ARMONK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 09/19/06 -- A new, independent research report named IBM (NYSE: IBM) as a strong performer in service oriented architecture (SOA). The Forrester Wave(TM): North American SOA Integration, Q3 2006, September 2006 examined IBM Global Services' current SOA offerings, SOA strategy and market presence.

An SOA is a way of reusing a company's existing technology to more closely align it with business goals, helping to result in greater efficiencies, cost savings and productivity.

Forrester found that "Given its size and reach, IBM is the leader in development of SOA intellectual property. Highlighted by its recent acquisition of Webify coupled with firmwide SOA investment of $1 billion, IBM will leverage cutting-edge R&D, leading to quicker SOA projects and reusable SOA assets for its clients. IBM feels that SOA will help align to CEOs' focus on globalization, business innovation and flexibility."

"IBM's recognition as a strong performer in Service Oriented Architectures is a direct result of our SOA strategy that builds upon strengths in business consulting, IT services and software to develop high-value, repeatable tools that help companies optimize and transform their businesses," said Michael Liebow, vice president, SOA and Web Services, IBM Global Services. "This strategy is already responsible for helping thousands of customers use SOA to meet business goals."

IBM recently announced a series of initiatives to extend its position as a strong performer. In addition to acquiring Webify, IBM also recently announced an intent to acquire security provider Internet Security Systems, and asset and service management technology developer MRO Software. In addition, IBM has now enrolled more than 2,500 partners in its SOA partner initiative and recently IBM revealed that more than 3,000 IBM and business partner software assets are available in the IBM SOA Business Catalog. This resource allows customers to search for pre-engineered SOA technology components that solve specific business problems. More than 90,000 IBM consultants around the world are currently being trained on SOA and IBM has a network of SOA design and development centers around the world.

About IBM

For additional information please visit www.ibm.com/SOA.

Contact:
Ron Favali
IBM
727-489-7202
Favali@us.ibm.com

• The Buckaroo Banzai Effect: Location Independence, SOA, and the Cloud
• Service-Oriented Architecture and the Cloud
• Service-Oriented Architecture & Cyber Security