For a decade now, IBM field personnel in the US have used handheld radio data terminals that implement SNA protocols and are made by Motorola Inc to log into the company’s mainframe service databases. Over time, IBM has established a network of radio towers that link to the IBM Information Network to provide coverage of over 90% of the US, and now the company plans to capitalise on its investment in infrastructure by marketing the Motorola terminals to outside customers to enable them to piggyback on the network. According to the Wall Street Journal, IBM and Motorola plans to operate the service as a joint venture company reportedly to be called Ardis.
