IBM backs NT, targets BackOffice

International Business Machines (IBM) will release two new versions of itsSoftware Servers suite for Windows NT, in an attempt to take on MicrosoftBackOffice and BackOffice Small Business Server. The new releases of IBMSoftware Server will be sold with IBM hardware to large and mid-sized companies and will include email, systems management, database, and communications servers.

IBM already has existing solutions for OS/2, AIX (IBM's version of UNIX),OS/400, and MVS but is in the process of increasing its commitment to NT.

"Volume on NT is a packaging story," said Jocelyn Attal, VP of NT marketingfor IBM's Software Solutions Division. "This is not a BackOffice killer. But we understand the market and will build an attractive solution.