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Telecommunications industry

IBM and AT&T Collaborate to Provide Wireless Access to Corporate Applications

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

IBM and AT&T are teaming up to provide wireless access to key corporate information, including the internet, intranets, and corporate databases. This collaboration will enable businesses to give employees and customers access to data and applications virtually anytime, anywhere, improving customer service and saving time and money. With real-time access to traditional business applications, mobile workers will be able to input sales orders directly into corporate databases or interact directly with internal business travel systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM and AT&T plan to provide wireless access to corporate applications using existing and new Third Generation wireless data networks and devices.
  • The primary focus of the IBM/AT&T relationship will be to provide wireless access to corporate applications using existing Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network technology as well as future "Third Generation" wireless devices and networks.
  • IBM's transcoding technology will enable corporate data to be translated into the appropriate formats for a wide variety of devices, including wireless phones, PDAs, and laptop computers.
  • The collaboration will provide the expertise and technology to meet the demanding needs of an enterprise for wireless access to mission-critical information.
  • IBM also plans to join the AT&T Developer Program at the Premier level to work closely with AT&T during the development, testing, and implementation of wireless data solutions for businesses.
  • The CDPD network currently provides packet-based data services to customers with the benefit of flat-rate, all-you-can-use pricing that is unparalleled today.
  • AT&T's CDPD network will be based on the combined TDMA/GSM global standard known as EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution), which will provide seamless global roaming capabilities.
  • The Third Generation network being developed by AT&T will provide an ideal platform for AT&T and IBM to develop secure, efficient, and cost-effective wireless data applications for corporations.
  • According to IBM, more than 80 percent of new corporate applications will be designed for non-PC devices, such as wireless phones, over the next five years.

Statistics:

  • Over 145 million potential subscribers across the United States are eligible for AT&T's CDPD network.
  • The CDPD network is an industry standard using Internet Protocol.
  • AT&T's CDPD network can offer unlimited, always-on usage most often for a flat monthly fee.
  • AT&T Wireless Services has chosen EDGE as its Third Generation technology architecture, which will provide seamless global roaming capabilities and allow all CDPD applications to migrate to EDGE without modification.
  • The EDGE network will provide high-speed data services in more places, with annual revenues of over $53 billion for AT&T.

Sources:

  • AT&T Corp. (http://www.att.com)
  • AT&T Wireless Services
  • IBM (http://www.ibm.com)
  • Business Editors, Hi-Tech Writers WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 25, 2000

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