IBM Corp will tomorrow announce a series of enhancements to its AS/400e servers, including built in e-commerce features and faster processors. The Armonk, New York industry giant said it will make enhancements to three of its eight servers, including, as we hinted (CI No 3,451) the low-end Apache Invader 170 and two high-end models, the 650 and S40. A spokesperson for IBM declined to give specific details saying only that the enhanced servers would include an e-commerce protocol, browser support and enhanced firewall capabilities; features designed to attract small and large businesses looking for powerful web server solutions. Key to the announcement will be the inclusion of the 64-bit 250MHz Northstar PowerPC already introduced into the RS/6000 line. Northstar was designed and developed by AS/400 as a follow-on to its first 64-bit design, Apache. Performance should improve by between 50% and 90% IBM claims. IBM has added SET (Secure Electronics Transaction) protocol support for e-commerce applications. The protocol will enable the servers to process on- line credit card transactions. The company is also said to be improving its management interface, making it possible to access applications with a browser without having to change the application code. IBM says it will outline a business strategy and technical roadmap for PowerPC.
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