Tests now under way with Delta Airlines, refrigerator makers.
In September, IBM will launch a new software stack for computing across both wireless devices like set top boxes and wireless devices, like WAP phones, along with a set of "pervasive" devices, said Jon Prial, director for pervasive computing, in a press conference today at the IBM Solutions conference in Las Vegas.
Integrating IBM's WebSphere Everyplace middleware, the software stack also will include IBM's Java Virtual Machine architecture, for deploying Java servlets on the assorted pervasive devices.
Meanwhile, IBM is working on pervasive applications with partners and customers that include the Fidelity brokerage house, UK-based Safeway food stores, multiple banks, makers of "white goods" kitchen appliances, and airlines like Delta, Japan Airlines and SwissAir, Prial said today.
The three airlines have all been testing an airport application aimed at letting users of WAP phones carry out actions like booking tickets, locating airport restaurants, and ordering quick meals between flights.
"One issue for this application is scalability," Prial acknowledged. The airlines want to know that the airport application can provide simultaneous support for millions of users. IBM also is considering adding biometric security and CRM, among others, he indicated.
Meanwhile, IBM has been testing pervasive applications for kitchens and other rooms of the house inside its own labs in Austin, Texas, Prial said. Items like cartons of milk have bar codes, "so they can tell you when they need replacement." Even the window blinds carry URLs.
Wireless network architectures IBM is working with include HomeRF and Bluetooth, Prial added. Voice-enablement will be important, too, he predicted.
Users also can expect to see the day when companies will update devices through software upgrades, making device replacement a thing of the past, according to Prial.
Prial also maintained that partners can gain a "competitive edge" by getting involved now in the wireless space.
"This is a very exciting time. It isn't a question of if wireless will happen, but when. Companies should begin today to leverage what they have," he advised.
