IBM leads alliance to forward handheld technology

NEWS IBM is teaming up with Internet and wireless companies across Europe and the US to take a strong position in the provision of ecommerce on handheld devices. IBM has teamed up with handset manufacturers Nokia and Motorola plus palmtop computer maker Palm. On the chip side, it has partnered with Intel, and has also brouhgt in internetworking equipment leader, Cisco. Symbian- the alliance whose EPOC operating system leads the way in the handheld market- has also joined. The group of companies are coming together to share information and know-how to assist in the future development of this market.