IBM, Invensys Improve Manufacturing Information Systems

Compiled ByDeborah Austin IBM Corp. and global automation and controls firm Invensys PLC, London, have announced a worldwide strategic alliance to deliver e-business solutions linking plant floor sensor-based applications to enterprise information systems, customers, and suppliers. The two will jointly market a suite of Invensys Internet-enabled business-to-business enterprise and shop-floor products -- including the iBaan series, Wonderware Factory Suite, CAPS Logistics, and Invensys CRM product lines -- bundled with IBM's eServers. Also, they will work together on joint solutions using IBM's WebSphere Internet software platform products as the "glue" to link the plant floor with existing enterprise and business-to-business applications. The agreement extends an existing relationship between IBM, Armonk, N.Y., and Baan, which is part of the Invensys Software Systems Division.