IBM is introducing a new services offering to help customers deploy mobile technologies, and releasing software that makes it easier to monitor business activities and access mainframe applications on a smartphone.

IBM's Rational Host Access Transformation Services (HATS), a previously available product that lets developers create Web services out of mainframe applications, is now optimized for mobile devices. This allows mobile users to access mainframe applications from a phone, PDA or other device in a secure manner. "For example, an insurance adjuster can access claim details while on the road, when previously this data resided in a terminal-based application," IBM said in a press release Friday.

IBM has also optimized WebSphere Business Monitor software for mobile devices, letting users view real-time business information on customizable dashboards. WebSphere Business Monitor is available immediately for BlackBerry devices and will roll out on the iPhone in the fourth quarter of 2008.

IBM itself has a highly mobile workforce, with more than 40 percent of employees working remotely from home, customer locations,or on the road, says John Dunderdale, IBM's vice president of sales for Lotus. Big Blue is tapping its mobile expertise for the new services offering, called Mobility@Work, to help employers plan a mobile rollout and deploy software from IBM and partners.

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