IBM hits the road in new hi-tech bus

IBM has rolled out its first mobile unit - a bus equipped with the latest computer hardware, software and communications systems - and is setting out to knock on the doors of 10,000 companies in six provinces in the first phase of a campaign called "IBM Mobile Office Express".

The move is aimed at encouraging information-technology (IT) spending among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and bigger manufacturers alike in the fourth quarter.

IBM Thailand country general manager Thanwa Laohasiriwong said "IBM Mobile Office Express" could demonstrate many systems suitable for SMEs, including the IBM blade system and computer systems for e-mail, security, information back-up, point-of-sale, accounting and enterprise resource planning. IBM's partners will also be represented, such as Cisco's Unify communications system.

The mobile unit has five "zones". The first is concerned with front-office equipment, with an IBM Anyplace kiosk, IBM notebooks, printers, telephone systems and retail and accounting systems.

The second zone displays document systems and the third, back-up and recovery, including e-mail, security and office tools.

The fourth zone is concerned with marketing, leasing information and promotions, while the fifth has to do with IBM server solutions, especially the Blade Centre.

"We'll offer up to 40 software applications, and seven independent software vendors will go with us to show and demonstrate alternative applications to our customers," Thanwa said.

Importantly, IBM will offer leasing deals to SMEs that may have problems with IT investment during the present economic crisis. The extreme option is 36-month leasing with zero interest.

"Not all customers will require leasing from IBM. At the mobile express unit, we'll offer various solutions depending on our customers' requirements and the size of solutions involved," Thanwa said.

The first phase of the campaign will take one month. The mobile unit will conduct technology roadshows in six provinces, especially in three industrial zones: one in Rayong and the other two in Lamphun.

IBM expects to reach about 10,000 companies in the first phase and then revise and adjust the campaign before continuing with the second phase early next year.

During the economic downturn, IT spending seems to be reduced, but in reality there is a lot of spending among SMEs and manufacturers, said Supajee Suthampan, vice president of general business at IBM Asean.

He said a market survey had shown about 60 per cent of total IT spending in Asean, especially in Thailand, came from markets outside of urban areas.

This is not the first time IBM has focused on SMEs, but it is the first time it is approaching them directly with a mobile unit, he said.

The campaign will also support 1,000 IBM business partners around the country that must normally capture their own customers upcountry.

"There are a lot of opportunities out there. This campaign will create a marketing-activities environment amid the economic downturn. At this time, we must be closer than ever to our customers, in order help them, guide them and consult with them, so they'll invest efficiently in IT," Supajee said.