Tempe, AZ November 21, 2002 IBM is teaming with Rockwell Automation to provide the global automotive manufacturing industry with a set of collaborative technologies and services intended to promote seamless information flow throughout a manufacturer's entire enterprise.
Big Blue brings a host of software solutions to the table, while Rockwell is a provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions.
Under the terms of the new agreement, the two companies will jointly market enterprise solutions that use several IBM technologies, including WebSphere Business Integrator, MQ Series, eServer xSeries and DB2 database software. These solutions leverage open connectivity to the plant floor via Rockwell Automation products that include RSBizware and ControlLogix technologies, as well as the expertise of Rockwell's automotive manufacturing services.
"Today, a competitive edge for manufacturers lies in the ability to provide useable plant floor information throughout the various levels of the organization, internal and external, and throughout the entire supply chain," said John McDermott, senior vice president for Rockwell Automation. "Through this agreement, our customers will now have the ability to provide enterprisewide manufacturing information to suppliers, dealers [and] customers."
"Automotive manufacturers and suppliers are looking for e-business solutions that can help improve business process integration and operations as well as reduce costs, not just within their own four walls but across their extended enterprises," said Jan Beauchamp, IBM Global Automotive Industry general manager.
Beauchamp added that the combined Rockwell and IBM solutions would help address the common needs of the diverse set of companies that comprise the auto industry and enable collaboration between suppliers and manufacturers in this industry.
