IBM software enhances Smarter Planet

IBM's software is the lifeblood of its Smarter Planet initiative to add a layer of intelligence to the basic processes that run today's world, including roads, water and power, among other things, reports eWeek.

Indeed, Big Blue's Smarter Planet initiative has deep roots in IBM Software Group.

You cannot even talk about the IBM Smarter Planet strategy without mentioning IBM's Tivoli brand, as Tivoli provides much of the software to enable the management of all the smart processes, networks and grids that will bring the smart strategy to fruition.

It may already be one of the smaller components in a mobile phone, but that has not stopped mobile operator Orange targeting SIM cards in its attempts to cut waste, says Computing.co.uk.

The company is to trial a new type of mini SIM card that promises to halve the amount of waste generated each time it issues customers with new or upgraded SIMs.

Currently, new SIM cards are issued embedded in a credit card-sized piece of plastic where just 10% of the material is used for the plug-in SIM.

The Salt Lake City-based company said that it has raised $17.3 million to fund its expansion into energy monitoring and displays, states CNET News.

The company plans to introduce its "energy controller," a thermostat that can connect to smart meters, early next year.

One of the investors is the venture arm of Best Buy, which indicated earlier this week that it is looking at offering products for managing climate-control systems in stores.