IBM launches e-commerce software for small businesses

IBM Corp. announced Wednesday the worldwide availability of its iSeries Connect software which allows small and medium-size companies to link their businesses to online marketplaces and partners.

ISeries Connect is built on Sun Microsystems Inc.'s Java and XML (extensible markup language) and is designed to run on systems used for electronic commerce, such as IBM's WebSphere and Domino, from IBM subsidiary Lotus Development Corp. The software, which works with IBM's eServer line of systems, offers connectivity and catalog tools, and allows users to add features to the software as they are needed. Customers using the software will be able to establish secure, direct connections with their business partners, or with online exchanges, according to an IBM press release.

Also included in the package is IBM's MQSeries middleware which provides messaging features. ISeries Connect pricing starts at US$1,000.

IBM, based in Armonk, New York, can be reached at +1-914-499-1900 or via the Internet at http://www.ibm.com/.