IBM opens up

IBM reports it has introduced new open software tools, industry-specific data models and blueprints as well as consulting services to help clients use strategic assets across their businesses. The company claims it's the industry's first complete set of offerings to manage information across an enterprise—independent of the specific software applications or business processes used to create it.

IBM explains that key components include:

• an open set of new IBM Foundation software tools to help clients discover and understand the information they have and govern it over time;
• industry-specific information agenda guides and workshops to help create an information strategy and roadmap for better business performance;
• industry accelerators, such as data models and assets to improve business performance, reduce risk and deliver results more quickly; and
• information on demand competency centers to help clients build internal expertise and skills to facilitate business transformation.