[Am-info] IBM Launches Dynamic Workplaces Division

[Fred A. Miller]

IBM Launches Dynamic Workplaces Division

IBM Global Services will throw its considerable resources behind
software and services that improve companies' connections to
their employees. The service provider today will launch a Dynamic
Workplaces division that will specialize in implementing
Web-based, self-service applications and integrating those
applications behind a common portal interface.

Dynamic Workplaces, which consists of 2,000 IBM Global Services
employees and about 300 IBM researchers, will use WebSphere
Portal, Lotus Domino Extended Search, Lotus Sametime, Quickplace,
Tivoli SecureWay, DB2 Universal Database, and WebSphere
Application Server as the foundation for Web-based communication
between employers and employees. The division will integrate
these portal, messaging, management, and database applications
with PeopleSoft human-resources software to create self-service
applications that let employees sign up for health-care benefits,
manage their 401(k) portfolios, and take E-learning classes.

IBM began implementing a version of this "E-workplace" technology
internally in 1997 and has deployed it to about 320,000 employees
worldwide, says Scott Smith, Dynamic Workplaces global executive.
IBM employees use the integrated portal to access a "blue pages"
directory of colleagues and co-workers, manage HR functions, and
conduct online meetings with co-workers. Dynamic Workplaces'
pilot customers include Campbell Soup, personnel relocation
service provider Cendant Mobility Services, and furniture maker
Herman Miller.

Dynamic Workplaces isn't breaking new ground with its integrated
portal software and services, but it does offer the resources of
the world's largest service provider, says Paul Hamerman, Giga
Information Group research director. "These services are in line
with what a lot of companies are doing to consolidate
employee-facing applications," he says. Although IBM Global
Services competitors PwC Consulting, KPMG Consulting, and HP
Services also offer business-to-employee software integration
services, IBM has more resources to devote to its Dynamic
Workplaces group. - Larry Greenemeier

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-- 
Fred A. Miller
Systems Administrator
Cornell Univ. Press Services
fm@cupserv.org, www.cupserv.org
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