IBM insists WebSphere is complete end-to-end solution

IBM today announced its multibillion dollar software strategy for ebusiness in the form of an updated Websphere middleware platform.

At the launch in Paris, IBM attacked its competitors, accusing BEA, Microsoft, Oracle and Sun of failing to provide a complete, integrated software infrastructure that addresses every phase of ebusiness.

The actual products behind the launch are version 3.5 of the Websphere application server and 3 new software offerings: the Websphere personalisation server, portal server and site analyzer. The latter three will be available by September.

Harvey Greisman, vice president of communications for IBM, said: "It really is an end-to-end solution for companies ranging from dot-coms to bricks and mortar; there's no need to go anywhere else."

Greisman said it was important to put the Websphere platform in the context of IBM's Global Services division and hardware division, as well as financing and research. "It's all being provided by an established company that isn't going to be acquired or run out of cash," he added.

IBM stressed Microsoft and Sun are announcing products that won't be available for years, while BEA and Oracle lack functionality, particularly in the voice arena.

In that area, IBM announced its Websphere Voice Server, a connection to the Internet for mobile users, for a market the company sees as particularly important in Europe.