Intel launches Mobilized Software Initiative - News Review

Rethink IT, Dec, 2003

Intel has launched its Mobilized Software Initiative, which aims to "change the way the industry thinks about the internet". Previewed at its Developer Forum in September, the initiative has won the support of various big names including Microsoft, Sun, HP, IBM, Adobe and Macromedia, Intel is aiming to repeat its success of the 1980s, when it "worked with" PC vendors to drive standard approaches and gain control of the agenda, It says it. will work with software developers, IT managers, and solution providers on the tools and services they need to build the next generation of mobile and wireless applications.

The chip giant claims a new shift of thinking is required to really fulfil the potential of the internet and web services on all types or networks, Chief strategist Christopher Thomas says customers want to do more than current browsers and online forms allow them to. Instead a service oriented architecture is required that addresses documents as applications and puts more power in the hands of the users.

"I liken this movement to how out industry was back in 1984 and 1985, when the Cobol programmer was king, that is until Lotus 1-2-3 came around and people could do more for themselves," Thomas told US analyst Michael Singer Thomas sees XML and Wi-Fi as the critical foundations of Intel's new approach.