IBM has changed tack in an effort to regain market share by offering a server solution that is compatible with most operating system platforms. According to a study by IDC last March, application servers will see 27 per cent growth between 1994 and 2000. In 1994, 1.6 million units were sold for US$1.5 billion. By 2000, IDC estimates 4.3 million units, worth $4.9 billion, will be sold. IBM is relying on the fact more companies will switch to 'network-centric' computing. 'I predict there will be applications and data on demand,' Bill Reedy, IBM integrated solution marketing vice-president, said. 'IBM servers are meant to maximise the efficiency of communication between businesses based on an open platform.' Mr Reedy said he envisioned a 'virtual organisation' with collaborative computing in client/server environments and multimedia network computers. To do this, IBM has created a seven-server solution for smaller networked companies and is pushing hard to sell Lotus Notes as the essential Internet software.
