IBM unleashes middleware bundles

IBM has released its latest bundle of industry-tailored middleware software bundles, adding to its lineup packages targeting healthcare, life sciences, retail and telecommunication customers.

The announcement came at the company's annual PartnerWorld conference for channel resellers, in Las Vegas. The industries covered by the newest bundles mirror those IBM is targeting first with its PartnerWorld Industry Networks for ISVs (independent software vendors) program, also announced yesterday, which aims to improve IBM's partner communication and support activities.

The bundles aim to tie together IBM software from the company's various portfolios to create blueprints for solving specific business problems.

Some of the 21 packages included in the latest wave of releases are Contact Center Optimizer and Partner Content Enabler for telecomms customers; Inventory Management and Store Operations for retailers; Payer Services Portal and Health Plan Administration for healthcare providers; and Information Asset Management and Clinical Genomics for life sciences organisations.

Prices for the bundles vary by configuration.

IBM's latest middleware bundles, and its channel realignment into industry-specific networks, are part of a companywide push to approach the market with vertically focused product packages and services expertise.

The change is part of a Software Group reorganisation IBM announced in December. Last month, IBM released its first set of vertical product bundles, targeting the banking, insurance and financial services markets.

Stacy Cowley writes for IDG News Service