IBM Opens Latin America's First Mainframe Software Center

IBM (NYSE: IBM) has opened a mainframe software competency center in São Paulo, Brazil, enabling local companies to build, test and run applications on the IBM mainframe without impacting their current technical environment or requiring crucial resources to be assigned toward pilot programs.

The System z Center also offers software training and business guidance on how the IBM mainframe can deliver faster and customized solutions through proven case studies and innovative testing techniques.

"The System z Center brings a controlled environment for companies with limited resources to test and plan for specific initiatives, such as running database middleware on the mainframe, to support a new business project," said Paulo Carvao, global vice president of System z sales at IBM. "Customers will benefit from gaining best practices for more seamless and faster deployment while maintaining optimal business continuity."

The System z Center in Brazil offers the latest System z9 mainframe resources and IBM System Storage DS8300 with 14 terabytes of capacity.

Brazil As a Strategic Emerging Market

This year, IBM celebrated its 90th anniversary in Brazil, the world's fifth largest consumer market with a population of 65 million. The new System z Center marks IBM's fourth mainframe development center, with locations in the United States and China.

Other IBM Brazilian investments to date include: a High Performance On Demand Solutions Laboratory -- one of six throughout the world -- that helps clients build custom solutions to drive automation, virtualization and standards; a Software Localization Lab to provide translation services for software product launches; a Rational Clearcase Level 3 Lab for product support, development and component testing and Linux expertise; and a Tivoli/Maximo Development Lab with vertical solutions for the oil and gas, nuclear, pharmaceutical, transportation and energy industries.

In addition to development centers, IBM has also spearheaded multiple academic initiatives in Brazil to support mainframe growth. The Brazilian programs include:

--  First Mainframe Competition for Brazilian Students - With the goal of
    turning technology students into seasoned administrators, IBM announced its
    first Brazilian mainframe competition in April 2007. The contest's first
    phase received over 2,500 applications.
--  Partnership with Unicamp - IBM and University of Campinas (Unicamp)
    signed a deal, in March 2005, to install a mainframe Hub with Linux at the
    University, enabling partner universities and research institutes to gain
    access to a System z environment via the Internet.  This effort has allowed
    multiple local institutions to develop teaching and research projects.

About IBM

For more information, visit www.ibm.com .

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Contact: Mylissa Tsai IBM (914) 766-4294 tsaim@us.ibm.com