrated with enterprise business processes.
IBM WebSphere RFID Premises Server is the first software offering from IBM's new Sensor and Actuator Solutions business unit. It is aimed at extending the edge of the IT infrastructure to integrate the physical world of RFID tags and networked RFID readers with customers' IT systems.
Additionally, IBM is introducing IBM WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure for RFID device manufacturers who need an embedded standards-based software platform to integrate RFID data collection and reporting at the edge of the network.
IBM WebSphere Remote Server offering is designed to enable businesses to quickly and efficiently snap-in new applications and devices such as self-checkouts, mobile shopping devices, and smart shopping carts to enhance the customer shopping experience. Such devices are compatible with technologies such as digital media displays and consumer wireless devices.
