Intelligent Enterprise

IBM is expanding its products for using mashup technology to bring a variety of data to as many employees who need the information in making business decisions.

The company plans to release next month a new version of Mashup Center, which leverages Web 2.0 and other technologies in delivering data through rich Internet applications running in a browser. Mashup Center also leverages IBM's vast software stack through integration with the DB2 database, WebSphere Application Server, Lotus Notes and the vendor's software development tools.

Along with the Mashup Center announcement this week, IBM introduced the Cognos 8 Mashup Service, an application programming interface that securely exposes content from IBM's Cognos 8 Business Intelligence software as a Web service for use in mashups, as well as operational applications and business processes. The Mashup Service is scheduled to be available in December.

Mashup Center includes IBM InfoSphere MashupHub and IBM Lotus Mashup, which together handle data and application management. For building widgets, IBM offers the Lotus Widget Factory.

Like other mashup technology, Mashup Center delivers a variety of information to end-users, who can mix and match, or "mash," their own custom applications. Intelligent Enterprise reviewed Mashup Center 1.1 in April.

New features in the next version includes integration with data sources that provide access through Internet-based technologies. In addition, theMashup Center provides integration with Microsoft SharePoint, WebSphere MQ and FileNet.

Other new capabilities include the ability to filter malicious content and stop the use of un-trusted widgets to prevent data theft. In addition, there's browser-based tools for creating simple widgets without the involvement of IT staff.

Companies using IBM's Mashup Center include AMEC Paragon, a designer of oil and gas production facilities, and Wells Fargo bank.