iSeries vendors to bundle Express with software

By Sarah Kimmel
Monday, February 10, 2003

      Following IBM’s lead, iSeries vendors are planning to package WebSphere Application Server – Express with their products.

      “After we learned that IBM was introducing a low-cost version of WebSphere Application Server, we decided that we would bundle it (Express) with our Web solutions. Our customers are looking for the lowest-cost solution and we need to be conscious of the price of our offerings,” says Paul Schlieben, founder, SoftLanding Systems, Peterborough, NH.

      The low price point of Express, along with its enhanced capabilities and ease of use, is inspiring software vendors to build their applications around and bundle them with this entry-level Web server.

      “There’s a lot of cost involved in dealing with a heavier Web application server, and that environment is a lot more complicated. Express is more digestible for customers. I think we will see more acceptance for Web application serving because Express is easier and less expensive,” says Jeff Cashman, chief marketing executive, Mapics, Atlanta, GA.

      Because more than 60% of small and medium-sized businesses acquire solutions through resellers, IBM is initiating partnerships to bundle education, training, and porting assistance for Express implementations, according to a January 17, 2003 Meta report.

      SoftLanding, a software management tools provider, and Mapics, a provider of manufacturing solutions, are already planning to incorporate Express into their product sets. SoftLanding will start in May by offering a Web-based help desk component of its TurnOver Change Management software. Express will be bundled into the package.

      “We plan to roll out additional Web-based components and repackage and bundle Express with them. Most iSeries customers, I’d say 90%, don’t have a Web application server right now. Those that do are in the early-adopter phase. The industry needs to move forward and adopt Web technology,” says Schlieben.

      Mapics will develop its software on Express, and when customers purchase a Mapics solution they will get IBM components, such as Express, if needed.

      “Express is more than a platform, it’s an overall approach to the market. We can deliver solutions to mid-market customers by leading with our business partners, not competing with them,” says Rich Cohen, director of mid-market and industry solutions, WebSphere, Software Group, IBM, Raleigh, NC.

      Other Express products, specifically WebSphere Portal Express and WebSphere Business Connection Express, will also serve to meet the demands of the smaller shop (see box).

      For more information on WebSphere Application Server – Express, see www-3.ibm.com/software/webservers/appserv/express/.

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Categories: WebSphere Application Server | Web/Internet | Application Service Provider