IBM Named Top Technology Innovator by VARBusiness Magazine

SOMERS, NY -- 10/22/2004 -- IBM has been recognized by VARBusiness magazine for outstanding achievement in technology innovation. Its WebSphere* Business Integration Server Express was named the winner in the applications/infrastructure category and its ThinkPad* X40 a finalist in the client devices category of the VARBusiness Tech Innovators award competition. The two awards combined to make IBM this year’s Overall Technology Innovator.

VARBusiness magazine, which covers the business of technology integration, honored IBM at an awards event on Oct. 18, 2004, in Coronado, Calif. IBM’s WebSphere Business Integration Server Express and ThinkPad X40 were among 466 entries submitted by 250 companies in nine technology categories. In addition, IBM will be recognized in the VARBusiness Dec. 13 “State of Technology” issue, which will include profiles, features and in-depth explanations of the technologies and products.

“Products like those from IBM are breakthroughs for our readers, the solution providers who implement technology for end users throughout North America,” says VARBusiness Editorial Director Robert C. DeMarzo.

IBM WebSphere Business Integration Server Express is a core component in IBM’s business process integration strategy for small and medium businesses, making it easier for customers to integrate, end-to-end, their existing IT systems, business processes and applications. Integration technology is becoming increasingly critical in today’s climate of emerging industry standards, supplier IT mandates and government regulations that are driving new levels of internal and external integration. The middleware is built on open standards and available across multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Linux and IBM OS/400. Designed for Business Partners to customize and create repeatable solutions, WebSphere Business Integration Server Express can be integrated with Web services to facilitate a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) without programming requirements.

Launched earlier this year, the ThinkPad X40 set new standards for portability, battery life, and wireless connectivity in ultraportable systems. Starting at only 2.7 pounds, the new X40 is the lightest and thinnest ThinkPad ever and boasts the smallest footprint in its class with a full-size keyboard. By incorporating the latest ThinkVantage Technologies with the light system design, the ultraportable ThinkPad X40 is ideal for the global mobile user, road warriors and business travelers.

About VARBusiness Magazine

For the past 17 years, VARBusiness’ strategic resources have been the gateway to the Solution Provider community. VARBusiness provides unique strategic business and technology insight for Solution Providers through industry-defining research, in-depth editorial, channel events and innovative Web services, enabling these IT professionals to make educated decisions for their businesses, partnerships and customers. VARBusiness has been the recipient of numerous industry awards for both editorial content and design. Additional information about VARBusiness products, events and services, is available on the magazine’s Web site at www.varbusiness.com.

About IBM

With 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate, IBM is the world’s largest information technology company. IBM is a leading provider of e-business solutions and is dedicated to helping companies, Business Partners and developers leverage the potential of the Internet and network computing across a wide range of businesses and industries. The company offers a host of cross-industry and industry specific solutions designed to meet the needs of companies of all sizes. For more information on partnering with IBM, please visit: www.ibm.com/partnerworld.

*Trademark or registered trademark of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information

Michael Maloney

IBM Media Relations

IBM

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