IBM Corp is to start throwing open to third parties the manufacturing equipment and software it develops for use in its own manufacturing operations. End-manufacturers and manufacturing equipment builders will be able to buy equipment developed by IBM through its Manufacturing Technology Center in Boca Raton, Florida, which will also offer consulting services for custom designs and provide training and educational support to maintain a high level of equipment reliability. The Manufacturing Technology Center is part of the Industrial Sector Division of the Application Solutions business unit.
