IBM`s new mobile database makes pervasive computing affordable

IBM`s new DB2 Everyplace software, which gives mobile workers real-time access to their corporate databases from any device at any time, is being priced aggressively to remove barriers to entering the world of pervasive computing.

IBM SA`s data solutions manager, Simon Jeggo, says that although the concept of pervasive computing is widely accepted, actual implementation has been sporadic because of cost. "At IBM we believe no company should ever be deprived of technology that would make it more competitive because the technology is too expensive.

"It`s ridiculous for technology to be elitist, considering that it only exists to make doing business easier.

"So, what we`ve done with DB2 is extend its functionality to mobile devices - and adapt that mobile functionality to the different demands made on it by large and small organisations. DB2 Everyplace also enables customers to take advantage of their existing technology investments. So, it`s affordable across the board and has a low total cost of ownership. And that means that pervasive computing can now become a reality."

DB2 Everyplace Express is designed for deployment in a departmental or small business environment and offers customers the same features as DB2 Everyplace. DB2 Everyplace Express Synchronisation Server can be deployed on Windows or Linux running up to two CPUs.

It is offered at an attractive price for smaller installations while still providing customers with a full function mobile data solution. Users are licensed individually with no limitation on the number of mobile devices per user.

DB2 Everyplace gives mobile workers the ability to query, retrieve, and modify information in real-time from the widest variety of applications and data sources, including information stored in competitive offerings such as Oracle and Microsoft.

The new version 8 provides ease-of-use capabilities that enable developers and administrators to simplify mobile application development and administration. It is fully automated, requiring no administration by the end-user, while providing federated access and synchronisation capabilities to employees across the enterprise.

Additionally, enhanced platform support enables developers to slash mobile application development time in half.

Improved application synchronisation to mobile devices through WebSphere Everyplace Access gives mobile workers a real-time, virtual view of their business applications - including e-mail, instant messaging and enterprise applications - and enables them to continue working even when not connected to a network.

Support for data from DB2 Information Integrator makes DB2 Everyplace a mobile data source for information integration projects such as asset management, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management and other business intelligence needs.

New .Net Framework and .Net Compact Framework interfaces simplify mobile application development on Windows workstations and servers or Windows Mobile devices and Pocket PCs.

Enhanced application development support for Java developers bundles IBM`s J9 Java Virtual Machine for improved connectivity and performance with Java databases to help developers build mobile applications faster.

A new plug-in for WebSphere Studio developers helps them create sophisticated mobile Java applications for PalmOS and PocketPC platforms.

All DB2 Everyplace offerings come with a free Mobile Application Builder (MAB) that enables rapid application development for handheld devices without writing a single line of code. It features a drag-and-drop application development environment that simplifies application creation by eliminating the need for extensive hand coding. MAB supports devices based on the PalmOS and any device supporting Java.